As winter and Christmas approaches, we start to crave cosy comforts and festive décor in our homes. Find out how to make your home look more festive and cosy this year!
Select ambient lighting
Create a warm ambience by choosing the right lighting. Avoid harsh, single overhead lights and instead opt for table-top and floor lighting. Swap cooler light bulbs for ones with a warm white light. The lower the Kelvin, the warmer the light will be. This change alone will make a huge difference to the ambience in your home.
Candles are a great way to create a cosy atmosphere. Not only do candles have a very warm light (around 2000K), but they can also be used to provide a beautiful home fragrance. Choose candles with a festive scent, such as cinnamon, mulled wine, almond, pine, orange or red berry, to evoke feelings of festivity and nostalgia.
String lights are not just for the Christmas tree. Use them around the home to create gorgeous, ambient lighting. Whether it’s a Christmas themed light display or a set of simple string of warm white lights, string lights are perfect for creating a warm, magical atmosphere.
Enhance your Entrance
The entrance of your home is the first thing guests see when they arrive. Expand the festive feel to this area to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Wreaths are particularly favoured at Christmas time and are a great way to display your festive spirit. Available in an array of styles and colours, a Christmas wreath is perfect for creating festive cheer and instantly lets family and friends know the tone for their visit. Designs featuring pinecones, berries, dried fruit and holly are in keeping of the time of year.
Wreaths are no longer limited to Christmas. Autumn designs are becoming increasingly popular and are a great way to embrace the new season.
Swapping your usual doormat for a yuletide themed one is another easy way to add a festive touch to your entrance. Choose one with a Christmas motif or a seasons greeting for a charming addition to your festive display.
Plants and flowers
Consider adding a living element to your home with the use of plants and flowers. Plants such as Poinsettia are associated with Christmas and create a vibrant floral display.
Fresh flower bouquets are a wonderful touch to any home. Select flowers in Autumnal colours, such as red, orange and yellow. Opt for fresh flowers when you know guests will be visiting to keep the cost down.
Coordinating colour schemes
Colour schemes may not be something you think of if you prefer a traditional style Christmas that’s full of sentimentality. However, coordinating colours can be a great way to add warmth and tie in your Christmas decorations with your current décor.
Adding textured rugs, colourful cushions and snug throws to a room creates a warm and comforting environment. Reds, oranges, and yellows add a pop-of-colour in autumnal shades. Soft tactile fabrics, such as sheepskin, give a natural look and a luxurious, plush feel. Velvet fabrics create opulence and vibrancy. Layered cushions and throws instantly transform a sofa or armchair into a sumptuous haven.
Adding a rug to a bare floor instantly creates warmth. A deep piled rug has a luxurious feel that is perfect for the colder months. Patterned rugs create interest and bring a room together.
Make the most of your fireplace
If you’re lucky enough to have a working fireplace, now is the time to make good use of it. Not only does it provide heating in your home and save you money, it is also a very effective way of creating a cosy atmosphere in your home. A roaring fire is often associated with Christmas and can be decorated with hanging stocking and garlands to enhance its appearance. Even if your fireplace is no longer working, it can still be decorated with fairy lights and lanterns to create a homey look. Log burners are a superb alternative to built-in fireplaces.
