As New Englanders, it’s our birthright to begin complaining about the cold right about…NOW! With temperatures barely getting above freezing and a few snowstorms since the start of the year, we are all ready for spring-like weather.
Rather than grumble about the weather, though, how about taking steps to create a wintertime retreat at home. A recent U.S. News & World Report real estate slideshow enlightened us on trends and do-it-yourself (DIY) projects to help you do just this. Check them out:
- Embrace the Danish concept known as Hygge: A popular trend that aligns with homeowners’ desires to make their space welcoming, comfortable, cozy and warm.
- Keep the heat in: Make sure your home is well insulated to keep warm air inside.
- Seal any problem spots: This simple DIY fix can cut energy loss by using spray-foam sealant to fill holes and cracks around plumbing, heat ducts, and in basements and crawl spaces.
- Layer rugs: Keep rooms, and your toes, from getting chilly by reducing exposed floors with overlapping rugs.
- Work on weatherstripping: Apply around doors and windows to cut down on drafts.
- Bring the furniture inward: Move furniture away from cold exterior walls to stay clear of drafty windows.
- Dim the lights: Make a room feel warmer by using or adding the right lights.
- Snuggle up next to a fire: Real or fake, safer options for ventless fireplaces and space heaters make it easier to add this inviting and warm feature to your living space.
- Make bundling up easy: Keep throw blankets readily available on or near couches and chairs.
Now that you have ideas and tips to create a warm and cozy winter space, see where you can apply them in your home. They might just lighten the winter doldrums.
