How to add coziness to your home this winter

Switching everything up for winter and preparing your home as if the apocalypse is coming might be a pretty much safe plan, but you certainly don’t want to add more mess to your home, because messy is not cozy.

While all cozy and warm things tend to normally be very bulky, it is possible to add warmth through different small tricks and additions, without particular fuss and big spending.

1. Neutral blankets and throws

Think white, beige, grey, camel and any neutral color for all the winter blankets and throws, especially those you keep by the sofa to curl up in the evenings. Not only won’t they interfere with your home style and holiday decorations, but it helps maintain a calm visual space. Even if you keep them out in the living room all the time, it won’t scream that much “mess”. This can be done in every home, no matter the color of your décor. Make sure to choose textured and soft throws for extra coziness.

2. Candles with three or more wicks

A single wick candle is great, but you will need a lot to fill your space in order to get that warm glowing atmosphere. Unless you don’t mind caring for multiple candles, dusting them and moving them around daily, it is wiser to choose one with three or four wicks. This will intensify the light it gives, creating the illusion of a warmer atmosphere.

3. Yellow or secondary lighting

If you have a lighting system you can manually control, choose to dim the lights, especially when dark outside. In case your lights are bright white, switch some bulbs to yellow (or neutral) ones in the rooms you don’t use for reading and writing. The yellow glow is much more delicate and will instantly create a cozier space. Another option, great for evenings, is to switch off all lights and use only the secondary sources, such as floor lamps, wall scones or hidden lights. As soon as you get used to this romantic mood, you will have a hard time going back to full lighting.

4. Switch the artwork

Any big focal piece of art with cool tones that scream “summer“ should go now. As much as you love it, put it in storage for a few months. Go for a warm toned painting or print one of your own pictures in big resolution. If you prefer a gallery wall, choose warm colors, with lots of texture and mix in a few wintery themed objects in there (leaves, pine cones, decorations, mini wreaths, etc.). A fast and easy trick is to replace the painting you’re taking away with a big winter wreath. Choose a classic or modern one, that is not particularly Christmassy, so you can cherish it for the whole cold season.

5. Change the scent

If you don’t already use a scent for your home, it’s time to think about it. Never underestimate the power of an aromatic spray, scent diffuser or even something as simple as simmering a pot of water with spices and fruit on the stove. Most of us associate different periods of our lives with scents and feelings, so give yourself and your family the opportunity to recall warmth and coziness from this winter. Not only will your entire home smell like a holiday factory, but it will instantly feel calmer, cozier and cleaner than it actually is.

6. Basket of coziness

Keep a special basket in the living room or corridor to put in all extra warming items, like socks, slippers, water bottles, hand warmers, scarves and everything else your family uses to warm up during the day and evenings. This will cut clutter and time with everyone knowing where what they need is. It will make cleaning up a breeze too. If needed, you can put a second basket by your front door or mud room for all the cold weather accessories you need to grab before going out.