Simple Ways to Add a Seasonal Touch to your Home
With Christmas just around the corner, many of us are starting to get that festive feeling. However, our homes rarely reflect this and, with the exception of towering trees and Christmas decorations, our interiors are often neglected when it comes to the holiday period.
If you want to celebrate Christmas in sophisticated style, then here are some quick and simple ways to instantly add a seasonal touch to your home this winter.
Decorate with warmer shades
As the weather gets colder, it’s time for your home to get warmer. That doesn’t just mean turning the central heating up. Reds, burnt oranges and gold will help make your rooms feel that little bit cosier. You don’t even have to commit to a big redecorating project. If you don’t want to repaint your walls then small changes in the form of cushions, curtains, rugs and accessories will achieve the same result. Focus on fabrics and patterns with fire-hued tones for a more elegant way to update your lounge or bedroom.
Bring the outdoors in
Just as fresh flowers bring a summery atmosphere into your home when the sun is out, using natural accessories in the winter will really help you to get into the holiday spirit. You can start welcoming nature into your home long before it’s time to put the Christmas tree up. Add a pot of bright red poinsettias by the front door, place a bowl of gold spray-painted pinecones on your coffee table or pop some cranberries into your clear glass candleholders on the mantle piece. Get creative with the beautiful colours and textures that nature has to offer throughout the season.
Add heavily textured fabrics
Winter is your license to go big and bold with your fabrics. Sheepskin rugs, woollen throws and fleece cushions will all instantly revamp your home when the temperature starts to fall. A high quality tartan blanket hung over your sofa is an easy way to introduce a sense of warmth to your space. Ensure you don’t overcrowd your home too much with these fabrics though. Just a small amount of textured materials in a minimalist space will add charm without clashing.
Swap bright bulbs for softer lighting
As it starts to get darker earlier, it’s a good idea to bring some soft, ambient lighting into your home. This will evoke a calm and relaxed atmosphere, which is ideal for melting away the stresses that we all inevitably experience in the run up to Christmas. If you’re lucky enough to own a fireplace, then consider lighting it up in the evenings. Alternatively, scatter candles across coffee tables, mantelpieces and windowsills to create a tranquil escape. The seasonal lighting can even transition through into your bedroom, with delicate fairy lights across your bed’s headboard or deep coloured paper lampshades for a romantic effect.
Introduce seasonal fragrances
Smell is one of the most powerful senses when it comes to evoking emotions and memories. The subtle addition of scented sprays and candles will make a big impact. Apple, cinnamon, pine and sandalwood are all soothing fragrances that will welcome you in from the cold and help you get excited for the fast approach of the festive holidays. It’s such a simple touch, but this attention to detail can make a huge difference when it comes to preparing your home for winter.