This is a collaborative post.
We all want our homes to be as comfortable and relaxing as possible, but the truth is that when we’re trying to live on a budget, this can sometimes seem a little difficult. But if we know anything, it’s that you can do virtually anything without spending the earth, and this includes creating a cosy home.
In this blog post, we’re going to take a look at a few tried and tested tips that’ll have you love your home all the more, and your bank balance will also look pretty healthy too. Incorporate our tips now, and you’ll have a lovely home to relax in once the colder weather returns.
Invest in Blankets and Throws
One of the best ways to make your home more comfortable is also one of the cheapest. Fill your cosy areas with blankets and throws, and you’ll be able to sink into all the pleasures that a comfortable home can bring. One word of advice: spend marginally more than usual.
We’re all for saving money, but that doesn’t mean you should automatically go for the cheapest option out there. If you invest in quality items, then not only will your home be more comfortable, but they’ll also last longer. Cheaper blankets are a false economy; they’re less expensive, but you have to replace them more frequently.
Atmospheric Lighting
You can transform a room by changing the lighting. One room can look harsh and uninviting, but then, just by changing out the bulbs for cosier options, you’ll find that you feel a lot more relaxed and comfortable.
The key to creating a cosy room is to have atmospheric side lighting. As well as using lamps, look at the bulbs — it’s better to go for soft yellow bulbs, rather than the high wattage white bulbs. If you don’t know how to light a room, take a look at some online lighting tips.
Staying Warm
Of course, a home could look inviting, but if you’re going to enjoy a cosy home to the max, then it has to be about more than appearances. There’s nothing worse than being slightly chilly when you’re trying to unwind at your property. If your home isn’t as warm as you’d like it to be, then look at your boiler and insulation. View the price of a combi boiler here, and you’ll see that, while there’s an initial investment that you’ll have to make, it’ll end up saving you money in the long run.
Older boilers are much less inefficient than newer ones, so you end up spending more money for inferior results. If you’re going to pump hot air around your property, then you’ll need it to stay within the walls. Upgrading your insulation does also require an investment, but it’s one that’ll repay itself many times over.
Wall Colours
The colours around us have a big influence on our mood. This is something that many homeowners don’t consider and most people overlook it. Most people don’t know just how impactful colours are, but the experts know!
So take a look at which colours you have on the wall. If it’s a bright red, then it’s not going to create a cosy environment. That colour triggers something in our mind that makes us think of danger. Even if you like the colour, your body will react to it on a subconscious level. Instead, pick calming colours. A deep brown or cream will look great and also work well with your mind too. You can change the whole tone of a room just by investing in a can of paint and a roller and getting to work.
Candles and Scents
To really create a cosy environment, look at adding some candles and scents to your property. These cost next to nothing, but can have a huge impact on your home, scents in particular.
We tend to focus on what we see, but the other senses are important too. There are many calming scents that will give your home a terrific ambience. Candles also make a difference. If you’re looking to create a welcoming and calming atmosphere in your house, simply light a few candles.
In the Garden
We’ve focused so far on the inside of your home, but you also shouldn’t discount the outside of your property. You’ll have had the experience of driving past a place that makes you think ‘cosy and cute,’ so why not look at giving your own home the same vibe?
In the front, a little bit of landscaping goes a long way. Add plants and ideally a couple of trees, and perhaps a fence or gate to the front, and you’ll be onto that cosy home look.
Your door can also play a role. There aren’t too many aspects of your home where you get free licence to play with colours, but your front door is one of them. Rather than opting for whatever’s most functional, think about what’s most decorative. A beautiful blue or red wooden door will always look good.
In the back, it’s all about making your garden presentable and adding seating areas so that all the family can come together for some good times.
Second Hand Markets
Finally, if you’re on a budget but want to make some nice additions to the inside of your home, then pay a visit to a local second-hand market. There you’ll find lots of lovely antique items that can add a lot of character and cosiness to your home. This works because while the modern aesthetic has its advantages, it’s not always as cosy as more traditional looks. Vintage items can be placed in a modern home to give it a bit of character and warmth.
Conclusion
As we’ve shown, cosiness doesn’t have to mean expensive, not at all. It’s all about adding warmth to your property, and there are a million ways to do that. If you’ve incorporated our tips above and you throw in a lovely welcoming atmosphere, then you’ll be onto a winner!
Leave a Reply