We spend way more time indoors during the cold and dark months of the winter time, which means that the heating bill that you have is about to go up. Nobody wants to have to spend more than necessary, and the cost of living is already becoming slightly unbearable, depending on the income of the household that it’s pertaining to. Ideally, you should be able to maintain your warmth through the winter months without having to be too far out of pocket, but that’s not always the case.

Fortunately, while we can’t control what companies are charging for people to live comfortably inside their homes, we can control just how much we are looking after our homes to keep it warm. For example, if you are investing in furnace repair, you might find that your house is more comfortable for longer because you are keeping up with the maintenance of one of the hardest items in the home. That being said, let’s talk about some of the ways that you can warm your home this winter that won’t leave you feeling like you are shivering inside the building.

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1. Prevent the heat from escaping with heavy curtains. Your windows may be beautiful to look outside of, but when the cold air comes into the home, you’re going to have to deal with the heat escaping through the windows. With heavy-lined curtains that extend far below the window frame, you will be able to insulate the windows and keep the warmth where it should be. Whether you buy them from somewhere or you make your own, there are plenty of things that you can do to keep your curtains in place too. You could even add an extra layer with a set of blinds right behind them so that your home is always going to stay warm no matter what.
2. Add some more insulation. Your house should have insulation in both the attic and the ceilings and the walls, but if you are struggling to keep warm, then there’s every chance that the installation just isn’t working the way that it’s supposed to. A well-insulated house is actually able to use up to 45% less energy for both heating and cooling, and that’s not something that you can pass up. Installing insulation should be a priority for you.
3. Seal the gaps. In the average home, there will be more cracks and gaps than any other. It’s usually the equivalent of having a meter-by-a-meter window open all the time if the cracks in your home are not put back together the way they should be. The good news is you don’t have to have a home with cracked walls and cracked ceilings, especially when you can head to your local hardware store and buy the right filler paint and sealant to ensure that the cracks do not widen and get worse.
4. Add some door snakes. You might have seen them before at your grandma’s house, but door snakes can really make a difference to the amount of air that’s coming into the home. You want to be able to keep the heat in and the cold air out, and the easiest way to do it is to ensure that you have rolled up snakes by the door to prevent any leakage. When you do this, you will ensure that your home stays warmer and you feel more comfortable as a result.
5. Keep an eye on your thermostat. You should try to keep your thermostat at a 20° steady temperature all winter long. When you do this, you will be able to maintain a comfortable inside temperature while also feeling comfortable on the outside. If you don’t have a programmable thermostat on your heater, then you should make sure that you have a thermometer in your living area to keep an eye on the temperature.

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6. Keep the doors closed. If you’re not using specific rooms of your home, you do not need to have the doors open. A good way to make sure that you keep the heat in is to shut the doors of the rooms that you are not using so that the heat cannot leak out. It’s not always ideal to have the doors shut for every room, so just make sure that the rooms that you are not using are kept closed and the heat kept sealed inside.
7. Let the sunlight in. While you may want to keep your curtains closed all the time, you do need to let some sunshine in if you want some natural heat to warm the space. If you make a point of opening the window so that the UV radiation passes through the glass, you’ll be able to warm up the space in your home and still feel that throughout the day. Just make sure that as soon as the sun starts going down, you close the curtains so that you can keep that UV radiation trapped inside.
8. Insulate your hot water pipes. You should wrap all of your external pipes in insulating tape to reduce the heat loss that could occur from your hot water tank. When you do this, you ensure that your whole building stays warm and that you are able to maintain hot water and hot showers when you need to.
9. Focus on keeping the people warm, not necessarily the house. It’s so much easier to warm yourself than to warm an entire room, so make sure that everybody in your home is wearing warm slippers and thermals when they are inside. A snuggly jumper can really help to keep their heat in as well, and it could save you hundreds in utility bills.
10. Maintain the heaters. Getting all hot water appliances serviced is important if you want to maintain the heat of your home. It’s vital that you are speaking to professionals about this, however, because you don’t want to try and fix anything like heaters by yourself. That’s where things can definitely go wrong.

The expression ‘new home’ is a weird one, as more often than not, the home isn’t exactly new (even though it is new to you), and may have had several people living there before you. And while moving into a new place is a very exciting time, it can take a while for it to feel like yours – someone else did choose the decor after all!

But that feeling of being in someone else’s home won’t last long, and you’ll soon be putting your own stamp on the place. To help you out, here are 10 simple ways to personalize your new home so you can make it feel more like yours.

Image Credit: Unsplash under Creative Commons

1. Clean from top to bottom

It might sound strange, but sometimes a house doesn’t feel clean until you clean it yourself. And this is especially true when it comes to buying a new home. It’s time to pull up your sleeves and use some elbow grease to clean your house from top to bottom. Pay attention to all the areas that can be overlooked, such as the top of cabinets and above the doors. Use your usual cleaning products to help bring some familiar smells into your new home.

Establishing a regular cleaning routine will soon help you become familiar with your new home, 

2. Change up your entrance

A new entrance is a great way to help give your home a fresh start – think of it as a new chapter for the property. Investing in a full-service entry door replacement will transform the look of your home and give it your own personal touch. You could also add a new house number, and mailbox and dress up the front of your property with plants, flowers, and lights to give you the perfect welcome when you come through the door. 

