Let's face it, we don't usually get a break from Old Man Winter during the days of cold and darkness that stretch from January through March. Home can begin to feel more like a sentence than a safe haven. But, it doesn't have to be "crying time."
A cheery visage and a touch of whimsey go a long way toward making home a safe and welcoming retreat during this stretch of winter. With a few dollars and a bit of time, you can complete some projects to brighten up your home as you button it up for winter. Winter may have started early this season, but you still have a chance to have a little fun with it.
Light up Your Life
One of the best things you can do to put a smile on your face is to present a happy home face to the street. Make certain that your home's lighting is bright and effective. If your entry lighting is dull and outdated, replace fixtures with stylish new ones. For the safety of your family and of guests, make certain that sidewalks, steps, driveways and paths are clearly delineated and lighted properly. Consider motion-activated lighting at your garage entrance, so that even on a dark day, there is plenty of light.
A line of solar lights along the driveway is a great way to mark the boundaries, even when the snow is falling. Guests will appreciate light on the subject as well if they have to navigate slippery walks and steps to get to your front door. With the variety of economical options available today, there is no reason to skimp on the light.
Always Something to Celebrate
Just as blooming flowers and new greenery signal spring, it can be uplifting in the middle of winter to encounter color in the yard, at the door or on the front porch. The major holidays may be over, but a brightly-clothed "snowman" pointing the way to the door would prompt a smile from any visitor. Consider a craft store stuffed version, or craft a cutout from plywood and leftover paint. Dress him up with outgrown clothes and a snappy muffler.
Also, keep a wreath on your door -- just change the bow to mark the passage of time -- bright plaid in January, red as Valentine's Day approaches, green for March in anticipation of St. Patrick's Day. A simple grapevine wreath will suffice, but get as creative as you wish.
Yard Art -- Involve the Kids
Whirligigs, bird feeders, small wooden carvings set on fence posts -- they all add interest and whimsey to a yard covered with snow, or clothed in drab, brown grass. Anything that adds color and personality to the home is a welcome addition during the winter.
You have most likely already completed your pre-winter home maintenance routine this year, but in preparation for spring, take advantage of those moderate, dry days to built some new wooden planter boxes or spray paint clay pots with bright new tones. Sand and refinish wood and metal garden furniture and get a head start on the planting season by poring over seed catalogs and garden magazines.
Plan to plant a vegetable garden, and develop a timetable for seeding and harvesting.
Dream Up a New Look
Because the long days of winter are perfect for getting comfy indoors, spend the time surfing the internet for home improvement ideas that you can undertake when the weather is warmer. Start a Pinterest board to collect your ideas. New color palettes for fashion, home furnishings and paint have recently been introduced by major manufacturers; new and innovative products are on the horizon for kitchens and baths, and if your entry door, shutters, siding and porch railings could use updating, now is the time to plan ahead.
Trendy new hues in home design tend to point the way to softer and more neutral tones. Sea, sky and sand tones, with some brighter, darker, bolder accents could point the way to a whole new home scheme. Green is an emerging color choice as well as an environmental consideration.
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