How to bring a little cheer to your home in dark winter days
As in the UK we find ourselves still under lockdown due to the global pandemic, it is important to find ways to boost our sense of wellbeing. It is up to us to create a calm environment where we can recharge our batteries. Find below some tips on how to upgrade your surroundings with a few inspired touches while creating a comforting atmosphere in your home.
Setting the mood
Sometimes all you need is a little light to make all the difference. As I have mentioned in my past lighting blogs, natural light is best. First thing is to take advantage of it by throwing back the blinds or curtains and letting the sunlight flood in all your rooms. If that is not enough, you can create different lighting schemes for daytime and the evening hours. Scones are a wonderful way to add light without taking away from your footprint. They add character and create beautiful ambient lighting. An easier alternative is adding a floor lamp. You can move it around and it is fitting to many different types of rooms. Of course, one must not forget about the famous desk lights, as per my previous post 3 main components and tips you MUST have for your Home Office. They are absolutely a hot item now. You can learn more about how to choose them on my Home Office Design Tips and Solutions Guide by signing up to my newsletter.
You can also update some of your pendant lights. The important thing is to remember to bring some light to those darker spaces in your home. Keep in mind dimmable lights allow you to adjust for the ideal brightness.
Candles, candles, candles
I know I have mentioned candles in the past, but who can ever have enough of them? Their soft flickering glow adds warmth to any room. They add a sense of ease and should not only be used in the evening. Keep a variety of candle types, tapers, pillars, votives, so you have them on hand when you want them. If you want to add a little luxe to your day, why not light one while you are home schooling or working from home? Lavender is a great scent to create a soothing ambience. Just by lighting a few candles you can transform a cold space in seconds. You can go a step further with seasonal scented candles and with ones that have wood wick that crackles as it burns. I suggest trying to find your locally based hand-poured candle provider like mine in Battersea, Well and Scent. It is a wonderful way to help a small business in your community. Just remember never to leave one unattended.
Paint the walls
One can never underestimate the power of paint. It is easy to obtain, (Ok maybe not so easy to choose the right colour, but you can always ask a professional, like me!) and it is relatively affordable. Why not reinvigorate your space with a new colour on your walls? You can venture into exploring new colours, and if you do not like them, you can always paint it over. Brewers is great as it carries different brands which have displays and colour cards in store.
Comfort comes first
As we live through a global pandemic, our routines and self-care must take centre stage. If you are used to stepping onto cold floors first thing in the morning, why not add a nice fluffy rug to your bedside floor for a happier start to the day. We should all be taking our daily exercise seriously, so making sure we have the right gear is essential. For snuggling on cold nights, or days, throw blankets are stellar. and what better way to go about your day then with an ultra-soft blanket in every room, to be cuddled under at any moment or be worn as a fun cape. If anything, try to Invest in that one piece that can make a big impact on your everyday.
Refresh the air
Keeping your home refreshed is key to keeping your mind and body healthy. Every morning windows need to be open to let the old air out and fresh air in. If you are like me, keeping them open for too long is not an option, as you know the cold is not my friend. Once windows are closed, you can keep refreshing your air with a bit of aromatherapy from a diffuser and essential oil kit. Chamomile and lavender are my favourite. The different fragrances are divine and can help you feel energized or relaxed—and the diffuser serves double-duty as a humidifier to combat the dry air. Placing fresh flowers in the rooms you use the most also contribute to creating spaces filled with wonderful fragrances with that spa-like quality.
The sound of music
Sometimes we forget the power of music. It can transport us to different times of our lives. Some of happy moments, some sad, and everything in between. With all the technology we have available, it is easy to search for any type of music at a click of a button. Music fills up a room and is that intangible element, that evokes memories and different feelings to create an atmosphere. There is music that gets you going or calms you down. Having an old school record player or Bluetooth speakers around your house is just what you need to get moving to a dance tune or settled for a relaxed, maybe romantic evening.
Prints and colour
Who said timeless simple design could not co-exist with some bold and colourful accents?
As we brave through the dark winter, nothing like a punch of happiness and positivity to brighten up your day. Pillows and throws are a great way to add a few brightly coloured accessories to your space. You can also add vases and pottery in colours that you love along with vibrant artwork. Remember, items of intense colour can help attract the eye and most importantly, focus the mind.
Keep them together
Choose your favourite accessories and cluster them together. This maximizes the comforting effect and creates a focal point. I love objects that tell a story. Ones that have been gifts from special people in my life or brought back from a trip. That way, every time glimpse at it you can take in the collective joy of all the items. It is better if you choose a place you notice every day, such as a fireplace mantle or a bookshelf in your office. Did I say fireplace? This brings me to a quick tip. If it is not in use, remember to keep it pretty. By this I mean, add a nice arrangement of pillar candles or a decorative screen, the idea is to avoid the dark empty spot otherwise ever present that can detract from the soothing effect you are trying to achieve.
Framed love
In times of social distancing and having to keep away from your loved ones, framed photos are saviours. They can take your mind to pleasant memories. Family gatherings and trips to the beach come to mind, but of course, we all have our preferences. Beautiful frames add to your décor and help you surround yourself with faces you love and happy places. They are a wonderful way of adding warmth to your space. The more you can see them, the better!
Comfort is essential to our peace of mind. With so much going on around us, keeping our homes our happy place is now more important than ever. Together we will all get through this. You can contact me here should you need an extra hand transforming your space into a comfortable beautiful home that represents you and your family.