As the days get shorter and the weather turns colder, our homes turn into a haven to escape from the harsh winter weather outside. Especially during the holiday season, you want your home to be as cosy as possible so that the whole family are looked after and can get into the Christmas spirit. But what do you do to take you home from the summer and autumn seasons and get ready for the next few months of freezing temperatures?

A few simple but effective upgrades can really make a difference, from insulation to furnishings, keeping everyone happy and healthy going into the winter season.

Layer soft furnishings and texture.

One way to transform your home ready for the winter is to add soft furnishings and textures into your house to transform it into a cosy haven.

Rugs and blankets- The best way to warm up a cold and hard wooden floor for the winter frost is to add a rug or a carpet, preferably a soft or fluffy one. This makes it nicer to walk on and also adds insulation, especially for little ones who run around with no shoes on! Soft furnishings also stop the house from echoing, further helping to create an inviting space.

Curtains- Swapping lighter and thinner curtains for thicker drapes helps to retain warmth in the home that could be escaping through the windows. It also stops any drafts from leaking in, shielding you from the cold outside and helping you save on bills.

Colour palettes- Replace lighter colours with deeper tones such as burgundies, dark green, and purples to help evoke a warm atmosphere.

Improving the insulation

Effectively sealing out the cold in the winter months is a must. Not only does it make living more comfortable, but it also saves on electricity bills, so you can use that money on Christmas presents.

Entryways- Using door snakes on entryways and doors while you’re in the house stops drafts from entering and causing heat loss. You can also seal any gaps in the external door to further prevent cold air from entering your home. This is simple and easy to complete yourself.

Extensions- To get ready for the winter, you may need to install a conservatory roof replacement to keep your conservatory warm and snowproof for the winter. This allows you to enjoy the winter season in all rooms.

Lighting done well

Lighting is a great way to create a sense of warmth in your home. It’s important to light your home well, especially as it gets darker earlier, to lift your mood.

Soft lighting- Swapping cool-toned LED bulbs for warm-toned lights helps to make you feel warm and comfortable.

Candles and lanterns-  The ambience of candles or lanterns creates a festive atmosphere. If you do have children, you can always buy battery-powered candles for safety!

Smartlighting- During longer and darker nights, it is beneficial to have adjustable lights that you can turn down for a warm vibe or up to see clearly in the evenings.

Final thoughts

Overall, thoughtful updates can completely transform your space in the winter. Whether you do it yourself or receive some external help from companies such as CI Group, it’s worth creating a welcoming and cosy atmosphere this winter in the lead up to Christmas, for all the family to enjoy!