No Comments »

Design Dilemma: Preparing Your Home for Fall

• Tweet

• Tweet

It’s the time of year when, in preparation for winter, we begin to think of draining our radiators and weatherstripping the windows and doors. But on the design front, are there things you can do to prepare your home for the fall and winter months? We think so. You can make your home feel like a cozy winter retreat just by taking a few simple steps:

1) Pull out your textiles. During the warmer summer months, many of us tuck away our carpets, throws, and cloth wall hangings. We’re after an open and airy look which demands remaining somewhat spartan. In the cold months, however, we’re looking for soft, warm textures, colors and shapes which help lend a home a cozy feel. Below, a colorful tribal sumak rug immediately warms up sleek modern furniture.

2) Rearrange the furniture. During the warmer months we spend most of our time outdoors, but when the weather turns cold, the activity moves indoors once again. Now’s a great time to reevaluate the arrangement of your furniture. Is your living room set up in a way that allows for easy conversation? Is there a corner with a good reading lamp and a comfortable chair for reading? Have you set up an area that works well for watching movies with friends? If you arranged your conversation area near a window for the summer months, perhaps you want to consider moving it near the fireplace for the winter. The best living rooms provide areas that can allow for various tasks. Below, a living room is arranged for conversation and fire gazing.

3. Rethink your art. Nothing adds warmth and drama to an interior like art. If your artwork has become a little stale, try moving pieces around either into new groupings that might include a salon-style hanging of several pieces or by singling out one dramatic piece for special attention.

4. Assess your tableware. Fall signals the beginning of the indoor entertaining season. Take a look at your cookware and tableware to see what you need to replace, and where you may need to add. When the party season starts, you’ll want to have everything you need on hand!

Images: Remodelista.com, apartmenttherapy.com, designfiles.net.