Winter may be cold and dreary, but it offers one undeniable benefit: cozying up indoors with your friends and family. On chilly days when the sun hides behind clouds and sets early in the evening, you can always enjoy the warm, relaxing environment indoors. However, not every house provides such an environment. If you want to learn how to make your home cozy, snug, and welcoming to guests, check out our tips below.
How to Make Your Home Cozy
Clean and De-Clutter
It’s hard to feel relaxed when dirt is reminding you that you need to vacuum and a toppling pile of mail is screaming for attention. So before you begin enhancing your space, tackle the chores on your to-do list.
Keep Slippers by the Front Door
What’s cozier than slipping into your warm, soft slippers as soon as you walk in the house? Leaving your slippers by the front door is a great way to immediately get in that cozy mindset. Plus, because you’ll need to leave your shoes at the door, it will prevent you from tracking dirt and debris into your home.
Use Soft Textiles
Add texture to your home by using soft textiles, like pillows, blankets, drapes, rugs or maybe even an ottoman. Layering these textiles will increase your home’s warmth and muffle loud noises. This is especially worthwhile if you have hardwood floors, which can be cold and uncomfortable in wintertime.
Purchase Warm-Toned Light Bulbs
Don’t underestimate the power of color temperature when it comes to your light bulbs. Light bulbs are available in a variety of tones, including warm white, soft white, cool/bright white, and natural/daylight. If you want your living room and bedroom to feel cozy, be sure that you’re choosing soft white or warm white.
Light Candles
Lighting some candles is a foolproof way to increase your home’s cozy factor. Not only are the flickering flames and glowing lights relaxing, but also many candles produce a lovely scent. If you want to burn candles at home, however, keep these tips from the National Candle Association in mind:
- Never leave a burning candle unattended.
- Never burn a candle on or near something that may catch fire.
- Keep candles out of the reach of children and pets.
- Burn candles in well-ventilated rooms.
- Never touch or move a candle while it is burning or the wax is liquefied.
- Never leave a candle lit when you are tired and may fall asleep.
- Make sure candles are completely out before you leave the room.
Make Sure Your Home Smells Nice
A lovely scent is the perfect way to welcome visitors into your home. You could choose a fragrant plant or a scented candle or even bake some homemade cookies or bread. But if your home has an unpleasant or musty odor, don’t just cover it up with a product; let the sun shine in, deep clean your home, and use a product that will absorb and trap excess smells and moisture.
Place (Fake) Candles on Windowsills
If you’re inviting people over, consider placing artificial candles in the windows. Don’t underestimate the importance of curb appeal. Candles in the windows will make your home appear warm, cozy, and welcoming. Instead of tempting fate with real candles, stick with convenient, just-as-lovely-from-afar artificial candles.
Display Some of Your Favorite People and Memories
Finally, if you want to fill your home with love and joy, be sure to display things that make you think about beloved family and friends: holiday cards, old photos, new photos, family heirlooms, etc. Even when you’re enjoying some time alone, you’ll feel their love.
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If you want to learn how to make your home cozy, now is the perfect time to put a plan into action. You may not be able to enjoy picnics and barbecues right now, but you can appreciate the “nesting” instinct that many of us experience each winter.
Enjoy your cozy new home!
At Springhouse Village, we know how important it is to enjoy your retirement in a lively and welcoming environment. We make it easy for our residents to be active participants in our community. Whether that means encouraging residents to shop at local farmers markets or assisting them in starting a garden club, we strive to help our residents thrive. To learn more about the amenities and services we offer, contact Springhouse Village today.