Winter is knocking at the door, and pretty soon it will be time to make a complete wardrobe switch from the cool cottons to the warm woolen textures. Getting your home ready for the winter chill is no different from the way you prepare yourself for the cold. One of the delights of the holiday season is curling up in that cozy chair next to the fireplace as you dig into that bestseller you’ve put off reading for way too long. Of course, the lazy ones among us turn the couch into a makeshift bed and then spend many hours in front of the TV. Either way, it’s time to start planning for the season ahead!

Beating the cold winters is all about indulging in cozy textures and warm hues, along with keeping our interiors airy and fresh. Here are a few simple ways to enjoy those snowy mornings and frosty evenings without losing our inner glow. It is time to take the chill off of this winter!

1. Cozy Winter Throws

Winter is the time to pamper yourself with soft, cozy and comfortable textiles and textures. Add fabric and decor that incorporates wool, sheepskin, faux fur or even velvet. If you’ve saved up to buy a seasonal treat, bring home a lovely cashmere throw. Resist the urge to confine these snug goods to the bedroom alone. Stuff your couch with additional throw pillows and make sure that your home exudes visual warmth as well.

2. Insulate Against the Chill

This important tip transcends the realm of decor–it’s simply one of those basics you should never forget. If you live in a region where you are already starting to feel a chill in the air, then NOW is the time to check all those windows and doors for any leaks. Insulate in every possible manner and add some window drapes and blinds to reduce the loss of heat. Not only will your efforts allow you to enjoy a warmer winter, they will reduce your energy bill big time!

3. Plush Rugs for the Floors

Add a few lovely area rugs that not only keep your feet warm, but also bring in color and character. Choose rugs that fit the existing style and color scheme of your home. Bare wooden or tile floors can be quite unforgiving as winter starts to set in. Navajo textile rugs and blankets are perfect for winter, and they give your home a cozy cabin feel.

4. Luxurious Layers in the Bedroom

This one probably goes without saying, but there are plenty of ways to make your bedroom look warm and fuzzy without going overboard. While several different layers of bedding (including quilt covers and comforters) often work for the bed, make sure the rest of the room also gets a winter makeover. Add some interesting lighting and fill the empty corner with a stylish new accent chair. Winter is a season when you realize that having a small bedroom is not necessarily a bad thing!

5. Get the Woodsy Look

Ever been to a lovely cabin in the woods with snow-covered slopes right outside the window? One of the things that makes those cabins so special is the overload of ‘wood’ indoors. Wood has an undeniable natural warmth, and adding wooden accessories to your interior will create an inviting look this winter. A few new wooden cabinets, a stylish new dining table, or even a simple coffee table in natural wood should do the trick.

6. The Magical Fireplace!

Speaking of those lovely cabins tucked away near the ski slopes, the fireplace is an addition that is obviously an absolute must! Nothing brings warmth home like the fireplace, and its glow fills the room with a radiance that makes winters all the more special. Whether it’s a snowy Christmas morning or a fun New Year’s party, all of those memories and moments would simply be incomplete without the warmth of the fire. A natural stone fireplace is visually stunning, but a sleek, modern substitute also gets the job done with contemporary style!

7. Add Some Organic Greenery

There are two schools of thought on this one. While some love to add a bit of natural freshness with flowers and organic green hues to balance the seasonal changes outside, others love to follow nature’s lead and go all white. If you are among the former, then it’s best to add some gentle greens, along with a lovely vase arrangement featuring the fresh flowers of your choice. Adding fabric accents in rich green shades accentuates this look all the more.

8. Balanced Winter Whites

Then there are those who love the snow white look, and it works well as long as you balance the room with some rich shades and warm colors. You might want to think twice about incorporating a stark, all-white look during winter, as it can quickly become a touch too sterile and cold. Decorating with birch logs, pine cones or even white coral is fine, but give you interior a hint of life with a dash of rich purple, bright orange or vibrant red.

9. Warm Colors for the Walls

Many of us feel that paint is the best way to prepare for the season ahead. From both an aesthetic point of view and an economic one, this choice is often spot on. Most of us cannot make major changes to furnishings ahead of every season, and hence a simple paint job does the trick. Your home looks instantly trendy, and it will not burn a hole through your pocket. Fire-inspired tones are the way to go this winter with gold making a grand comeback.

10. Romance of Candlelight!

Flickering candlelight can turn the dreary and freezing winter night into a magical and intimate setting. Don’t worry if you can’t get the fireplace ready in time for the winter. Just use a few candles to usher in a charming warm glow! Of course, keeping candles around means you need to follow a few basic safety precautions. A few exquisite candle lanterns should solve that problem in no time.

Getting your home all dressed up for winter starts now. Not only will a little head start give you plenty of time to get the look you want, it will help you in planning for the family Thanksgiving dinner and Christmas celebrations as well. So how winter-ready is your home?