On cold winter nights, there is nothing better for the soul than nestling with friends and family in a home that’s cozy, warm and welcoming. No one knows this better than the Scandinavians, who have taken the concept of snug and inviting and made it into an art form.

In countries like Sweden, Denmark and Norway, the winters are long, starting as early as October and lasting until April or May. Snow blankets the land and temperatures remain well below freezing. On the days it can be seen, the sun remains low in the sky and sets before 4p.m. In this type of climate, inviting and comfortable surroundings are not a choice, they are a necessity. So much of a necessity, that there’s actually a word that describes the idea of comfy and snug – koselig.

Koselig (pronounced kush-lee) can be loosely translated as cozy, but it means much more than that. Take the best parts of Christmas and combine them with a roaring fire in a timbered ski lodge and throw in the feeling you get when you wear your favorite sweater and you’ll have an idea of what koselig means. It goes without saying that when it comes to getting through winter in style, koselig is the way to go.

This article demonstrates some of the best and easiest ways to make your home absolutely koselig this winter. So, grab that comfy throw and a cup of hot chocolate and let’s get started!

1. Use Warm Layers of Light

Humans are creatures of light. We react emotionally to the light that we see. If you don’t believe this, think about how harsh fluorescent lighting makes you feel. Now, think about firelight. See the difference?

One of the easiest ways to make your home feel cozy and warm is by using warm light that’s layered. Use dimmer switches on overhead and ceiling lights to create ambiance and try three-way bulbs in table and floor lamps. Also remember that string lighting is not only for the holidays. Use strings of white lights along bookcases, cabinets and archways to create a comfortable and warm look that will drive away that winter chill.

2. Bring on the Textiles

In the Middle Ages, people put beautiful tapestries on their walls to keep them warmer. Today, you can do the same thing by using rugs and blankets around your home.

Start in your entryways. Rugs, runners and mats near your entry doors not only sop up the wet from winter boots and shoes. They also set a warm and welcoming tone for your family and guests when they come in from outside. There’s a reason that they’re called welcome mats.

If you have hardwood floors, you can never have too many rugs, especially in places that people don’t expect them. Place a rug under your kitchen table to keep feet warm and comfortable. Rugs in your bathrooms covering up cold tile floors are also a nice touch.

Don’t forget using textiles on the surfaces in your home. Use seasonal runners and mats on tabletops, counters and dressers. Have plenty of throws and comfy blankets on the backs of couches and chairs.

Use floor-length drapes as window coverings. They not only provide additional insulation value, they also make you feel more insulated from the frightful weather outside.

In addition, remember that drapes aren’t only for windows. A strategically placed set of drapes in an archway or foyer can make a room feel much more cozy and intimate. When not in use, they can be swagged back and still look good.

3. Where There’s Fire, There’s Warmth

If you have a fireplace or wood stove in your home, you already have the #1 way to make your home koselig this winter. Nothing feels better or is more inviting that the heat, warmth and light of a fire. Keeping wood and fire tools near the fireplace contributes to the good vibes, even when the fire is out.

If you have a fireplace, don’t forget about your mantle. It’s the perfect place to deck out in more textiles, candles and knickknacks that add to that welcoming feeling.

Speaking of candles, you don’t need a fireplace to get the warm feeling of firelight in your home. Candles are a wonderful way to make any room in your home feel more snug and cozy. Use candles of different sizes, from tea lights to pillars, to create a mood that will make your family and guests feel warm and comfortable inside no matter how cold and dark it gets outside.

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and if you’re like me, you might be wondering how you can celebrate safely this year amid the pandemic…Many of us will forgo our usual traditions and spend this holiday away from our extended family and friends. But that doesn’t mean you can’t think outside of the box and create new traditions. This year is an opportunity to switch things up and show your family, friends, and community all of the ways that you’re thankful for them – even if it can’t be done in person. Below are a few creative ideas to help you celebrate Turkey Day, 2020-style.

This year, we are encouraged to celebrate Thanksgiving “al fresco”, as outdoor gatherings are deemed significantly safer than indoor ones. And with the forecast showing plenty of sunshine and a high of 63 degrees in the Sacramento area, it’s not totally out of the question. So grab some outdoor heaters, crank up that fire pit and throw on a sweater and warm attire for a memorable outdoor celebration. If you are celebrating with different households, create a potluck station where each household can take turns loading up on their favorite dishes. Check out some of the below essentials—from kitchenware to décor – for a successful outdoor gathering. You might find that you already have some of these items lying around the house…

Outdoor Heaters Fire pit Throw Blankets Stainless Steel Coffee Urn Hot Chocolate Bar Slow Cookers Champagne/wine bucket stand Folding Tables

Folding Chairs DIY Thanksgiving Place Cards Thanksgiving Centerpiece Festive Chargers Stemless Wine Glasses Flatware collection Dinner Napkins

 

 

 

If you are unable to celebrate with extended family and friends, consider organizing a virtual Thanksgiving experience with your loved ones. Not sure how to set up a Zoom call? Check out this helpful guide.

Recipe Swap: Participate in a Thanksgiving recipe swap, where you can share your favorite recipes, test them out and set up a Zoom call for a taste test challenge! You can easily exchange family recipes online using one of these existing Google Doc templates.

Game Night: Who loves game night? Host a virtual game night with these 10 kid-friendly games (Thanksgiving themed of course) that can be played easily from behind the screens. You can also make a game out of these Thanksgiving Trivia questions, where the winner receives an e-gift card or prize of your choice.

Macy’s Parade: For many of us, watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade together is a favorite tradition, and this year they are going virtual. So why not go virtual as well and watch along with your extended family and friends using Zoom or FaceTime? Find out how you can tune in here.

