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Here is an article we found on some of the great ways to cozy up your home this year. Our favorite is definitely number 10 for anyone who lives here in Tucson, Arizona.
The 10 Best Cozy Home Projects
Some fads are just that; others come in strong and are here to stay. In 2007, we saw some hot trends, and some not so hot ones.
With winter settling in and the mercury dropping, this is the time of
year that most homeowners prefer to batten down the hatches and stay
indoors. That being said, it's also the perfect time for home
improvement projects that make your home more comfy and inviting. If
you've been searching for something to keep you busy through the long
winter months, grab a cup of hot cocoa, put on some warm slippers, and
read on for 10 home improvement projects that will make your abode
cozier than ever.
#1. Install a New Fireplace
When it comes to cozy, a new fireplace tops all. Not sure if it's the
heat, the soft firelight, or the total experience, but there's
something about grabbing a warm blanket and curling up next to a
fireplace that can't be beat when it comes to fighting off winter's
chill. No chimney? No problem. With new gas fireplace inserts, you can
easily install a fireplace in any room of the house.
#2. Upgrade Your Bedroom
Our second favorite project when it comes to cozy is to turn all
attention on the bedroom. If you're doing your bedroom on a budget,
start with a fresh coat of paint, hang new curtains, and purchase new
bedding. You're sure to be amazed by the results. If you've got a
little more to spend, you might as well treat yourself. Throw a pillow
top mattress, new pillows, and a good down comforter into the mix
(maybe a new bedroom set altogether?), and you won't ever want to get
out of bed.
#3. Install a Fireplace in Your Master Bedroom
Having trouble deciding between #1 and #2 on our list? Why not kill two
birds with one stone? Installing a fireplace in your master bedroom is
one of the hottest home improvement trends around, and for good reason.
After all, the only thing better than curling up with that special
someone next to the fire is curling up with that special someone in bed
next to a fire.
#4. New Interior Paint
Few things make a home more warm and inviting than a new coat of
interior paint. Stick with soft, soothing colors like browns, deep
reds, and yellows, especially if you're shooting for a cozier feel. And
if you're having a hard time deciding between the 10,000 or so interior
paint colors on display at Home Depot, try hopping online. Most of the
large paint companies have websites that allow you to "try on"
different colors and shades in virtual bedrooms, kitchens, bathrooms,
and living rooms. It's a great way to narrow your preferences down
before you talk to a painter or head to the hardware store.
#5. Bathroom Remodeling
Few rooms in your home have as much potential as your bathroom when it
comes to creating warm, relaxing spaces. How so? Heated tile, electric
towel warmers, and heated toilet seats are just the tip of the iceberg.
If you really want to go all out, consider installing a jetted
whirlpool tub or a shower spa. With the latter you can get a
hydromassage, take a steam bath, and listen to your favorite music in
stereo all at the same time!
#6. Improve Your Home's Lighting
The right lighting can make all the difference when it comes to
illuminating the long nights and dreary days of winter. To create a
cozily lit home, look into recessed and track lighting for your
lighting needs. Both styles can provide gentle, ambient general light
as well as brighter, more focused task lighting, such as over
countertops, reading areas, or to illuminate pieces of art. Ideally, a
combination of the two is what you're shooting for.
#7. Install New Window Treatments
New window treatments can enhance your home's lighting, energy
efficiency, and overall looks, all with one simple home improvement.
There are many varieties of curtains, shades, blinds, and shutters that
can create a cozy feel for you home, though it's tough to beat cellular
shades when it comes to the total package. They look great, insulate
your home with their honeycomb design, and their unique design allows
you to choose lighter colors without sacrificing energy efficiency. In
other words, they won't leave you in the dark.
#8. Build a Kitchen Nook
Do you think kitchen when you think cozy? If not, you might want to
consider adding a kitchen nook to your home. A kitchen nook is a small,
windowed area set just off of the kitchen that is traditionally
outfitted with a table and set of chairs. They're the perfect place to
cozy up in the morning, read the paper, drink a cup of joe, and watch
the sunrise.
#9. Think Naturally
Never underestimate the power of nature to bring tranquility into your
home. Introduce a few houseplants to each room, decorate with items
made from natural materials, such as bamboo floor mats or shades, and
don't forget a vase of fresh flowers on the dining room table or near
your entryway. You may have noticed that the colors we've associated
with cozy in this article have a "natural" feel to them, as well. It's
something to keep in mind as you shop, whether you're buying interior
paint, couches, or carpet.
#10. Create an Outdoor Sanctuary
With spring just around the corner (we're optimists around here), our
last project suggestion for a cozy home is creating an outdoor
sanctuary for yourself. Whether it's a balcony off your master bedroom,
a reading bench tucked away in a private corner of your yard, or a
meandering cobblestone path through your favorite garden, sometimes the
coziest place in a home is outside of it. Outdoor sanctuaries aren't
just for spring and summer, either. Set out a birdbath and some
birdfeeders, keep them full of fresh water and birdseed, and you'll
have an outdoor retreat you can enjoy year round.
The original article can be found at: www.servicemagic.com/servlet/RedirectServlet?m=newsletter&template_id=4111& (...)
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