A cozy home isn’t just about fluffy pillows and warm blankets. In Milton, WI, summer can get quite hot, and winter can be exceptionally cold, so staying ahead of these seasonal changes is crucial. Small adjustments, from keeping things cool in summer to adding extra heat during winter, can make a huge impact too.
These small changes each season will keep your home feeling welcoming throughout the year. So, whether you’re increasing airflow or keeping the cold out, a little planning can go a long way.
Let’s get into what you need to keep your home cozy during each season.
Summer: Make Changes to Keep Things Cool
Summer means long days and warm temperatures, and keeping your home cool can be a challenge. But a few minor adjustments can help you stay comfortable without running up your energy bills.
Keep Your AC in Top Shape
Air conditioning is a godsend in summer, but it can only do its job if it gets some love. Regular AC service helps your system work efficiently and saves energy loss. In addition, a clean and well-kept AC improves indoor air quality by keeping humidity in check.
Hire a company that offers AC maintenance in Milton, WI to keep your AC unit in top shape.
Block Out the Sun
Your rooms can quickly heat up whenever sunshine pours through the windows. Blackout curtains and sun-blocking blinds can eliminate this issue while also reducing your energy costs. Here’s what you can do.
- Close blinds or curtains during the hottest times of the day.
- Use reflective window films block the entry of heat.
- Install outdoor shades or awning to block solar glare.
Create an Outdoor Oasis
Summer is the season to go outside. If you have a small patio or balcony, make it into your version of a cozy retreat, with some seating (preferably comfy), some candles and string lights, and perhaps some potted plants.
Here’s how to set up your outdoor oasis:
· String lights that will make it look warm.
· Make sure you have cushioned chairs or outdoor sofas to lay down on.
· If bugs are an issue, set out citronella candles or natural insect repellents.
Fall: Texture and Warmth
Now that the air has become cooler and the leaves have started to change color, it’s time to prepare your home for fall. Fall is about warm textures, deep colors and a cozy feel. Here’s what to do:
Layer with Warm Fabrics
Autumn is the season of rich fabrics. Replace lightweight summer fabrics with heavier wool, fleece and velvet. Layered furnishings and decor in your living spaces create an instant sense of warmth and invitation. You can:
- Throw drapes over sofas and chairs
- Place cushions to make chairs cozier.
- Pull out thicker duvets and flannel sheets.
Use Warm Lighting to Set the Mood
Lighting is key to setting a cozy mood. As days grow shorter, opt for warm, soft lighting that feels soothing. During cooler months, bright white lights can feel too sterile and cold, so avoid them. Instead, do the following:
- Select table lamps with warm-toned bulbs.
- Decorate with fairy lights for a soft twinkling glow.
- Light a few candles in the evenings for more warmth.
Winter: Stay Warm and Cozy at Home
Winter brings cold days and even colder nights, but your home doesn’t need to be part of that equation. With a few simple transformations, your retreat can be made into a cozy haven.
Seal Out the Cold
Draftproofing your home is the first step toward keeping it warm. Fill any cracks with weather stripping or draft stoppers around windows and doors. Heavy, insulated curtains also can help immensely by reducing heat loss.
Cozy Up with Soft Textiles
When it’s cold outside, you want your home to feel as warm as it can. Choose warmer bed linens and fabrics such as flannel sheets and wool blankets. Area rugs — or better yet, carpets — can be helpful too. Here’s how to set up a cozy space:
· Get area rugs to warm cold floors.
· Place lots of blankets and cushions in the living areas.
· Stack chairs and sofas up with extra pillows for a cozy feel.
Make Use of Your Fireplace
For those who do have a fireplace, now is the time to use it! You’ll have that large roaring fire for heat and that ‘hygge’ feeling. If you’re unable to install a traditional fireplace, try an electric fireplace or heater for a similar ambiance.
Create a Cozy Nook
If you’re spending a lot of time indoors, you really should make your space a pleasurable place to be. Set up a nook where you can cuddle up under blankets and get lost in a good book while enjoying a mug of hot chocolate.
- Include a comfortable chair and a side table.
- Keep a basket of warm throws nearby.
- Keep your favorite winter snacks and drinks nearby.
Spring: A Time to Refresh and Revitalize Your Home
Spring is the season of renewal after a long winter. This is when you want to spruce up your home and prepare it for the warmer months.
Declutter and Deep Clean
After months of closed windows and coziness, spring cleaning is a must. And letting things go helps create a clean space. Deep cleaning also helps clear away any buildup from winter and reenergizes your home.
- Sort through closets and donate the stuff you don’t need anymore.
- Dust, vacuum and wash windows.
- Empty storage spaces for seasonal objects.
Let in Fresh Air and Light
Get fresh air by opening up the windows. Even a few minutes a day can cleanse the air, and leave your home feeling somewhat renewed. Natural light has a way of making everything feel brighter and sunnier too.
The recipe for a cozy home isn’t hidden in big, sweeping changes. It’s about staying ahead of the seasons and making little changes. Don’t wait until it’s freezing to begin plugging drafts or until the heat is intolerable to transition to lighter fabrics.
With some preparation, your home will stay comfortable and inviting year-round — and without the anxiety (or expense) of last-minute adjustments. A snug home isn’t simply an aesthetic. It’s about cultivating a haven where you are comfortable, regardless of outside weather.
