For Canadians, winter is a fact of life and even though we think of ourselves as hardy bunch, some of us view the season as something that must be endured. But whether you’re outside frolicking like a child when the snow begins to fly or wishing you could just hibernate, everyone enjoys coming out of the cold to a warm and cozy home.

Creating a warm and cozy environment is more than just turning up the thermostat; it’s also about materials, colours, and textures.

Here are few, simple tips that can warm your interior spaces up. Since it is the most utilized room in the home, let’s begin with the living room.

Start with lots of soft and cozy throws and blankets to snuggle up in on the couch. Think of colour and texture when you’re deciding what to buy, like thick cable-knit, pure wool, waffle weave, fleecy or fuzzy-fur ones. Have different sizes so you can cuddle with someone or on your own.

Bare floors are easy maintenance and visually appealing, but can be cold to the eye and heart, not to mention feet! Want to warm things up? Think of introducing a thick, lush rug. It’s an easy way to introduce more warmth to your room. A rug allows a softer surface so family and friends can grab a large oversized pillow or two to sit on and watch a favourite movie, play some games or enjoy an indoor picnic. Use a large ottoman or coffee table to center the room and provide an area to eat and play around.

And the ultimate source of warmth: a fireplace! If you’re lucky enough to have one, you can easily buy a mantel (where you can hang your socks for Santa) or, if not, maybe replace your boring home entertainment console with one that has a built-in electric fireplace. Electric fireplaces are remarkably energy efficient, visually stunning, safer, and a fraction of the cost of installing a real one. Sorry, Santa, you’ll have to use the door.

Oh, and what’s a fireplace without a favorite chair or recliner right next to it? It’s the perfect place to curl up with your favourite book or more likely, your favourite electronic device!

Now, let’s add a few home décor items:

• Candle Holders and Lanterns – add colour, scent, warmth and ambiance
• Table and Floor Lamps – extra lighting since it gets dark so early
• Trays – use for serving or to pull together a few of your favourite knick-knacks
• Picture Frames – capturing your favourite moments
• Magazine Rack – to keep things tidy
• Clock – keeping track of time
• Vases – with flowers, or botanicals or sticks
• Bowls and Mugs – filled with nuts, sweet treats or yummy hot chocolate
• Decorative Boxes – store your cards, or knitting needles away

Which of these ideas are you going to use to make your living room as warm and cozy as possible?

Dan, Your Furniture Expert