Now that the holidays are over, and the decorations are put
away, you may be wondering what now? Remember that Spring is
still several months away, and you’re best bet for keeping your
rooms inviting during the dead of winter is to add warmth and
comfort. And if you are like me and don’t have a lot of extra
cash laying around after the holiday crunch, use these ideas to
make major changes in your rooms, for minor cash.
1.Rearrange. Create more intimate furniture arrangements, or
just try something new! Move seating to create areas where
people can easily talk, or group them around the fireplace or
other focal point.
2.Use candles! Candles are relatively inexpensive, and should
not be saved just for special occasions! Group them together,
combine them with plants, or set them in front of a mirror. If
you feel using them too often will cramp your budget, set aside
one meal a week where you ceremoniously use them, such as Sunday
dinner.
3.Place throw blankets casually over chairs and sofas for your
loved ones to cuddle up in. A great way to buy these
inexpensively is to check your fabric store for clearance sales
on polar fleece. Buy 1 to 1 ½ yards for each throw, then use
scissors to cut fringe on the two ends. This fabric doesn’t
fray, comes in a wide array of patterns and solids, and does not
need to be hemmed or sewn! I bought enough for several and paid
less than five dollars for each throw! Oh, and did I mention it
is extremely soft and warm?
4.Set out well read books on end tables to encourage those in
your home to use those throws, and who can not remember a fond
winter’s day cuddled up in a warm sofa with your favorite novel?
(Oh, and you might want to stock your pantry with cocoa and tea,
just in case.J)
5.Layer your fabrics! Add one or two topper fabrics to your
tables, layer several towels over each other in your bath and
kitchen, add a valance to your window treatments. Remember this
doesn’t have to be expensive, use leftover fabric from your
other projects, visit your local thrift store, or use unused
quilts, coverlets, sheets, tablecloths, and cloth napkins from
your linen closet.
All of these ideas are quick, easy, and inexpensive, and can be
used throughout your rooms. So take a few hours and see how
little changes can create cozy comfort in your own home.