When the weather outside is frightful, it’s the perfect time to snuggle up inside your home. There’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm and cozy vibe, and it’s a fantastic way to make the winter season more enjoyable while fighting off any seasonal blues.
If you’re stumped on how to curate a warm and cozy atmosphere in your home this season, we’ve got you covered. With a little bit of organization and creative decorating, your home can feel like a personal cozy nook that will boost your mood and reduce stress all season long.
Let’s look at a few tips you can use to promote that cozy vibe, and why it’s so beneficial to do so.
The Benefits of a Cozy Space
It’s estimated that 6% of Americans have Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), leading to symptoms like:
Fatigue
Depression
Hopelessness
Sleep problems
Appetite changes
You might not be able to do anything about the cold, dark days outside. However, by creating a cozy space for yourself inside, you can fight back against the effects of seasonal depression. Think like a Norwegian! What does that mean, exactly? Well, it’s no secret that Norway tends to have long, tough winters.
Norwegian people aren’t immune to SAD or experiencing the winter blues. However, they combat those dark days by taking on a positive mindset. When you have a warm, cozy space to look forward to, no matter how dark and gloomy it is outside, you can shift your mindset, too, and combat feelings of sadness. This “mind over matter” approach doesn’t happen overnight. Choose to be mindful of every moment, and take in your surroundings when you’re in your favorite spot at home. Soak in that feeling, and try to let go of everything else around you.
Preparing for Everything
Before you start decorating your home for the season, take the time to prepare it for cold weather. Take steps such as sealing your windows and doors, getting your roof inspected, as well as closing off and any draining pipes that aren’t within your home’s insulation barrier. This will keep them from freezing and potentially bursting.
In addition to preparing things on your own, it’s a good rule of thumb to get your furnace properly inspected by a professional before winter hits. The last thing you want is for your heat to go out in the middle of a cold snap. Regular maintenance will help to reduce that risk, keeping your home safe and warm all season long.
Decking the Halls
Many people decorate their homes for the holidays, but winter technically starts on December 21st and ends on March 20th. That’s a lot of non-holiday time to create a cozy atmosphere. So, how can you decorate your space all season without holiday decor?
Focus on warmth. One of the best ways to do that is by utilizing different textures, like:
Wool
Velvet
Knit
Sheepskin
By incorporating the cozy textures in rugs, pillows, and blankets, you’ll create an atmosphere of warmth without having to do much decorating at all. From there, you can add personal touches that make you feel good. Try decorating with dark colors to make your room seem warmer. Create layered lighting schemes that allow you to enjoy a warm glow on cold nights. Layer up different patterned fabrics, and designate an area of a larger room as a reading nook or a place to listen to music. Think about what would most relax you on a chilly winter day, and bring it to life in your decorating efforts.
It doesn’t have to take a lot of time or effort to curate a warm and cozy vibe in your home. Keep these ideas in mind as you prepare for winter, and you’ll have a more comfortable, peaceful season than ever before.
