WINTER WARMERS
Get ready for the chillier months
WHEN it comes to warming your home there are plenty of practical ways to stay toasty warm without sending your energy bills sky-high; putting tin foil behind the radiator, draft-proofing your doors and bleeding the radiators are just three examples.
But if you want to give your home a hot new look, without tinkering too much with the thermostat, some new accessories could be all your need.
Floor Focus
It’s said you can lose as much as 10 per cent of heat through the floors. And while flooring insulation is your best bet, carpeting rooms is also a viable alternative for those homes with wooden flooring.
However, if you don’t like the look of carpet, or it’s something that just doesn’t work in your home, a new rug can really help bring warmth into a room – literally.
Rugs are one of this season’s hottest accessories, just look at the feed on any instagrammer who specialises in interiors for a little bit of inspiration.
Monochrome beauties will complement a lot of existing looks, while colourful Moroccan-inspired rugs will add a pop of colour to liven up even the dullest of rooms.
For a super stylish look why not layer two rugs on top of each other? Make sure they are contrasting in shape, size and colour and for maximum impact use them to frame a dining table or other large piece of furniture.
curtain couture
Simply opening and closing your curtains at the right time can have a massive impact on heating your home.
In the day, open your curtains as soon as you’re awake to make the most of the free sunshine to warm the home. However, make sure they are shut tight as soon as daylight disappears. And, if they fall anywhere near your radiators, make sure they are tucked behind so they don’t prevent the heat from circulating.
If your current curtains have seen better days, invest in the thickest pair you can afford for maximum heat retention.
There are some stunning designer curtains on the market right now, with the Designer’s Guild leading the charge. The Designer’s Guild plentiful creations really does mean there is something for every home, whether you prefer a period look, something more contemporary or anything in the middle.
extra layers
Ever feel the cold at night? Add some extra layers. And while I’m not talking about doubling up the duvets, a thick throw will help insulate the bed.
What’s more, if you choose one that complements your existing décor, it will give you extra points in the style league too.
The same principle applies to the living area. Using throws and blankets will give furnishings a completely new look, but at the same time are very practical additions when the temperature falls.
And while we’re talking about accessories, pop those blue and green items into storage and replace with cosy colours such as terracotta, red, and aubergine which can create the feeling of warmth.
Other warming additions include lighting some candles.
Now, while candles won’t necessarily give off any heat, they will give the illusion. Plus, if you buy a candle with a wonderful fragrance, such as my favourite the Complete Bliss Scented Candle from Neom Organics, it will really help you relax and unwind in your winter-ready home.
■ Lesley Taylor is the author of 10 interior design books and has appeared on a range of network TV shows, including This Morning, giving inspirational advice on home styling. For more information on her work, head to lesleytaylor.co.uk