Below is a post from our guest blogger, Jennifer Napolitano, on how to create a fall/winter oasis in your home without breaking the bank. As an expert interior designer, Jennifer gives some wonderful tips to add warmth and rich color to your home this fall and anticipation of winter. It’s easier to do than you think! For more on Jennifer, visit www.jndesign.info You can also check out her facebook page here.
When the weather starts to hold a chill outside, who doesn’t want a toasty warm environment inside? Try these house warming ideas in your home, and feather your nest for the cooler days ahead.
Nothing warms up a living space more then comfy pillows and cozy throw blankets. Pillows in rich fall colors can add layers of warmth and personality, and blankets in the winter are an essential. Cable knit sweaters, velvet and sequined pillows add rich texture for winter, but the newest trend is faux fur. Truly bringing meaning to the phrase “warm fuzzies”, the inviting softness of fur makes a great blanket to snuggle in. The beautiful texture is not only lovely to the touch, but will add a dose of luxury to any space.
Also on trend for a warm interior are all styles of thermal, energy efficient drapery panels made for keeping drafts at bay. Window panels bring color, texture and pattern to a room, and when hung correctly, will make windows appear larger. The best fabrics for winter are silk, chenille and of course, velvet.
For an even more efficient space, consider using draperies in another way. More and more homes these days feature open floor plans. During the colder months, these spaces can be costly to heat and often hold a chill. Hanging a Portiere (fabric panels hung between rooms), can reshape your living space making it more intimate. Portieres can add softness, color, and pattern to a room, and ward off drafts. In the days before central heat, heavy portieres were used just for that purpose. Still today, they can save extra dollars, all while keeping you snug.
Exposed flooring may be great in the summer, but in the colder months, they may not be as appealing. Area rugs help fend off icy toes and look welcoming and comfortable when placed in well-traveled areas. A soft, but durable rug, such as one made of nylon or acrylic, can withstand heavy winter foot traffic and keep a room feeling warm. Use washable, indoor/outdoor rugs in your foyer, hallways and mudroom for an inviting place to land when coming in from snow.
Another trick to cozy your nest is to create more intimate lighting. Choose opaque lamp shades in black or navy blue, instead of the usual white, for relaxed, soft lighting. Cozy candlelight or warm firelight can also add the perfect golden glow to relax or entertain by.
For the final touches, the natural bounty that the season has to offer is so special when used for decoration. Something as simple as a basket of apples will make a colorful, seasonal centerpiece. Branches, pinecones, grapevine and nuts are perfect for accenting rich winter fabrics and textures. Fill apothecary jars with pinecones and nuts, stand sculptural twigs in tall glass vessels or drape grapevine on a mantle or window for Thanksgiving through New Year’s decoration.
As the weather turns and we all begin our winter hibernation, I hope I’ve inspired you to blanket your home in warmth and enjoy all the luxuries that truly make a house a home.
December 15th, 2012 at 1:26 am
I just want to say how much I enjoy this information. You efforts putting this blog together was worth the while. Well put Jennifer.