The festive period is over, and with Christmas decorations packed away but rainy and cold days persisting, you might feel you need something to cheer you up a bit. I hear you. Thankfully, there are so many ways to brighten the shorter days of the year and increase your energy levels, and there is no better place to start than in your own home!
Below are some easy tips to make your home extra comfy and spark some joy as we make our way through winter.
Tip #1 – Add comfort and reassurance from the past
The trend for nostalgia has been a key element of interior design in the post pandemic year(s), and for good reason. Hand crafted items such as a vintage piece of furniture, a patchwork blanket, a tapestry, or even a set of woven baskets, will introduce natural materials and textures that will ground your space and reconnect it to nature. Their irregular and unique finishes will add plenty of character and fuel that sense of reassurance from the past. Local craft markets, vintage shops or Etsy [https://www.etsy.com/uk/] are great places to browse.
You could even learn a new skill and make something to display in your home. Focusing on something new will help reduce stress levels and the sense of achievement will boost your confidence.
Tip #2 – Boost your lighting scheme
Whilst you should make the most of the daylight (or if you’re lucky, sunlight!) available in the winter months, it is equally important for your home to be lit properly to improve your mood levels. Biodynamic lighting, which aims to replicate the natural variations of daylight throughout the day, is proven to improve wellness. However, you don’t have to invest in expensive upgrades and some simple tweaks can be very impactful.
If you haven’t already, replace your light bulbs for warmer ones (around 2700 Kelvin), especially in the rooms where you need to relax. Warmer light is softer and will deliver the cosy feel you need to unwind and get ready for sleep.
Make the most of table and floor lamps to layer the light in your rooms and create a relaxing atmosphere. Lamps positioned next to sofas and armchairs will entice you to pick your favourite book and relax. Downlighters and central chandeliers can feel a little too bright so keep those ones for task lighting or you can also look at fitting dimmers.
Tip #3 – Fall in love
Visit your local art galleries or antiques shop and splurge on one piece you fall in love with. You can also shop online, 1stDibs (https://www.1stdibs.com/en-gb/) or Vinterior (https://www.vinterior.co/) are great for antiques [do contact me before buying as I might be able to get you a deal].
Tip #4 – Use colour!
Warmer colours, such as terracotta, pinks, and mustard will keep trending in 2023. And in this current economic climate, it is no surprise that many of us turn to paint to brighten our homes. Paint is a very cost effective way of dramatically changing the space. You can start small, by highlighting a few selected areas, or go as wild as you want. Getting creative is an ideal way to beat that January Blues! And remember to treat the ceiling like a fifth wall for that extra cocooning effect. You don’t have to pick a dark shade, many warm off-white or neutrals are a great place to start, but be warned that brilliant white ceilings are quickly becoming a thing of the past.
Tip #5 – Snug, snug, snug!
This time of year is the perfect opportunity to treat yourself to a new comfy sofa or armchair. Admittedly, many suppliers will have a lead time that means your sofa won’t be ready until Spring, but I also work with suppliers who have sofas ‘off the shelf’. You can also grab a bargain with ex-display pieces so it’s worth visiting your local showrooms. But in my opinion, spending time comparing fabrics and ordering your made-to-order sofa will itself offer some positive and rewarding anticipation.
New bedding is another very effective way to make this period of the year a little kinder on yourself. Good quality sleep is essential at all times but even more during gloomy winter days, so find yourself a nice duvet, covers, throw, or quilt, and make that bed extra comfy!
Tip #6 – Make window treatments work a bit harder
Whether you live in an older property with drafty windows, or have introduced large areas of glass in a modern extension, now is a good time to upgrade your window treatments to increase their heat retention qualities. Lined curtains or Roman blinds are very efficient at keeping the cold at bay, and even more so when lined with thermal blackout lining. And you can pick them in any fabric you like to fit with (or guide!) your interior scheme. For a more contemporary look, you could opt for thermal roller blinds or wood Venetian blinds (their flimsier aluminium equivalent isn’t as good due to more gaps for the warm air to escape through). Fitting blinds within the recess where possible will also increase their efficiency.
Tip #7 – Re-arrange!
Quite sadly, the human eye is trained to quickly stop noticing things that are fixed. Usually after two weeks, you won’t notice a new frame on the wall or a flower arrangement on your mantelpiece. The good news is that by simply re-arranging your decor items or adding a new one to the mix, you will inject some renewed life into them, which will no doubt put a smile on your face as you enter the room.
Tip #8 – Put your feet up!
This will be a ‘listen to what I say, not what I do’ situation, as I’m about to turn my own bathroom upside down, but try not to undertake any major building works at this time of year. I am referring to building work that will mean constant traffic of tradespeople inside your home, dust, drafts, noise from power tools and heavy machinery. Instead, use this time of year to carefully plan your next home improvement. And if you’re struggling to get started or have hit a bit of a design rut, I am here to help. My ‘designer on call’ service [https://www.delphinebouvetinteriors.co.uk/designer-on-call] is a great way of getting things moving and feeling excited about your project. The service is booked in 2 hour increments and gives you access to my trade discounts at 150+ retailers (for that new sofa for example!).
I hope this helps, and remember, be kind to yourself. I’m here if you need.
Until next time,
Delphine
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