Candles, pine cones and dried fruit make for warmth and fragrance in a winter home
When the temperatures drop and the winds pick up, we appreciate our homes for the shelter they provide. But we want more than they comfort; we want our homes to be cozy and relaxing. With the holidays approaching, Pacific Palisades Realtors collaborated with interior design experts Jaqueline Hamilton and Nicola Rodriguez to reveal tips on how to make your home cozy this Winter.
Candles & scents:
“Candles can instantly change the atmosphere and ambience of a room,” says the interior designer Jacqueline Hamilton.
“Not only the glow of a beautifully lit candle can cast a lovely feeling of coziness to a room but also the scent can do that too.
“Choosing a scented candle can create a gorgeous smell in a room and can evoke a feeling of warmth and wellbeing and bring back memories of past winters.”
Designer Nicola Rodriguez adds: “Adding a fragrant reed diffuser, oil/wax burner or plug-in gives the room a cozy feeling before you’ve even opened your eyes. Fragrances such as pine, cinnamon, spiced apple, clove, mulled wine and woody aromas are a must for this season!”
Garlands & accessories:
“Using Christmas accessories such as bowls of pinecones or winter floral arrangements is a great way to make your room inviting and cozy,” says designer Rodriguez.
“Whether it is faux foliage or fresh that you have gathered from the garden, this is a wonderful way to bring texture and the outside in to your living area” adds designer Hamilton.
“Having a fireplace is not necessary, as garlands can be placed on a sideboard or in the form of a wreath on a wall. Adding twinkling lights is another idea to create another lovely mood and display.”
Lighting
“A room should have at least one or two lamps depending on the size of it. During the holiday season, mood lighting is so important and can soften a room, as using the main pendant light in the room can at times be too strong” Jaqueline explains.
According to designer Rodriguez, another good way to make a home cozy is to combine mood lighting with the use of candlelight. This can really help create that snug feel and atmosphere. It also helps cut the cost of electricity, which is a plus in our current financial crisis.
Rugs, blankets & cushions
“Rugs are such a focal point in any room” says designer Hamilton.
“Rugs are not only for wooden or hard floors, but for carpets too. The rugs are shaggier and softer, the cozier they’ll make a home feel. They also help keep the heat in during cold winter afternoons.” adds designer Nicola Rodriguez.
“Adding cushions, throws and blankets on your sofas as well as lined heavy curtains also add a cozy feel to a room. Not only do the blankets keep you snug and warm but by adding textures such as knit, sheepskin, chenille and velvet it also combines a cozy look and feel.” she added.
Paint colors:
According to designer Hamilton, pastel colors can look cold and harsher in the winter months and one way of warming up a room can be using a warm dramatic paint color. She recommends colors that are taken from nature in the autumn months, such as rich reds, terracotta and warm mustards, all of which can bring a depth and coziness to a room.
Designer Rodriguez added, “If you have areas in your room that look bare, invest in a statement chair or sofa and create a cozy corner by adding a soft lamp on a small side table. This will help maximize your home space and create a welcoming atmosphere.”
A spokesperson for Pacific Palisades Realtors comments:
“With the holiday seasons around the corner, people tend to spend most of their time indoors enjoying the warmth and comfort of their home.
Therefore, we want to create an environment where we can relax and feel comfortable, away from the harsh weather.
Whether it is an old family home or a newly purchased one, decorating your home for the holidays can be a joyful individual or group activity to set the mood for the winter months ahead.”