The comforts of Home

Now that the clocks have been turned back and the Hallowe'en decorations stored away, we start thinking of how to make our homes cozier. (Time to put away the macabre candelabras. DIY tip: They came from Homesense and were ivory with a dusting of silver. I just spray painted them black to fit my Hallowe'en décor.) Even if we've programmed our house to be the same temperature summer and winter, we feel a stronger need to nestle as the days get darker and colder. 

You don't need to redo your home with the seasons, carting the "summer accessories" to a dedicated storage room, though I've seen it done. Instead, have a storage bin that holds a few things that come out as seasons change. Pillows can get different covers that evoke light and cool in the summer and richness and warmth in the winter. Blankets and quilts store away well until they're needed, perhaps just layered on a spare bed. Garden themed displays give way to pumpkins and golden hues. 

The most important accessories are those that hold meaning. Look for vintage frames for pictures of loved ones, pick up a special memento of each trip you take, remember a day in the country with a display that will remind you of the fun you had. Move just a few things around to new spots in your home. It's easy to look past something if you see it every day.