Winter is definitely on its way. As the temperature drops and the nights draw in, home isn’t just where the heart is: it becomes a cosy bolt-hole during those colder months.
Now’s the perfect time to take a look around and make sure every corner is warm and welcoming ahead of Christmas and the brand new year.
Here are our nine home additions to consider this winter.
Splurge on soft furnishings
Nothing says cosy like sinking into a sofa that’s filled with cushions or draped in a soft, fake fur or fleece throw.
Cushions are a simple and quick way to add sharp colour contrasts in a neutral room, while a large snuggly blanket can bring additional texture to a space. They’re also brilliant for snuggling under with your significant other.
Let there be light
Many people are impacted by seasonal affective disorder during the darker winter season. Use new lighting to boost your mood, either by changing your existing fittings or brightening up slightly darker spaces with new light fixtures.
As well as bringing warmth and illumination to your home, the additions will also add a dash of style.
Overhaul your utility room
It’s very often the case that the hardest-working parts of the home are the least considered when it comes to how they look. Your utility room is probably last on the list of places to revamp, but giving this space the once-over will make it a pleasure to visit, rather than a chore.
A splash of colour on the walls, or patterned wallpaper to give the impression of more space can make all the difference. Colour-coordinated baskets or shelving will also help keep things organised.
Replace that old carpet
It’s easy to underestimate the value we get out of our carpeting. It keeps our feet warm and can help bring an interior design scheme together. If yours has seen better days and is looking a little threadbare, now’s the perfect time to rip it up and start again.
Either lay a new, deep-pile carpet to sink your toes into, or strip those floorboards and scatter a couple of gorgeous rugs. Both are guaranteed to give your room the wow factor this winter.
Bring the outside in
Traditionally, winter is a season of snow and ice, with conifers the sole reminder of the warmer days to come. Adding a touch of greenery to your home over the holiday season isn’t just festive, it’s also good for your mental health.
Make a beautiful poinsettia your table centrepiece, or splash out on a festive arrangement from your local florist.
Give the garage door a dash of colour
As well as cheering up your home’s exterior, taking the time to repaint the garage door now, before the lashing wind and rain of winter, could save you money come the spring.
Whether you go for a funky, warm shade or something lower-key and conservative, that extra layer will protect the door from rust and grease.
Check the attic insulation
Now’s the perfect time to go around your home and check on a few maintenance projects too, starting with the insulation levels in your attic.
Did you know an uninsulated home loses a quarter of its heat through the roof alone? It’s wise to invest in quality, correctly installed insulation, which can last up to 40 years, as it more than pays for itself.
Give the boiler the once-over
You can either get in a professional engineer to check your boiler and central heating system before the temperatures plummet, but there are also simple checks you can carry out yourself.
Watch the pressure on your boiler to make sure it doesn’t drop, and check your radiators regularly for cold patches. Now’s also the perfect opportunity to set your central heating timers so you use it when you need it.
Check your detectors
Christmas and Hanukkah are the seasons for candles and extra electrics, and while they are beautiful, they do increase the potential risk of house fires.
Make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly and not out of date. If they are or if you don’t have both, take the opportunity to get them fitted. Make sure you test both regularly throughout the winter period.
So there you have them: our nine home additions that will ensure everyone stays cosy and safe this winter.
As always, we are here to provide impartial, honest advice on the property market, and would be delighted to offer you a no-obligation consultation.
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