Around the Home with Kate

Winter can be a magical time of year, with sparkling snow, crackling fires, and cozy gatherings with family and friends. It’s also a time when the days are short, and the weather is cold and gray. Winter presents an opportunity to slow our pace or hibernate. Generally, home is where we will spend most of our time. It’s vital, then, to craft a winter wonderland by making your home warm and inviting during the winter months. Don’t allow the word ‘craft’ to intimidate you. These projects are easy and can double as a family bonding activity. If you aren’t the do-it-yourself type, most of these products can purchased online if desired, but where’s the fun in that?

Perhaps you don’t have a fireplace. Do not ignore the power of subtle nuances. Any warm light or natural elements will create visual warmth. Winter candle jars can add a toasty and inviting glow to your home, especially as table centerpieces. Collect a few mason jars, go to a craft store, and pick up some lace, burlap, or plaid ribbon. Super glue the outside of the jar with the material of your choice, then enhance the look by adding hints of your favorite winter decorations, such as mini pinecones or pine needles. If you don’t like candles, you can achieve that warm glow by placing fairy lights inside the jar.

When you think of cozy, you most likely picture sweaters and socks along with plenty of layers. Your clothes aren’t the only things that need layers in the winter. Adding layers to your home with materials such as chunky knitted throws, flannel, and thick rugs will enhance the relaxing atmosphere you seek. Blanket ladders are a relatively easy addition that will assist you in organizing the chunky throws and add to the winter look. How to do it? Get three six-foot 2x4s, cut them to the desired height, and then use the extra wood to create three or four rungs connecting one side to the other with long screws to assemble the ladder. Or, if you would prefer, amazon has metal rungs that you can use to achieve an industrial look. Choose and apply a paint or stain of your liking, and once it’s dry, you’ve finished! All that’s left is to lay your chunky blankets over the rungs, lean the ladder against a wall, and voila, the desired cozy look is complete!

When you look at your home and it makes you want to snuggle up in a blanket with your favorite book, pull out a board game for the family, or simply curl up for a nap, you know you’ve accomplished your goal of creating your winter wonderland!

To me, this is the most beautiful and comforting season of all. Just picture yourself–in your house–and it’s fall. The leaves have started to change; it’s in the fifty-degree temperature range, and you’ve got the fire going as you sit on the couch underneath a chunky blanket watching your designated “cold weather” movie. Now, pause yourself in this scene. Is one of the things completing this picture a scent? Perhaps cinnamon, chai, vanilla, pumpkin spice, or whatever makes your house smell like a home. Now is the time to start the preparations!

So, begin with a good fall cleaning. Complete home maintenance projects before the colder weather set in. You may not realize it, but now is the time to start preparing for things like fertilizing your grass, cleaning your gutters, cutting back trees, getting the HVAC tested, changing the air filters, cleaning the carpets, checking the seal of your windows, and having your roof, chimney, and plumbing inspected. Check out this edition of the Monthly and our six others at acimonthly.com for the best places and prices to get that much-needed maintenance done before it’s too late. 

With all the work done, you are ready to complete the picture. Get your home smelling like the season with candles, essential oils, cinnamon sticks, or anything else you have. Here’s a simple tip: Put a few drops of your favorite essential oil onto a new air filter. It’s long-lasting and will quickly infuse the whole house with that cozy fall aroma. 

Don’t forget the cosmetic touches to bring this autumn ascetic together. Keep your hot teas and favorite mugs out, along with stacked books and cute fall coasters on the coffee table. Chunky blankets can be draped casually over the back of the couch to stifle the fall chill. Twinkle lights over the mantle and candles complete the homey feeling. If you don’t have a fireplace, no problem; you can always keep the fire burning through a YouTube video playing on the TV. It may not warm your body, but it will warm your heart and bring this fall picture to a completion. Now you have an inviting place for family and friends to snuggle up and relax, and you’re sure to have a cozy, enjoyable autumn!

Spring is almost here, which means summer is just around the corner! If you’re outdoorsy like me, you probably love spending summer months engaging in activities like hiking and kayaking. While that’s a great way to spend a weekend, we know that coming with the warmer temps will also be the cookouts and gatherings with family and friends. So, how can we make our homes comfortable and inviting while bringing inside touches of the outdoors?

Flowers or plants might be your initial thought. While beautiful, they’ll eventually die and have to be cleaned up and replaced. Then there are allergies, and none of us want to deal with a constant runny nose. What’s the solution? Artificial flowers. They work just as well, and you don’t have to worry about cleaning up after them. I love how a faux eucalyptus in a white or terracotta vase on a shelf can brighten up a room.

Flowers aren’t the only thing that can liven up a place after the dreary winter months. Vibrant colors can work wonders in any space in the home. I love how soft tans, grays, and yellows can bring a room to life. Yes, you heard right. I said gray. Don’t underestimate the power of a light gray placed next to a pastel yellow or sage green. Trust me, it works. Remember, your goal is to embrace the essence of summer by making your home feel airy and inviting. Neutral and light colors will do that. Why not start with something small and see how you like it? For example, pillows. Throw pillows in your living area can change its whole tone. So, pick a color you like, remember to keep it light, and go for it! If you need inspiration, Pinterest is a great place to find ideas. If you’re trying to keep it budget-friendly, sites like Amazon and Ikea have a good selection of pillow covers, which are perfect for when the seasons change. Little decorative pieces or artwork can also make a room more enjoyable. If you’re looking for something new, Mulberry Layne in Powhatan has a diverse selection.

Whatever you decide to do, have fun! Don’t be afraid to try new things and see the difference it makes in coming home to a space that you love!