3. Bring in a new color scheme

One of the simplest ways to transform your home is to paint it. Painting can be an affordable and simple upgrade, helping you to bring your own tastes and personality to your home. Even if it’s just temporary, some fresh paint can make a big difference and help you settle in quickly.

Check out some of this year’s hottest paint trends to help you find some color ideas for your new home.

4. Use fragrance to make it more personal to you

Never underestimate the power of fragrance. Scents are there to be enjoyed, but they can also help bring a sense of familiarity. Fill your new home with your favorite fragrances to help it feel like home. From candles to diffusers, add touches of fragrance all over your new home to enjoy that wonderful familiar feeling when you walk through the door.

5. Put up some photos and prints

Another way to help make your new home feel more like yours is to put up some photos and prints. Make them personal by choosing prints that reflect your interests, and of course – family photos. Adding these touches to your walls will soon make you feel more at ease and comfortable in your new space and is one of the ways you can achieve peak coziness in your home. 

6. Make changes to your window treatments

You may not have given much thought to your windows, but they are a fantastic way to transform your home. Many people leave drapes and shutters behind when they move out, but if they’re not to your taste, then switching them up can make a big difference to how your space looks. Explore some window dressing ideas to give you some inspiration.

7. Refresh your flooring

Unless you’re moving into a home with some luxury wooden floors or tiles, you may want to think about refreshing your flooring when you move into your new space. A fresh new floor feels wonderful, especially when you choose a fluffy new carpet. It can also make your home feel newer, as though nobody else has lived there. 

If new flooring isn’t an option for you, you can always use a carpet cleaner or hire some professional carpet cleaners to help you restore your home’s carpet to its former glory. 

8. Add some houseplants and flowers (or a pet)

Plants and flowers bring some life into your home, which can instantly make it feel warmer and more inviting. You might need to move them around to help find the right space for your houseplants to thrive. You could also consider getting a pet if you don’t have one already – they make excellent companions and will soon turn your house into a home. 

9. Focus on changing one room

Making big changes to your home can become very expensive, especially when you factor in your moving costs. Instead of trying to change every room, why not focus on changing one room? This will give you at least one space that will truly feel your own after your move, and will soon be followed by others. You can move through your home, complete one room at a time to fit your budget and schedule and enjoy getting to know your new home in the process.

10. Start making memories

Finally, the simplest way to personalize your new home is to start making memories in it. From family dinners to parties or even your regular weekend movie night, your new home is just waiting for you to start enjoying it. While you may have fond memories of your previous home, it’s time to start a new chapter and make the most of it with your family.

Moving into a new home can feel unfamiliar and strange – especially during those first weeks and months. When you move into somewhere that’s been lived in before, it can almost feel as though you’re still living in someone else’s house. But making some changes to personalize your home will soon make it feel more familiar, and in no time at all will feel like home. Your home may not be brand new, but it will be to you, and it’s important that you make it feel like your own.

In the ever-evolving landscape of the art world, certain individuals stand out as true connoisseurs, weaving their passion for art into the fabric of their professional lives. Emily McElwreath, the visionary behind McElwreath Art Advisory, is one such luminary making waves in the industry. Her mantra with her clients is that “art collecting is for everyone at any budget”. Visit he website HERE for more information or to book an appointment. You can also email Emily directly emily@mcelwreath.co.

The Artful Journey of Emily McElwreath

Emily’s journey in the art world began with a deep-seated appreciation for creativity and a keen eye for aesthetic excellence. Armed with a background in art history and a natural flair for curation, she founded McElwreath Art Advisory to bridge the gap between art enthusiasts and the captivating world of fine art.

As the founder and principal of her advisory firm, Emily has earned a reputation for her unique approach to art consultancy. Her commitment to understanding the individual tastes and preferences of her clients sets her apart, allowing her to curate collections that resonate with the essence of those who appreciate them.

The Art Career Podcast: A Sonic Canvas

One of the many feathers in Emily’s cap is the The Art Career Podcast. This auditory delight takes listeners on a captivating journey through the art world, offering insights into the minds of artists, art collectors, and industry experts. Emily’s warm and engaging conversational style makes each episode a treat for both seasoned art aficionados and those just beginning to explore the world of fine art.

In her podcast, Emily explores diverse topics, ranging from emerging trends in the art market to the intimate stories behind notable art pieces. The podcast serves as a valuable resource for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the art world.

Connecting Art and Audience

What sets Emily McElwreath apart is not just her expertise in the art advisory realm but also her ability to connect art with its audience. Through her advisory services and podcast, she creates a bridge that brings people closer to the transformative power of art.

In a world that sometimes feels chaotic and uncertain, Emily’s passion for art offers a beacon of inspiration. Whether through her personalized art advisory services or the insightful conversations on her podcast, she continues to shape the art world into a more accessible and enriching experience for all.

In conclusion, Emily McElwreath’s contributions to the art world extend beyond the canvas. Through McElwreath Art Advisory and her podcast, she invites us all to embark on a journey where creativity knows no bounds, and art becomes a timeless conversation between the artist, the artwork, and those who appreciate its beauty.