Coming back to a warm, cozy, and comfortable house is the best feeling in this world. It is even more satisfying when your guests feel the same. However, it does come at a cost when there is a drastic drop in the temperature. Heating homes can eat up seventy percent of household energy, and reducing this number while keeping your home warm can be a big challenge.
So, in this article, we will discuss how to minimize the impact of winters and make your home inviting throughout the chilling season:
- Use Rugs
Hardwood, laminate, and tile flooring feel great under your feet in summers. But, during winters, they can be uncomfortable to walk on barefoot. By placing layers of rugs or carpets over it, you are guaranteed to feel more comfortable and cozy.
- Add Appropriate Lighting
There is nothing as easy as adding good lighting to achieve that warmth in your house. You don’t need harsh lighting, but instead plenty of task lighting, table, and floor lamps – preferably in a warm tone. Also, consider the design of the fixture; it should complement the aesthetic of the house.
- Change Wall Paint Color
If you live in a region that experiences the cold season for a major part of the year, switching to a warm color palette is the right way to go. Stark white walls and basic grey carpet cannot evoke that cozy feeling you long for. Go for creamy white, mustard yellow, soft blue, orange, or beige instead.
- Shut Your Curtains
You must, of course, open your curtains and let the sunshine flow in during the day. But, as it starts getting dark, shut your window blinds and curtains to keep the heat intact inside. This will also help deal with condensation on and around windows.
- Install a Fireplace
Installing a fireplace not only adds to the décor and style of the house but also keeps the ambience warm. You can opt for a conventional wood fireplace or a modern-styled electric one, as per your preference.
- Incorporate Wood
Wooden items, accessories, or furniture items instantly create a feeling of warmth in the house. Even if you add just a hint of wood with bowls, pedestals, trays, or decorations, you can experience the difference for yourself.Adorn your walls with unique handcrafted framed wall signs by Mulberry Market Designs.
- Buy a Smart Thermostat
Turning your heater half an hour before getting up in the morning or reaching back home from work at a lower temperature is much cheaper than turning it on as you need it at a higher temperature. So, get your hands on a smart thermostat to enhance your comfort without spending too much.
- Insulate Inside Out
All the efforts mentioned above can go in vain if your house is not adequately insulated. You have to drape your windows and walls in high-quality insulation if you want to minimize the loss of heat. There are various insulation types that you can purchase according to their placement and give your home maximum thermal efficiency. Attic insulation would be essential to achieve great results.