This week the Southeast is being hit with the biggest snowstorm we’ve seen in years. With about 4 inches and counting, I think it’s safe to say we won’t be going anywhere anytime soon. Being snowbound can have it’s advantages, though. Like no work, no school, and no pressing errands that have to be run. Just a quiet in-day and maybe a great book. With Valentine’s Day coming up, the winter Olympics in full swing, and the snow continuing to fall, I thought it was the perfect time to offer some thoughts on creating a warm and cozy nest just right for winter hibernation.
1. Light a fire
What better day for some puzzles and books by the fireside?
Nothing beats a nice crackling fire and the toasty smell of burning logs on a cold winter’s day. If your home lacks a fireplace (either gas or wood-burning), how about lighting a few scented candles? I burn candles pretty much constantly throughout the coldest months. My favorite is Voluspa’s Baltic Amber, which smells like a walk in the woods with a vanilla latte. Yum.
2. Surround yourself in softness
Pillows: too much is not enough.
All those throw pillows you’ve been hoarding (uh, maybe that’s just me) finally get put to good use. Load up the bed, the sofa and the chairs. Drape your thickest blankets and throws around liberally, and invite your pets to join in (they won’t take no for an answer anyway). Then spend the day making pillow forts.
3. Add a little mood lighting
The warm glow of lamplight is an invitation to sit down and stay awhile.
Turn the overhead lights way down low and put on the table and floor lamps instead. This draws the room inward by creating warm pools of light closer to the floor and eye level. Oh, and make sure your lamps are outfitted with warm spectrum incandescent or LED bulbs, maybe even a pink bulb for a rosy glow.
4. Pretty up your place
That white-out you see through the window? Yep, that’s our yard today.
When everyone else was stockpiling milk and bread at the grocery store earlier this week, I was buying fresh flowers. Hah, I’m so practical. But since I knew we’d be snowbound for a while, what better time to enjoy a lovely bouquet? Today may be the perfect day to rotate some of your collections and display some of your favorite decorative objects. Or treat the in-day like an occasion, and enjoy some comfort food on your finest china.
5. Host an indoor happy hour
High quality cheese: another must-have practicality for any snowstorm.
You’re in and you’re not driving anywhere anyway. Break out that nice bottle of wine, slice up some cheese and crackers, and put on your favorite music. You don’t even have to wait until 5:00.
Please everyone, stay safe and stay warm if you’ve been hit by this winter storm.
———
P.S. A bit of blog news: I’ve decided to consolidate my blog onto my professional design website. Expect all of the same types of Carolina-focused and design-oriented blog posts at a new location: tamaraheatherinteriors.com. Re-directs from the old website will stay in place indefinitely.
———
Tamara Leicester is a licensed interior designer and owner of Tamara Heather Interior Design, LLC. She designs casually elegant interiors with an artistic sensibility, often drawing upon the talent of local artists and craftspeople in her work. Dreaming about updating your space? Learn more at tamaraheatherinteriors.com.