During the winter time, you’re probably going to be spending a lot of time at home, so it’s crucial that your house is an environment that you enjoy being in. More than that, you may be planning to welcome guests over the festive period. Here are some tips to help you make your home a warm and welcoming place.
Make Sure Your Home Is Comfortable
 |
| Image source |
There’s no point in having a couch to relax on unless you actually enjoy doing so! But not all couches are created equally, and if yours isn’t particularly comfortable then there are things you can do to make it better. If your cushions are a little too firm, then you could consider either buying new ones or talking to an upholsterer to get them replaced. If that’s a little too expensive, then purchase some pillows and cushions instead so you can make a little comfortable den for yourself on the couch, complete with a cosy throw to curl up underneath.
Update The Outside Of Your Home
 |
| Image source |
The outside of your house is crucial. It’s the first thing that any visitors will see, and it’s also what greets you when you come home from work in the evenings. A ragged-looking front garden won’t make you feel any better when you’re walking up your front path. Make sure that your leaves are raked neatly and that you have some plants that look good all year round – you could even plant a holly tree! If your path and driveway are cracked and sad-looking, look into resin bound paving to neaten them up. If your front door hasn’t been repainted for a while, now is a great time to do it! Not only will it make your house look fresh and well-kept, but it will also help you with security over the winter. Opportunistic thieves will assume that your security system is up to date if it’s clear that you take care of your home.
Invest In New Lighting
 |
| Image source |
No matter how beautifully decorated your home is, if the lighting isn’t right then the effect of your carefully chosen pieces just won’t work out. White overhead lighting is harsh and will make your house feel considerably less warm and cosy. Invest in new lampshades, or purchase stand alone lamps that you can put on in the evenings to add a more golden glow to your rooms. White lighting might be useful in the kitchen so you can see what you’re doing, or in the bedroom and bathroom so you can do your makeup, but it won’t do you any favours elsewhere in your home!
Add Some Extra Touches
 |
| Image source |
It’s important to make sure that your house feels like your home. Add plants and vases of fresh flowers where you can. This time of year, you can get vibrantly coloured poinsettias and gorgeous red and green floral and leafy arrangements from florists and supermarkets. Add art to your walls, framed prints of your favourite works alongside some of your kids’ art, along with some family photographs too. Although you don’t want your home to look too cluttered, it’s also crucial that it feels like you.
