1. Nestle your furniture to the fireplace (if you have one), or create a more intimate sitting area by floating your furniture in groupings centered in the room.
2. Make certain you have three sources of lighting in your space. Lamps are cozier and more interesting than overhead lighting. Forming a triangle with the lighting ensures proper light for reading and conversation.
3. Add interest to a sofa or chairs with accent pillows in warm or rich colors.
4. Add area rugs to hallways and entry areas.
5. Add another layer to your window treatments. Even sheer fabric can warm bare glass that can otherwise look and feel cold at night.
6. Add texture to the room with objects like a warm throw in your favorite reading chair.
7. Fresh flowers (although some believe to be a non-essential) remind us of warmer days when they grew in our gardens that are soon to be laden with frost and snow.
Creating a warm and nurturing space for you and your family will pay off when the days are shorter, darker and you are spending more time inside.
Kat Powers and Susan Dobrovolny operate The Designer’s Co-op, a full-service interior design firm in Scarborough. Call them at 222-2023 or visit them online at www.thedesignersco-op.info.