Late Winter Decorating

The Holidays are gone but long, cold winter days still remain. After all signs of reds and greens have been removed from the house, late winter calls for a warm, cozy interior. Spend the last few months of winter in the warmth of your homes with these simple, late winter decorating touches.

Warm Colors

Floor, Walls, Ceiling and Fabrics - these are the four elements which can instantly alter the look and feel of any room. While it is difficult to make changes to floors and ceilings, changes can easily be made to the other two. Paint your room in warm or sober, neutral colors and you will instantly have created a more intimate atmosphere. Warm colors need not always be bold colors. Certain shades of gray and orange can also warm up the walls. Burgundy, gold, rust etc. are other good choices.

Moving on to the next alterable element, you will find that it is even more easier to change the fabrics to reflect your moods and styles. Once the rich and luxurious holiday fabrics have been safely tucked away, it's time to bring out your other warm fabrics. Select heavy and warm curtains, bed covers, pillow cases, table cloths etc. Choose colors that will make best use of the scanty sunlight and keep your rooms warm. But for dark corners, use sheer fabrics which will diffuse light all over the place.

Accessories with Warmth

Accessorize your home with lamps, candles, crystals and the like. Fill corners with stand-up lamps and side-tables with table lamps. They will light and warm up your home at the same time. Light candles on mantles and hang crystals on windows where they will catch all the sunlight and sparkle your room. Throw extra cushions on sofas and lounges, in front of the TV and near the music system for relaxed winter evenings.

Warmth with Wood

Bring out all the timber from your store-room and arrange at several places in your rooms. Wooden flooring exudes warmth, but if you do not have one, you can fill up with other wooden furniture. A fireplace stocked with logs warms up the scene even before the logs start burning! Leave the cane for the fast-approaching spring season.

Rugs and Carpets

Spread warm rugs and place rich carpets in every room for creating a warm ambience. They also makeup for any kind of flooring. Place a rug in front of the fireplace where you can comfortably sip mugs of hot cocoa with your family on chilly winter nights. Rugs not only feel good and warm under your feet, but also add color and texture to any room. If budget is not a problem, woolen rugs are by far the best choice.

Fireplace

Stock up your fireplace. Fireplaces have it in them to become miniature family rooms. Winters always remind us of families cozying up in front of brightly lit fires. You can add a rug or even a lounge and armchairs for comfortable seating space. If you would like to create a more personal space by the fire, add an armchair, an ottoman and a side-table to hold your coffee-mug, glasses, books, knitting etc.

Sights and Sounds of Winter

Winter also has its share of nature's bounty. Winter flowers also require less maintenance and are strong and sturdy which makes them perfect for displaying indoors. You may force bulbs indoors or display winter blooms and greenery in every corner of your house. Fragrant herbs are another way to fill your house with invigorating winter scents. Wreaths and garlands made of dried flowers, herbs, apples etc. also cheer up the dull winter days.

These ideas will inspire you to make your homes as cozy and warm as possible for winters. Let your own decorating style and preferences be your guide as you begin transforming your existing decor to reflect the changes of the season.