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How to get your house ready for cozy season

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Few of us are excited to see the end of long, warm, sunny days and the beginning of more time indoors — especially this year. But winter isn’t all doom and gloom, because it means cozy season is here! 

To help chase away the cold weather blues, try tackling a few home decor projects or doing some at-home activities that can make your space feel more inviting. Here are a few of our top suggestions that won’t break the bank:

1. Add a shag rug

Shag carpeting is making a comeback. First popularized in the 1970s, the carpets’ long, plush fibres add instant coziness to any room. Plus, they’re so touchably soft you might not even need socks this winter! Complete the look with other shag accents that help pull your design together, including shag-covered pillows and blankets. 

2. Diffuse seasonal essential oils

Winter scents can trigger feelings of coziness and remind you of happy holiday memories. Orange blossom, cinnamon, vanilla, and pine boughs are common favourites — but you can use any essential oil that suits your tastes. Place a few drops in a diffuser and enjoy.

3. Drape a blanket on the couch

Changing your home decor is one of the easiest things you can do to transition into a new season. When spending more time indoors, consider adding a few blankets that make it easy to bundle up when it’s cold outside. Even if you don’t use the blankets often, simply having them on display can create a sense of warmth. Or, if you prefer to leave your couch bare, consider adding a blanket ladder that can hold multiple blankets and doubles as home decor.

4. Use your fireplace

If you have a fireplace, put it to good use this year. Even if your home has a good heating system, using your fireplace can help you save on your energy bill while making your home feel much cozier than running the heat. And when your fireplace isn’t in use, you can stack wood on the side or decorate the mantle with holly berries, sticks, and pinecones to bring the outdoors inside.

If you don’t have a fireplace, you can buy a portable tabletop version that’s safe for indoor use. Or, find a fireplace video online, and put it up on your TV. It’s all of the cozy sights and sounds of a fireplace without the maintenance.

5. Create a social furniture arrangement

The winter means spending more time indoors. Prioritizing quality time with those you live with (or with those in your bubble, COVID-19 guidelines in your area permitting) can help to make the season way more enjoyable. Rearrange your furniture in a way that creates a social atmosphere (e.g., turn your couches and chairs to face each other) and encourage conversation. 

If you don’t have a large ottoman, cozy season is a great time to add one to your furniture collection. It can serve as extra seating, a place to prop your feet, or even a table for snacks and drinks.

6. Bring in seasonal greenery

Summer gardening is long gone in the winter, but a little indoor greenery can help carry a bit of sunshine into the colder season. A potted succulent, house plant, or even winter-themed centerpieces with pine needles can infuse a little life and growth into your space. Pair them with a few candles and you’ve got an inviting accent that transforms your space.

7. Make a reading nook

Spending more time indoors gives you plenty of time to catch up on your reading list. Create a cozy reading nook complete with good lighting, a hammock or comfortable chair, a side table, blanket, and pillow.

8. Fill your baking pantry

The colder winter weather tends to give you more time to explore new indoor activities — and baking is one activity that’s as cozy as it is delicious. 

Now’s a good time to stock up on baking essentials like flour and spices so you can get busy in the kitchen at a moment’s notice. The smells that fill your home are reason enough to don your apron, plus you’ll stay nice and warm in front of a hot oven.

9. Turn your bathroom into a spa

The cold winter weather can take a toll on your skin, which means there’s no better time for a bathroom home improvement project. Transform your bathroom into a mini spa with simple additions like a waterfall showerhead, bamboo tub tray, towel warmer, and an essential oil diffuser.

Are you ready for a home upgrade?

You’re about to spend a lot of time indoors, so if your current space just isn’t working for you, it may be time for a change. Visit properly.ca whenever you’re ready to find your perfect home and move on your terms.

Properly is a Canadian tech-enabled real estate brokerage transforming the home buying and selling experience as the only service in Canada that helps homeowners to buy before they sell.