Warming Up Your Mediterranean Home...

For anyone who has not stayed in Spain during the winter months, it may come as a surprise to learn that it can be extremely cold, with chilly draughts, being felt both indoors and out! Few homes are actually equipped with the luxury of central heating, relying on electric radiators, air conditioning or open fires to heat the entire house, all of which work quite well whilst switched on, but with few insulating elements to help to retain the heat it soon goes cold again once the heating is switched off. This can leave you choosing between huge heating bills, or a very unwelcoming, frosty feeling throughout the festive season and into the New Year.

Thankfully, there are a few simple, inexpensive tips that we can use to achieve that relaxing, cozy glow without turning up the heat.

1. Choose Warm Colours
Selecting the correct colour palette can instantly transform the feel of your room from cool to cozy. This does not suggest that you should coat the wall with any shade of red, orange and yellow, but rather concentrate on the hue, as there are warm and cold ends of every spectrum. Regardless of whether you prefer a monochromatic palette or splatter of various colours, focusing on the warmer portion of the paint chip will lend warmth to any room. Paint colours should be teamed with warm tones of metal and fabric to produce a balanced appearance and allow the warmth to resonate. If you are concerned that your room may seem too bland then why not add a few bright splashes of colour to infuse a little extra pizzazz. Alternatively, if you are scared to commit a colour clash then it is always best to stick with versatile neutrals, which will blend well and compliment a plethora of styles, patterns, and materials.

2. Create A Tactile Environment
Textured walls, bedding, upholstery and graphics around your house can really help cozy up an empty space, as the layers add warmth and depth. Layering textures is a particularly effective way to generate warmth, such as placing an open weave throw on the twill couch, or a flurry of chenille scatter cushions against a leather sofa, using the same hues. A soft, woollen rug will feel wonderful underfoot, cushioning the cold marble floor, and tapestries look striking against a large, bare wall. Even your ornamental features can create a sense of warmth and dimension, by lending a sense of homeliness.

3. Fill The Room With Happy Memories
Anything that makes you feel happy and warm inside will help to infuse warmth throughout your home too. Things such as framed photos of friends and family, bright paintings, wall plaques and sentimental gifts, as well as a comfy couch or snug fireplace should all be highlighted within the home. You can draw increased attention to all of your treasured personal touches by placing them in prominent positions, such as the centre of a table, on a windowsill or on top of the fireplace mantle. Adding a simple light fixture above an important piece of artwork or wall hanging will also help to make it an attractive focal point.

4. Introduce Elements of the Great Outdoors
Bringing plants and fresh flowers into your home will increase the circulation of oxygen, inducing a relaxed, comforting ambience. Using natural objects with warm colours and varying textures also helps to create a sense of cozy warmth. If you have an allergy to fresh or dried flowers, botanical prints, wood sculptures, seashells, rocks or other natural materials will work just as effectively.

5. Choose Warm Lighting
The volume and shade of lighting in a room can have a huge impact on the degree of warmth and ambience that it projects, and as the days get shorter you will be glad of something that can lighten the mood at the flick of a switch! Shades are the most effective way to shield the eyes from bright bulbs, and a coloured shade will not only compliment other décor but also give a warm glow to a cool bulb. To achieve a simple warm glow then always opt for light bulbs which state that they produce “warm, soft light.”Dimmer switches on lamps and lights have a great influence on the amount of light output, creating atmosphere at various levels. Conversely, if you feel that the room is drowned in natural light why not consider hanging voiles instead of curtains, which can be drawn during the day to absorb some of the glare.

6. Cozy Toes
Feeling cold usually starts with your extremities, so to stay toasty it is important to keep your feet nice and warm. If you are hoping to save money on your heating bills, placing a fluffy, warm rug underfoot will really help to induce a perception of warmth. It is worth noting that the heavier the pile, the greater the comfort that it will provide, and although these will be more expensive than flimsier alternatives you will certainly feel the benefit in the long term. Rugs work well in every room of the house, and those with non-slip backing will also provide an important safety element on the slippery floor tiles.