Cozy Up in Cold Weather

1. Light my Fire

A crackling fire is the first thing most people associate with cosiness. Homeowners who do not have a working fireplace can recreate the same effect with candles. Create a faux fireplace by clustering a number of candle pillars at varying heights on a silver tray.

2. Implied Warmth

Simply painting a room with warm colours can make a room brighter and cosier. Warmth can come from colours other than reds and yellows as it is less about the hue and more about the tone of the colour. People who love blue but are worried about it being too cool can choose a tone that has hints of green and grey. Even a single feature wall can make a big difference.
Try Benjamin Moore's HC-142 Statton Blue for a soothing tone or Pratt & Lambert's 24-22 Briny Deep for a pungent punch. Those who choose not to paint can bring colour to a room with accents and artwork.

3. Security Blanket

I always have a cosy throw on my sofa, no matter what time of year. I just switch my creamy cotton throw of summer for a caramel apple or mossy green coloured wool one as
the days turn chilly. The different textures will stand out against wall colours.

4. Bring the Outside in

It might be cold outside, but homeowners can bring warmth in from the garden. Use plants that you would normally keep outside to connect you with the rest of the world while you huddle indoors. Fresh cut flowers are always nice as well - my personal favourite for the winter are white roses mixed with gladiolas and crisp green salal.

5. Heat your Feet

Area rugs not only keep tootsies warm on a bare floor, they also add visual warmth to the floor as well. An example would be adding a cream wool rug to contrast with a rich walnut wood floor.

6. Treat the Windows

Even if a house already has blinds or shades for light control, adding panels or a valance will bring added warmth to windows. People can choose a rich textured fabric and oversized rod.
Splurge on the finials -- they are the jewellery of the home.

7. Change the Bedding

Put away the light cotton coverlet and pile the bed high with an inviting duvet in a bold pattern and an abundance of pillows. Flannel sheets will keep occupants warm at night, or splurge on Egyptian cotton and never want to get out of bed.

8. Sensuality

Don't forget to pay attention to the rest of the senses. Light candles or burn scented oils. Find a scent that works with the time of year -- vanilla, chocolate, gingerbread or even pumpkin spice.

9. Embrace Chi

The ancient Chinese art of Feng Shui is said to create balance, harmony and prosperity in the home. Add an element of water so Chi won't drift out of the space with the wind. Better yet, embrace all five elements -- water, wood, fire, earth and metal -- to enhance the home's equilibrium.

10. Whole home

While the living room and bedroom are naturally the cosiest places in a home, don't forget about the other rooms. Just because a bathroom is clad in tile and porcelain fixtures doesn't mean it has to be cold. Bring in fresh flowers, scented candles and fluffy new terry towels in rich warm colours. Dress up the dining room chandelier with a string of crystal beads, place bakery-fresh bread on the kitchen counter, mount a seasonal wreath on the front door, toss pillows in the den. The important thing is to make every room feel lived in and welcoming.