Winter Decorating

It's not as cold as this, but it is winter, and it's time to make the house cosy.

If it's also time to paint, then you might choose warm colors like saffron or terra cotta to warm you. Rich jewel tones like emerald and ruby feel warm, too.

If you still love the clear shade you chose in the summer, though, you can do wonders with small changes:

• Put a fleecy rug on the floor. Sisal or bare hardwood is fine in warm weather, but you'll feel warmer in winter if you can sink your toes into something soft.
• Bring in more soft furnishings. Chenille throws, extra cushions, and heavier draperies at the windows make you feel warmer, too.
• Bring in accent pieces in deeper, richer colours. A ruby vase, a copper bowl, or a bottle green picture frame make a surprising difference. 
• Increase texture. Smooth, slick surfaces can feel cold. Velvet, wool, and rough ceramics will up the cosiness level fast.

A warm cup of green tea or Milo is all it takes to finish the effect!