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:

1. Embrace the Danish concept known as Hygge: A popular trend that aligns with homeowners’ desires to make their space welcoming, comfortable, cozy and warm.
2. Keep the heat in: Make sure your home is well insulated to keep warm air inside.
3. 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.
4. Layer rugs: Keep rooms, and your toes, from getting chilly by reducing exposed floors with overlapping rugs.
5. Work on weatherstripping: Apply around doors and windows to cut down on drafts.
6. Bring the furniture inward: Move furniture away from cold exterior walls to stay clear of drafty windows.
7. Dim the lights: Make a room feel warmer by using or adding the right lights.
8. 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.
9. 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.

The post Keep Your Home Warm and Cozy With These Cold-Weather Hacks appeared first on Laffely Real Estate Associates.