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HomeScaping Interior design and decor

By Amber Barz

1 Stock up on candles.Wafts of cinnamon, vanilla or caramel suggest that something delicious just came out of the oven, and who doesn’t love that? While fresh baked goods are delightful, candles are calorie free, plus flickering candlelight helps relieve stress after a long day.

2 Add soft throws and pillows.It’s hard to have too many plush toss pillows and soft

throws when the chill is on. Choose a variety of patterns and textures in richer, more saturated shades than you use in the warmer

months. Drape throws casually over sofas and chairs and know that, as temperatures drop, they

will be happily used.

3 Change out accessories.Natural materials are always crowd-pleasers. Add

bouquets of dried flowers or scented potpourri to side tables. Replace artwork of summer scenes with winter

wonderlands.

4 Pile on rugs.Define seating areas with the addition of a soft, thick area

rug. Warm up the floor bedside with a faux sheepskin. Layer rugs on top of carpeting or over hard floors. The added cushioning feels great underfoot.

5 Swaddle the bed.Banish lightweight linens in favor of heavier ones, and toss on pillows made from textured fabrics, such as corduroy or faux fur. A spare blanket folded at the bottom of the bed looks nice, plus it’s practical when the temperature drops.

Quick tip

Look to the hearthIf you have a fireplace, give it center stage in fall and winter, arranging furniture around the

hearth to create an intimate gathering spot. The mantel claims focal point status with

oversize accessories, such as a framed mirror, tall candlesticks and sculptural accent pieces.

Cozy up!5 quick ways to make a room feel warm

Never underestimate the role of color in warming up or cooling off a room. Reds, oranges and yellows are stim-ulating, psychologically hot hues that appear to move toward us, while a pale blue can make an interior seem eternal-ly shade-washed and cool. Deep jewel tones and earthy classics such as gold, orange and brown help anchor a space and foster a sense of intimacy.

On chilly or gray days, a touch of color can be just the trick, and you can turn up the heat on any decorating palette. For instance, note how nicely gold can pair with gray — like gold with silver. Other accents for gray might include rusty orange or plum. If your rooms are a symphony of taupe and cream, warm up with dollops of rust, merlot, amber and burgundy.

Color’s hot!