Keep the Cold out of your Home with these Easy Tricks

Bring out the blankets

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Cushions and throws are perhaps the most versatile soft furnishing items for the home which can be changed seasonally and won’t break the bank. Ethnic fabrics, rich upholstery and interesting prints add a fresh and quirky touch to your home, reminiscent of far-away places that could break up boring interiors, and ooze a sense of culture, especially if they’re authentic.

Take a mix-and-match approach to your interior décor – explore different shades or patterns of the same colour for some harmony, or go to town with an uncoordinated combination of cushion covers in different prints, fabrics and sizes depending on your preference.

Keep the wind out

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Curtains are more than just decorative – they keep out the cold (and heat) and help insulate your home’s interiors. Opt for a bold design if your palette is plain in any given space: a large damask design exudes a classic elegance that hardly goes out of fashion, and floral designs in various shades of the same colour are also quite timeless. When pairing all these elements together, try to visualise the look you want to achieve before setting out and changing bits and bobs, as the final look should be harmonious and a reflection of your taste and personality.

Warm up the floors

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With Malta’s climate, installing fitted carpets is ill-advised, but that’s not to say that you shouldn’t stock up on a few cosy floor rugs for the winter months, especially in the rooms you tend to get most comfortable in, such as the living room and bedroom. Experiment with different textures and fabrics, including faux fur, velvet and woven carpets which, coupled with thick socks and warm slippers, will ensure that you remain cosy and comfortable.

Heating devices

A cosy ambience in your home could only be heightened further by an appropriate heating device, of which there are various options which vary in effectiveness, energy efficiency and price. A wood-burning fireplace is a classic option favoured by many both for its energy efficiency and for its comforting nature. However, it requires a constant supply of wood (which could be pricey) as well as maintenance for safety and longevity.

Portable gas heaters are probably the most popular – they’re easy to move from room to room and are efficient in their ability to warm up a room relatively quickly. If you’re looking to invest for the long term, however, look into underfloor heating. It’s economically viable and possibly the most effective heating method on the market at the moment.