10 Ways to Prepare Your Home for a Cosy Autumn
Estimated reading time 5 minutes
As the leaves start to turn and the nights draw in we all prepare to spend more time at home. The cusp of the season is, therefore, the perfect moment to create a cosy haven that will keep you warm until Spring comes round. We’ve assembled our top tips to help you achieve the perfect autumnal vibe in your home, so keep scrolling for roaring fires, soft knit throws and musky spiced fragrances...
Clean the fireplace
Nothing quite welcomes the season like a roaring fire, but before you light yours up remember to give it a good clean out first. Start by sweeping out ashes, and then use a wire brush to clean off the soot from brickwork. The remaining soot and dust can be wiped off using a combination of baking soda and warm water. Lay down newspaper first to save your carpet and furnishings from getting dirty. Also, remember to hire a chimney sweep once a year to inspect and sweep the chimney.
Ramp up the warmth by eliminating drafts
Nothing makes a home more uncomfortable during the colder months than a chilly draft. Now is the time to check for cracks in the walls or gaps between windows. Fixing these now will solve a lot of problems as the temperature drops, as well as saving you money on your electricity bill.
One of the biggest culprits when it comes to heat loss in the home is through windows. Thankfully there are stylish solutions that don’t involve reglazing your entire home. Kingswood at Home’s shutters can reduce heat loss by a whopping 50%, so they’ll keep heat in, whilst offering privacy and cosiness in the winter months.
Bleed the radiators
Whilst we’re thinking about keeping warm, make sure your boiler is working well and give it a service if required. Now is also a good time to bleed your radiators. This should be done at the start of the cold season; as they have been sat unused for months they might have air trapped which will make them inefficient.
Clean the carpet
Beautiful carpets come into their own during the autumnal months - what could be cosier than the feeling of a soft carpet under your feet? As we get set for the season, prepare your carpets and rugs by giving them a good clean. You can hire carpet cleaners for an affordable rate, and you’ll be amazed at the difference.
Layer cushions and throws
Even with the fire roaring and central heating turned up, nothing beats curling up under a cosy throw when there’s rain (or snow, or hail) hitting the windows. Introduce new cushions and throws to your space during the chilly months; bright autumnal colours in soft fabrics will offset the dreariness outside whilst keeping you warm. A great way of saving costs is buying new cushion covers and changing them seasonally. Continue this throughout your home by adding some thicker textiles to your bed, transitioning your interior scheme from summer to autumn.
Welcome the scent of autumn into your home
‘Tis the season of the scented candle! Embrace the seasonal scents of cinnamon, orange, nutmeg and cedarwood with reed diffusers or scented candles (bonus - the scent of cedarwood allegedly keeps spiders at bay!) Pot-pourri is also a nice choice as it doubles as a seasonal decoration. A beautiful bowl filled with wonderfully scented items will make an impressive centrepiece and creates a homely ambience.
Decorate!
You don’t need to wait until Christmas to decorate. One of the best ways to welcome in the new season is to introduce autumnal decor to your home. Try focusing on one area, the mantelpiece is a great focal point for this. Arrange elegant dried foliage, small gourds or pumpkins and pillar candles to create an attractive display.
Hang an autumnal wreath
Welcome visitors at the front door with a beautiful seasonal wreath. You can buy these in a range of designs, or even try making one yourself. Seasonal produce such as small apples and mini pumpkins are nice elements to add, or you could make a wreath made from rustic branches and dried berries that will be seasonal through until Christmas.
Paint a feature wall
If you have any rooms in your home that feel chilly no matter how well heated they are then we have a relatively easy fix. Paint just one wall in a warming cosy colour and you’ll be amazed by the transformation. If you want to go bold then try a brazen orange, or for a softer feel consider a terracotta or dusky orangey-pink.
Set the lighting
Overhead glaring lights do not comply with the hygge vibe we’re going for here, so think about other ways you can bring subtle and soft light into your home. Lamps are of course a great idea. Try to have lighting at various heights around the room to create a cosy, warm space. Fairylights, when done well, can be an incredibly classy addition to your living room. Drape them over the mantel for a twinkly addition to your autumnal display.
We hope you enjoy prepping your home for the colder months. If you want to find out more about how Kingswood at Home shutters can create a wonderfully cosy home this autumn, then just get in touch with our friendly team.