Zoom Dinner: Last but certainly not least, consider hosting a virtual Thanksgiving dinner with loved ones that are not able to attend using Zoom or Facetime. Set up a call using your phone or laptop and share your meal as you normally would, go around the table and say what you are thankful for, catch up with the family…the possibilities are endless!

This Thanksgiving, it’s especially important to help those in need as many have been affected by this pandemic, both health-wise and financially. Below are some ways that you can donate your time, money, and resources to charitable organizations, businesses, and community members.

Support Our Local Restaurants: Many of our local restaurants are especially hurting during this time. Consider ordering takeout this year at one of your favorite spots. Check out Sac Bee’s list of restaurants that are offering delicious Thanksgiving feasts. OpenTable® also has a growing list of its own—see what made the list here.

Help Out a Neighbor in Need: Volunteer to go grocery shopping for a neighbor or friend who may be at-risk or elderly.

Donate to a Food Bank or Shelter: Find a local food kitchen or shelter that may need your help this year. Donate your time or money to the Sacramento Food Bank here or a local shelter here.

Give Back to our Furry Friends: Our furry friends need love too! Volunteer, donate, or adopt a pet at a local shelter, including The Sacramento SPCA or the Front Street Animal Shelter.

Run to Feed the Hungry (Virtual Event): Participate in the Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services’ first-ever, Virtual Run to Feed the Hungry event.

Meals on Wheels: Find a Meals on Wheels near you and sign up to volunteer. This widespread organization is committed to supporting our senior neighbors to live healthier and more nourished lives in their own homes.

 

Sending warm, heartfelt wishes from my home to yours this Thanksgiving!

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed what many people are looking for in their homes—and, as such, it’s shifted major home and design trends.

And it looks like many of those trends are going to continue long after the pandemic is over.

A recent article from realtor.com outlined the pandemic-related housing and design trends that are likely to stick around post-COVID, including:

• A shift to the suburbs. Many city dwellers are leaving crowded urban areas in search of more space in the suburbs—and now that more companies are going remote (and workers aren’t tied to any particular city), it’s likely that trend is going to continue.
• Clean and cozy design. People are spending more time at home than ever before—and they’re trying to make their homes feel as clean, cozy, and comfortable as possible. Open floor plans, lighter wall colors, decluttering, and simple design accents are on trend right now—and are likely to continue to be on trend moving forward.
• Prime outdoor space. Because people are home so often, having an outdoor space is more important than ever—and backyards and other outdoor spaces are primed to be one of the most in-demand home features for buyers well into 2021 (and beyond).

So, what does this mean for you? Whether you’re thinking about selling your home today or sometime after the pandemic subsides, it’s important to understand the most in-demand trends; that way, you can frame your property in a way that appeals to potential buyers—and have a more successful home sale as a result.

Putting your home on the market this winter? Set the stage by evoking a warm and welcoming vibe that makes would-be buyers want to hang up their coats, kick off their boots, and stay awhile. The following are amenities that prove winter really can be the most wonderful time of the year.

1. Fire pit

Create a covetable outdoor space with the help of a fire pit. Whether it’s made of stone and serves as a permanent fixture or is a movable and affordable centerpiece for backyard S’mores-making, adding the element of fire ups the charm factor immediately.

2. Hot tub

Wait, is this a home or a five-star resort? Watching steam rise from a frothy hot tub on a chilly afternoon or evening makes anyone want to move right in! Giving a place the spa treatment, will remind home-shoppers that with this luxurious item on the premises, winter can last as long as it likes.

3. Home theater

Especially during the winter, playing up the ability to have a blast indoors does wonders for buyers’ peace of mind (more so if they’re parents). A home theater, even on a smaller scale (think flat screen and an old-fashioned popcorn maker), helps visitors envision themselves and their families spending time indoors and in style.

4. Fireplace

It’s almost impossible to resist the hypnotic allure of a roaring fire. If a home has this feature, by all means, strike a match and watch that property heat up!

5. In-home wine bar

Baby, it’s cold outside — so why leave the house? This wine bar is one way to keep spirits merry and bright. It also conjures up thoughts of hosting holiday parties and gatherings as new owners envision celebrating and showing off their place.

6. Hot cocoa bar

On the other end of the spectrum, but no less festive, a hot cocoa bar offers a sweet welcome all ages can enjoy. Placed in the kitchen, dining room, family room, or foyer, this treat station makes you feel comfortable and right at home.

7. Highlight energy-efficient upgrades

In addition to being comfortable temperature-wise, if a home is as energy-efficient as possible, that’s something buyers will definitely want to know — and remember. Creating a list of any upgrades to windows, doors, HVAC units, and the roof, as well as the installation of energy-saving appliances, means more money in buyers’ pockets and less going out the window.

With people spending more time at home, home renovations are on the rise in 2020—and that includes bathroom renovations.

But what are this year’s top bathroom renovation trends? According to Houzz’s 2020 U.S. Bathroom Trends study, some of the biggest trends in bathroom renovations for 2020 include:

Renovating for increased relaxation. Many homeowners are renovating their bathrooms to make their space more relaxing. Two out of five homeowners report using their bathroom as a space to relax, with the bathtub (55 percent) being the most relaxing feature.

Shower accent walls. White is still the go-to color for bathrooms—but more homeowners are getting adventurous with their designs. 37 percent reported adding an accent wall to their shower area. The most popular ways to make a shower accent wall stand out include different surface material (51 percent), color (45 percent), and using pattern (44 percent).

Switching up the lighting. Arguably the most common swap during a bathroom renovation? Lighting. Four out of five renovating homeowners reported changing their lighting during a bathroom renovation.