With days growing shorter and breezes cooler, it’s time to think about the comforts of home. Even if you’re a winter sports fan with plans to spend most of your free time on the slopes, there’s still a lot to be said for a warm and welcoming nest at day’s end; those of us who aren’t all that intrepid are likely to be spending a good bit of time indoors, if not quite hibernating. Planning ahead for a change or two that will help you fall in love with your dwelling all over again will go a long way to keep that nasty old cabin fever from setting in during the chilly months. Here are some ideas we love.
1. nifty nooks
Is a home without a special favorite corner really a home at all? You probably find yourself drawn to a specific spot when you want to relax, maybe because there’s a window with a view or it’s out of the way of traffic.
Consider perfecting that spot before winter sets in. A comfy chair that you can sink into, shelf space nearby for books or maker-supplies, a table to hold your beverage, and a decent lap desk are all wonderful components, and available in so many styles and types that it’s easy to mix, match, and create something that feels right for you.
Consider the options at Bare Furniture in Accord, where you can pick your own finish on solid wood shelves and occasional tables. Don’t see exactly what you want? Bring your dream idea to affiliated company A&G Custom Furniture.
A comfy chair that you can sink into, shelf space nearby for books or maker-supplies, a table to hold your beverage, and a decent lap desk are all wonderful components.
2. straight to the heart
It’s been said that the kitchen is the heart of the home, and long winter afternoons are ideal for simmering a soup. And with the holidays coming, if your plans include entertaining, your kitchen will likely play a prominent role.
Like windows and doors, appliances have come a long way in energy-efficiency and user-friendliness. If you’re ready for an upgrade, it’s a great time to shop around. And if you’re tired of your kitchen’s overall look, think about fresh new cabinetry (here again, there are some cool new innovations out there to make storing food and utensils easier than ever) or a fresh countertop and backsplash.
Creative professionals like the design team at Cabinet Designers in Kingston or H. Jarvis in Accord will help you assess what you’ve got, what you want, and the best way to get there, whether you’re looking for specific targeted updates or a complete kitchen redesign.
With the holidays coming, if your plans include entertaining, your kitchen will likely play a prominent role.
3. snug it up
If you’re dealing with windows and doors that are a couple of decades old, there’s a whole new world of innovation out there that can help you keep your beloved views and natural light while losing those annoying drafts and saving on your energy bills.
Replacing windows and doors is that rare renovation that actually adds serious value to your home; nobody likes high energy bills, after all. Our local family-owned home centers such as Williams Lumber and Home and Herzog’s Home and Paint Centers have great selections of the latest state-of-the-art choices and expert designers who can help you choose the products that will serve you well all year round. If a complete replacement isn’t in the cards this year, there are less drastic measures that can make a big difference. Look into caulking or weather stripping around windows and doors to stop those chilly breezes. You can also add a double-glazing system made of optical grade acrylic to your existing windows, or replace window treatments with your choice of drapes, blinds, shades, or shutters designed to improve energy efficiency.
4. re-creating recreation
If you have a spare room or basement space that’s basically just collecting clutter, think about making it into a game room or media room that will make all that indoor time more enjoyable. Here again, the only limit is your space and your imagination. A Hudson Valley design professional like Jason Jones of Ingrained Building Concepts in Rhinebeck can help you put those two elements (and your budget) together in ways that will enhance your home, not only for this winter, but for all seasons.
