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As the air turns crisp and the days grow shorter, let’s embrace the cozy season. This time of year allows us to slow down, reflect, and enjoy the simple pleasures that life offers.
Autumn might have only just officially begun, but we’re already seeing blustery Arctic weather fronts settling in and following the forecasts to see what’s in store. So, now is the perfect time to plan for the chilly days of winter.
While it’s turning frosty outside, inside can be kept warm and cosy with some simple updates around the home. If you’re looking for ways to keep toasty in the coming months, read on for some comforting, snuggly ideas.
Update your window dressings
Blinds are an easy addition in the summer, filtering the light as it shines in until late into the evening. But as the days grow shorter, you might need something more substantial to keep out the chill. As well as being a practical addition that protects rooms from draughts, curtains can bring your décor together.
When selecting curtains, look at how thick they are. Weighty materials are more likely to trap the heat and prevent it from escaping.
Install a fireplace
You might just rely on your central heating. Or it may be that you’ve not used your fire for a while and the area surrounding it could do with a revamp. Whatever the case, by installing your own fireplace, you can indulge in some DIY that can bring the overall look of your living room together.
You’ll need to make sure you have the right tools for the task before you begin, including gloves, a drill, handsaw, and hammer. Some other key items for the list include wood, paint and paint brushes.
Plan out how you want the fireplace to look and get to work carving a space for your fire and electrical wiring. When you’re happy with how it looks from a technical point of view, you can paint the fireplace in the colour scheme of your choice.
Switch up the layout
Now that you’re happy with your fireplace, make sure your living room is laid out in a way that means you’ll feel the heat easily. Get chairs and sofas away from draughty windows and closer to the main heat source. Decide how you want the room to look and get moving.
Knit a blanket…
…or, if you can’t knit your own, invest in a heavy-duty one. However, if you enjoy being crafty, this is the perfect project. You’ll need to plan this out and factor in things like how much time you have, how skilled a knitter you are, and how much wool you have.
Ideally, you’ll need to start now in order to have it ready for the winter months. Work out what you want it to look like and how big you want to go and get to work! You’ll be glad you did once the temperatures drop and you want to wrap up in something snuggly on the sofa.
Light some candles
Candles will add a warming, cosy glow. Invest in a mix of dramatic, chunky church pillars and small tea lights to create a lovely, atmospheric feel to the room.
Create an winter reading nook
As the weather gets cooler, it’s the perfect opportunity to curate a snug reading corner. Choose a comfortable chair or a soft throw blanket to curl up in. Surround yourself with a selection of your favorite reads. Fill the space with soft pillows and a warm, ambient lamp. Perhaps even add a small side table where you can place a steaming cup of spiced chai or cider.
Embrace comfort cooking
Autumn and winter are synonymous with comfort food. Spend weekends whipping up scrumptious dishes that warm your soul. Baking a classic pumpkin pie or a comforting butternut squash risotto. Or something easy like these Warm and Spiced Cinnamon Apple Parcelsor Upside Down Autumn Fruit Tarts. Roasting seasonal veggies is another great way to savor the tastes of the season.
Plan movie nights
What better way to end a chilly day than with a cozy movie night? Gather your favorite films—preferably those that capture the essence of autumn—and prepare some popcorn with a twist by adding cinnamon or pumpkin spice. Create a blanket fort or pile up soft throws on the couch to ensure maximum coziness. Invite friends or family, or even enjoy a solo movie marathon.
Start a gratitude journal
As the year winds down, take this opportunity to reflect on what you are thankful for. Creating a gratitude journal can be a soothing, mindful activity. Use this autumn to jot down your thoughts and experiences that you kept to yourself over the year. You might find that the simple act of writing will offer a sense of peace and fulfillment and that you have actually done and achieved much more than you thought.
How will you get cosy at home this winter?