As the saying goes, home is where the heart is – and it’s amazing how a little bit of love and attention around the house can improve your wellbeing.
We’re not just talking the typical new year clear-out, deep-cleans and getting organised. But the little things that make all the difference.
From finishing touches like switching your succulents around, grouping plants differently, or hanging them in a different space where there’s plenty of light – and then wondering why in the world you didn’t place them there in the first place, when you notice the happiness it brings every time you walk in the door. This same principle can apply with so many things.
Ways to make your home feel happy this winter
Here’s how to give your home – and yourself – a happiness boost to see you through the rest of winter…
1. Go through your photos and refresh your favourite pictures
Whether you have a nest of photo frames or one or two on a shelf, those moments you’ve captured hold a special place, and it’s funny how we forget to update our displays to reflect what’s going on in our lives right now.
Alternatively, take time out to reflect and look back on the past. Nostalgia makes us feel good and keeping old memories fresh in your mind will make your surroundings feel that much more special.
2. Move the furniture around
If the short gloomy days are getting you down, think about moving the sofa or your favourite cosy chair to face more daylight. Chances are it’s still in the same place as before the clocks moved back, when sunlight streaming through the window was more an irritant causing glare on the TV screen. Now, a little light therapy with a furniture switch-around could work wonders.
3. Cash in on calming candlelight
There’s a reason posh hotels and restaurants always have scented candles burning, no matter the time of day – they look and smell good, and evoke a feeling of wellbeing and happiness. And don’t forget, you can always use LED pillar candles or votives to great effect, especially if you’ve got young kids and prefer to avoid flames.
4. Style up soft materials and layer blankets with cushions, throws and fleeces
Playing with texture and draping blankets along the back of the sofa, maximising those scatter cushions (think about being crafty and making a DIY pillow out of an old knitted jumper), and placing draft excluders at the base of the door (again, being imaginative and using a little’uns soft cuddly toy they’ve grown out of can bring smiles all round) will make everything feel that much cosier and welcoming.
5. Sort out your summer wardrobe
It’s hardly surprising January is the busiest time of year for booking a holiday – it’ something to look forward to and makes us feel good. But even if you haven’t got round to topping up your happiness levels with thoughts of far-flung places, or a big holiday is off the cards this year, sorting your clothes out will. Now’s the perfect time to shift through summer stuff and edit out anything you know you’re never going to wear again… Oh-so satisfying.
6. Pencil in a reading hour
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So many of us love reading, but it’s not always easy to find the time. Snuggling down with a good book is a brilliant form of escapism though, and regular readers say it relaxes them, and helps them feel less stressed and depressed.
According to a survey by Worldbooknight, adults who read for just 30 minutes a week are 20% more likely to report greater life satisfaction. Plus it’s a great excuse to refresh your bookcase, or rearrange those glossy magazines, and get to grips with that novel you squirrelled away years ago.
7. Plant life
We’ve touched on sprucing up your succulents, but don’t forget how mood-boosting houseplants will give your home a whole new look and feel. From a mini herb garden (easy to grow and great for kitchen windowsills) to pots of lavender (excellent for easing stress and aiding sleep), to a Peace Lily (easy to care for and cited as one of the best indoor plants for cleaning and moisturising the air), all greenery looks gorgeous and will breathe new life into any room.
Best-selling blankets
Want a cosier home? Check out our list of best-selling blankets on Amazon!
- Bring a nice warm and stylish look to your room or take it with you to a picnic/garden with this lightweight tartan check print blanket from our Dreamscene range
- Colour: tartan check in an array of modern grey tones - perfect bedroom decor accessories
- Size: 120 x 150 cm - ideal for throw over, couch or sofa
- Silky and Smooth as Milk: Our flannel throw blanket is made of 100% premium microfiber polyester, feel more soft and fluffy than cotton. When you using it duing nap or travel, you will feel very warm...
- Versatile & Pratical: With the mutiple sizes and proper weight, this soft fleece throw blanket could meet your various scenarios uses. Not only it can be used as throw blanket to provide additional...
- No Shedding & No shrinkage: Our flannel throw blanket is machine washable in cold water to save your time and energy. Under treated with a special process, you will never worry about blanket's fabric...
- Snuggle up to this gorgeous super soft waffle effect throw to stay warm and cosy
- Colour: Duck Egg Blue, with a honeycomb design and thick waffle effect
- Size: Double 150 x 200cm (or 59" x 79") - ideal for double bed or throw over settee, couches
- The blanket sofa throw is made of 260 GSM premium fleece, giving it a smooth and comfortable feel on both sides, lightweight but warm, making it the perfect throw blanket for year-round use.
- The fleece throw blanket's durable fabric construction and neat and strong stitching ensure its quality, so it will keep you warm and cozy for years to come.
- The grey single blanket 130x150cm can be used indoors and outdoors - it's perfect for reading on the couch, watching TV with your family, or taking a nap in the office - and it can also be used as...
- A super soft feel fleece throw - thermal, warm and cuddly plush flannel fleece blanket from the Brentfords range. Bring comfort into your home
- Colour: Emerald with tones of green
- Size: 120 x 150 cm - ideal for throw over, couch or sofa with a cosy soft feel
Last update on 2024-05-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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