Go for the Gold: Medal-Winning Looks to Warm Up Your Home

Just when we need it most, when the doldrums of winter have settled in and we’re feeling a bit too much malaise, it’s time for some excitement. We’re getting ready to settle into evenings glued to the heart-pounding drama and inspirational stories of the Winter Olympics.

No doubt that the sight of all that snow and ice will make you want to get cozy on your couch for the better part of a fortnight. But are your gathering spaces up to the task? There’s still plenty of winter ahead, so now is the time to spruce up your lounge with some looks that will warm up your home and help you relax in total comfort.

First, take a look at your couch. Even if it’s not in the best condition, or isn’t your favorite color, there are plenty of additions that can make it more inviting. Throw pillows and blankets are a great place to start. Consider light blues and off-whites for an icy winter feel. Make sure your blankets are cozy and soft — knits are always welcome this time of year. Natural wood end tables will give your space a homey feel, and you can find a local wood-turner that will make a bespoke piece to fit your vibe.

This modern living room shows coordinated pillows and fabrics to transform the look. Featuring Bellawood Artisan Florence White Oak engineered hardwood flooring.

If your family room also has a fireplace, first of all, lucky you. Maximize the glow of that hearth with wood accents, like a live edge mantle or a vintage wooden blanket rack. Arrangements of candles or even LED lanterns and light fixtures can bring some warmth even when you’re not starting a fire.

An elegant way to store firewood creates the ultimate hygge chalet feeling. A built-in shelf is great if you have the space, but a nice dark metal hopper or wooden basket will make for comforting accents as well.

This living room shows bright color accents and LED candles on mantel shelf, 5 in. wide Weatherly Oak solid hardwood floor by Bellawood Artisan.

Also, pay close attention to the color you’ve chosen for your walls. Perhaps the off-white shade that came with the house looked just fine and you never really considered changing it. But if you want to curate a cozy feeling in that lounge space, consider a warmer color like a mustard yellow. Or, follow the lead of Team USA and go for gold. Metallic wallpaper or accent walls do a wonderful job of catching and reflecting candlelight and gives a warming glow to a dimly lit room.

This bold living room uses several tricks to bring life into the design, with accented walls, bright textiles and furniture, and Verona Myrtle rigid vinyl plank flooring from CoreLuxe.

Finally, make sure your light fixtures are outfitted with the correct bulbs. There’s no need for harsh lighting in your living room. Make sure your bulbs are soft whites (something around 2700 K) for that moody orange-gold glow that will make you want to sink into your sofa and not get up until the final stone has been curled!

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