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Counter the February Gloom with Warm Accents

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Q. Help! My home is gloomy like the weather. Do you have any suggestions to warm up my space? – Jessica from Greenwood Village, CO

A. The month of February is still filled with chilly outside gloom, but when skies are gray your home does not have to be. Create warmth with accents that invoke happy thoughts and memories, because nothing counters gloominess like a warm smile.

Start with treasured, personal pieces. Vacation photographs, family heirlooms or special souvenirs are great items to use as a starting point. If you need to frame pictures or pieces of art, stick to wooden or pewter frames as they create more warmth.

As you look to add other accent pieces, try gold, brass, copper, silver or pewter. From lamps and lights to furnishing and cabinet hardware, metallic radiates light and will give your pieces a little
spark. Next, try natural elements and foliage. There are numerous ways to bring greenery and wooden features into your home such as plants, wreathes and table arrangements. Try special arrangements over the hearth where you can see the display as you spend winter nights reading or conversing with family in front of the fire. Additionally, fresh flowers arranged on kitchen counters and dining tables will remind you that spring will
be arriving soon.

When you are ready to add some color, take in your surroundings, blend with your current décor and choose colors that are easy to live with. It is okay to pick “intense” colors, but keep them muted and deep, avoiding anything too bright. Following this rule will help you create a home that is comfortable and lets you relax. A great way to add color is by warming up your furnishings through pillows, throws, quilts and afghans that invite cuddling. Besides choosing the right soft colors, utilize cozy and soft fabrics such as velvets, mohair and chenille. Layer the fabrics for more richness and texture. If pillows and throws are not enough, use slipcovers that can be removed from furnishings upon spring’s arrival.

Turn to rugs. Well-worn oriental rugs portray a “homey” feel. By layering a couple, or several, of these rugs you can add dimension and elegance. You can even add a colorful rug at the front door to create a warm invitation for guests to step into your home. Finally, you can try sheepskins and hides for an always-inviting and comfortable look. Soft light is what makes a home livable, so indulge your senses with candles and lamps with warm incandescent light bulbs. Lamps provide a more intimate ambiance than overhead lighting. If you must use overhead lights, try dimmer switches.

Candles not only soften any room, they are a great way to add scents of vanilla or cinnamon to bring on a sense of comfort. Try candles in these scents placed in front of a mirror that will magnify the candles’ reflections and create more warmth.

Embrace your views. There’s no need to shut out the outside gloom completely when you can embrace it with large contemporary windows, possibly with warm wood trim. Rich drapes can help create warmth, but leave them open during the day, only shutting out the nightly cold.

Finally, don’t forget to create your space with smiles and laughter. You will not only warm up your room, you will warm up your life, chasing away any chilly gloom.