14 Tips for Achieving Maximum Coziness This Winter
As winter’s chill settles in, there’s an innate longing for warmth and comfort. Embracing the Danish concept of Hygge—where coziness and well-being take center stage—offers a unique approach to transforming your living space into a sanctuary of tranquility. From the subtlety of warm colors to the allure of crackling fires, discover the art of creating a holistic sense of warmth and coziness that transcends the seasonal chill. To keep you comfy this winter, consider the following 14 tips to maximize coziness and warmth.
What is Hygge?
Hygge (pronounced “hoo-ga”) is a Danish concept that embodies a unique approach to life focused on comfort, coziness, and well-being. It’s so deeply rooted in Scandinavian culture that it transcends the physical environment and is used to create a holistic sense of warmth. This means creating a cozy winter atmosphere with a warm ambiance, comfortable furniture, hot beverages, and curling up with a good book. Its philosophy celebrates the beauty in life’s small, ordinary moments, especially those associated with comfiness and warmth.
14 Ways to Add Cozy Warmth to Your Home
When the temperature drops, it can be difficult to stay warm and comfortable. Luckily, your home is an oasis away from the winter months, and there are several things you can do to help create a cozy environment. When the weather outside is frightful, consider some of the following ways to help make your home your oasis.
1. Add Warm Colors and Neutrals to the Decor
The ultimate way to add warmth to your home is to change up the colors a little. We don’t mean repainting the walls or undergoing drastic renovations. Instead, make a simple update by changing the colors of your throw pillows, adding an accent rug, or being strategic about your blankets. Hygge tends to be associated with neutral colors like beige and brown, which can make each room feel warmer. You can change your drapes to heavier materials to help keep your house warm without having to crank up the heat.
2. Bring Out the Blankets
Blankets are one of the best ways to stay cozy and warm when hanging out on cold winter days. Head to your linen closet and brush off those big, fluffy winter blankets to help keep you warm and add a bit of winter aesthetic to your living room. If you want to help add to the aesthetics, choose blankets with warm colors and fabrics like wool or cashmere. Blankets made of wool have great insulating properties and can help you stay toasty even on the coldest days. While you’re at it, don’t forget to change out the comforters on your beds to keep everyone nice and warm throughout the night.
3. Insulate Your Home
Winter weather can easily get indoors if you have drafty windows and doors, so it’s worth the effort to make some inspections. If you notice any cold drafts nearby, head to your hardware store for weatherstrips. While you’ll likely need to replace the windows or doors causing issues, you might not want to do that in the middle of the season. Instead, keep the room warmer with weather stripping and DIY insulating products.
4. Use the Fireplace
Another great way to get cozy this winter is to add warmth with a cozy fire. Whether you require firewood or have an electric option, using your fireplace can help keep your home warm and make it more cozy and inviting. Just make sure that you take the proper safety precautions and never try to make an indoor DIY fire pit. Only light fires in legitimate indoor structures (with a chimney!) will keep you and your family safe. If you don’t have a fireplace but love the ambiance that they create, consider installing a faux one or even putting on the screensaver of a roaring fire on your TV.
5. Change up the Lighting
Warm light can help give your home a warm atmosphere, which is an excellent way to make your space feel cozier. Switch out harsh light bulbs for a softer LED bulb, and consider using lamps instead of overhead lights to help make every room feel cozy. Doing so may even help you save money!
6. Decorate Using Natural Elements
Turn your home into a winter oasis by adding some strategic home decor. One of the best ways to make it feel like true Hygge is to incorporate natural elements like wood, greenery, and faux fur. This way, even if it’s dreary outside, you’ll feel a sense of comfort in each room. There are plenty of ways to prepare your home and embrace the season, so find something that works for you and enjoy.
7. Sip on Hot Drinks
Whether you’re in the mood for hot chocolate or mulled wine, there’s nothing like a warm drink in your favorite mug. In the evening hours, sit back with your favorite book or turn on a holiday movie while you sip on hot drinks under your warmest blanket.
8. Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat
To help with the actual warmth in your home, you may want to consider switching to a smart thermostat. This can help you heat your home throughout the day based on your schedules and activity levels. They can be programmed to turn on ahead of time, which can help to keep you warm as soon as you step inside the door.
9. Make Homemade Soup
One of the classic ways to stay warm is to make some homemade soup, bundle up in your favorite flannel, and curl up on the couch. Rotate your favorites all winter long to keep you both satisfied and cozy, regardless of the weather. Plus, homemade soup is great for your immune system, which can help you stay healthy during harsh temperatures.
10. Take a Warm Bath
Another way to help keep your body warm while relaxing your mind during the holidays is to take a warm bath. Light a few candles, dim the lights, and let your bathtub fill with warm water. Not only can warm baths help you unwind after a particularly busy day, but they also have plenty of physical and mental health benefits. In fact, warm baths can help improve your immune system, increase circulation, and help you detoxify—all of which are great for keeping you healthy during the winter season.
11. Incorporate Winter Scents
Whether you love the smell of evergreen and pine or gingerbread and sugar cookies, incorporating indoor winter scents is a great way to enhance the warmth and coziness of your home. Light a few candles or use a diffuser to fill your home with holiday-inspired smells.
12. Invest in Thick Socks
While it’s important to have a cozy base layer, one thing that’s going to help you maintain good body heat is a nice pair of thick socks. Add some slippers, and you’re ready to stay inside and enjoy the little winter oasis you’ve created.
13. Dress in Layers
To really embrace Hygge and stay cozy this winter, dress in layers even when you’re indoors. While we don’t recommend turning off the heat and relying solely on clothing to stay warm and cozy, there’s something about layering a nice sweater over your favorite thermal.
14. Upgrade Your Heating System
Regardless of all the design upgrades and warm layering tips, you’re not going to stay too warm if your HVAC system isn’t working properly. To help you mitigate the coldness of shorter days, consider upgrading your heating system or at least scheduling an inspection to ensure it’s working at its best.
There are plenty of great ways to change your home during the holiday season and create an oasis. However, if you find yourself yearning for a living space that truly resonates with your vision of comfort, consider partnering with a seasoned realtor. First Star Realty can help you find a home that reflects your lifestyle all year round. Our team is committed to helping you find the perfect home you’ll love year-round. As a client-centered organization, we work to find homes that will impact your life most while staying within your budget. If you’re ready to buy or sell a home, contact First Star Realty today. Our team of highly-seasoned real estate professionals provides exceptional, personalized service to all our clients throughout Northwest Arkansas. Call us today at 479-267-1600 or fill out a contact form on our website.
