Guest Post: How to Create a Cozy Abode

One of the longest winters I have ever endured was when living in a basement flat with nothing but portable heaters to keep the icicles at bay. From that point on I vowed to make my home winter-proof. But it is not just about temperature, creating a cosy home comes down to many other things as well.

Fireside Rules
Nothing says homely like the crackling of a wood-burning stove. Whilst the warmth heats your body and everything else inside those four walls it is also energy efficient.

There is something very comforting about the mesmerising flames of a real fire. I love the smell of the burning wood; the use of natural materials contributes to the toastiness and the ambience of the house.

Another interesting idea about using logs to make the fire is that keeping them in your garden is actually a good way to attract hedgehogs. These spiky little midnight roamers like to make their homes at the bottom of a log pile. So just make sure you keep the pile topped up.

Home Farm
There’s something soothing about farmhouses and their homeliness. Imagine the benefits of owning chickens, the fresh eggs and the feel of your own miniature farm in your backyard. It teaches your children how to take responsibility to care for animals. To start with, think about your chicken coop - Sheds and Things have animal houses that are pre-treated. Make sure you research thoroughly as chickens do take a lot of care, and it can be a big commitment. A lot of people who have their own coop remark on how rewarding the experience is.

Set the Tone
The lighting that you have in your home will make a huge difference to the feel of all the rooms. Top-lights can be very harsh and unforgiving. Invest in some lamps; you can find a different wattage for every mood. Invest in some energy efficient bulbs to keep costs low.

How about investing in some floor-length double lined curtains? These are perfect if you have old-fashioned, drafty windows and find the room never quite reaches a comfortable temperature. Thick curtains will prevent that pesky breeze that seems to rail through the house, whilst your heating is on full blast.

Make sure you have big, chunky throws to fling on the back of the sofa to curl up under when you are watching the television. Wool, fleece and mohair are all warm materials. If your sofa feels a bit tired and drab, this is the perfect way to liven it up and add some character to the room.

Biog: Lucy Dobson is a lifestyle blogger; she is especially interested in home and garden

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