Interior expert's easy tips for a cosier home while lowering energy bills this winter: 'Cost-effective'

At some point or another, you've probably sat on your well-worn couch, staring out of the same old window, at those same old walls, wondering what you can do to add a bit more pizzazz to your home style as winter approaches. You may come up with all kinds of ideas for changes you'd like to make but budget can often be the thing that stops your grand plans in their tracks.

While it's a disheartening thought, there are simple ways to update your home without spending a tonne of cash, and some that can even potentially save you money as the colder months creep up on us. The Easter long weekend offers the perfect opportunity to make some changes to your decor that will make your home cosier - and some of the tips may surprise you.

Australian interiors expert Jordyn Crawford tells Yahoo Lifestyle that “layers” are the key to creating a “cosy, lived-in vibe” - think blankets, pillows and a variety of textures in your living space, and that one particular area you can focus on is your window furnishings.

“Coupling a block-out blind with a sheer curtain adds dimension and interest to your space,” Jordyn tells us.

“Layering your blinds elevates the look of your home, whilst also making it warmer.”

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How to make your home feel cosier all year

It needn’t cost a fortune, but Jordyn adds that “investing in the perfect window furnishings” makes sure your home “feels cosy all year round”.

If you’re looking for inspiration in this space, you don’t need to look far. DIYBlinds offers a wide selection of blinds, shutters, curtains and more that can help you achieve the look you’re after without breaking the bank - and they even have thermal insulating blockout blinds or lined curtains that can help regulate indoor temperatures.

Adding to the appeal, the right sort can even reduce your reliance on heating and cooling, in turn lowering your energy bills.

Jordyn is also an advocate for using “rich warm tones” to create a cosier atmosphere inside.

“A cost-effective way to incorporate the season into your styling is by rotating small decor items in seasonal tones,” she explains.

“For winter, think chocolate brown, deep greens, burgundy or rust.”

Tips for finding the right curtains for your home

If you’re interested in framing your windows in these earthy hues, DIYBlinds offers a range of free samples so you can try them before you buy.

The brand experts suggest experimenting with lighting by folding the swatches and holding them to the window to see them in different conditions.

“Feel the fabric of each sample to gauge its texture and thickness and hold it against your walls, furniture, and other samples to see how colours complement or contrast,” they say.

“Don’t forget to check the back of the fabric. What it looks like from the outside can make a big difference to your home’s street appeal.”

Warming tones available for the brand’s range of sheer curtains include Burleigh Kelp, Burleigh Dusk and Burleigh Shell, as well as Alexandra Gravel, Centennial Stone and Aesop Flint.

If you’ve got a small space, you might prefer to opt for a neutral or textured fabric, with the pros suggesting they keep things light and bright, particularly in low-light spaces.

Other ways to make your home feel warmer this winter

With your windows sorted, what else can you do to create a cosier vibe at home?

“Another cost-effective way to make your home feel cosy for winter is to use candles or diffusers with warm, comforting scents,” Jordyn, who goes by @jkcurated on TikTok, suggests.

“Woody and spicy notes are perfect for the cooler months," she says, revealing that she loves the $37 Huon soy candle in Spiced Cocoa & Sassafras from Adelaide Hills candle company Etikette.

Finally, the interior designer says the right kind of light is key to creating an inviting ambience and dazzling overhead bulbs are a no-go.

“Warm soft lighting is perfect for your cosy nights in during winter,” Jordyn concludes. “Use lamps and candlelight to create a calming environment.”

If you get a quote from DIYBlinds during their Easter Sale they will honour a 15 per cent discount across blinds, curtains, and shutters for 30 days - so you can plan now and lock in the savings when you’re ready.

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