Sometimes it seems that I’d like to wave a magic wand and change everything around me. That got me onto thinking about all the physical things that we could change to make life a little more comfortable. It’s not that we don’t love our stuff, it’s just that sometimes it would be nice to replace it with something new or just a bit more sumptuous. So, why not make a wish list for all those things we’d change if we could. Things that might help us feel more comfortable more cozy at this time of year. Put it all on your New Year Wish List. It’ll be interesting to see how many we achieve and how many we manage to do without.
Snug up in the Bedroom
Right at this time of year I am going to begin in the bedroom. At the back of my mind, this bedroom is the place we can come to and shut the door on the world. At the centre of it all is the bed of your dreams. It doesn’t matter too much about the bed frame itself, but who wouldn’t want a real headboard that was comfortable to lean back against?
Getting the mattress right is vital. You’ll want to make sure the mattress is up there with the best mattresses of 2016. No one would want to have back pain, or be uncomfortable trying to get to sleep, so it’s important to get a mattress that you can feel good about. Most people sleep on the same mattress for ten years or more, so, all in all, it’s a pretty significant investment. I think it pays the get the best quality that you can. There are a range of good options out there. Try and get a feel for the one that suits you best.
Complete the mattress with some top drawer pillows and matching bedding sets. Pillows are another item that is important to get right. You want to feel that your neck is properly supported.
Many people love the feel of pure cotton, although it can be a nuisance if you have to iron it, but there is nothing like the feeling of climbing into a freshly made bed. It would be nice to have some soft carpet underfoot and the windows should have good quality drapes that shut out the light.
Bathroom luxury
Most of us could spend a lot of time in the right bathroom. So why not place a full size deep antique bath up there on your wish list. Maybe you could get some lovely old piece enamelled. It might be nice to put an entire bathroom renovation on the wish list! In fact, the whole bathroom could be effectively done with big tiles on the floor and a lovely towel rail warming up the bath sheets. There’d be good mirror too and a facility for music. Storage is important in any bathroom, and it would be good to have some recessed shelves to take some sumptuously scented candles and lovely bath salts. For those days when nothing but a power shower will do, choose a walk in wet room. Here you can let the powerful shower head do its stuff without worrying much about splashing around.
In the Kitchen
Kitchens should be the heart of the home. This is the place to hang out and come together. Comfort, after all, isn’t just about sitting or lying in a comfortable position. It’s the comfort from being in a place where you can share good food. Some people prefer an ultra modern kitchen with clean lines, and others are happier with a more traditional feel. Choose whatever look makes you feel better.
It’d be great to have those gadgets around that make you feel good. How about an all singing and dancing coffee machine? One with all the bells and whistles? You can’t beat the smell of fresh coffee! A pizza oven would be another addition that would make the kitchen a real centre of sharing. A lovely dining table acts as another centre of attraction. Standing islands and breakfast bars are a great way to bring people together.
I’d love to have doors that opened out onto the patio or deck. You could place some super woven cane furniture, and maybe even a hammock and porch swing outside. Perhaps there would be a pergola, just to catch a little shade.
Laying Out in the Lounge
It doesn’t make any difference what the time of the year is, the lounge and living space is a vital part of your home. You want to feel comfortable here and have the furnishings around you that reinforce that feeling. My choice would be a great sofa or couch that you could curl up and lose yourself. I’d have it covered in a neutral shade with washable covers! Cushions always help with the comfort factor. Floor cushions can be fun. So it would be important to me to have a comfortable floor covering and carpet. If I couldn’t stretch to a new suite, then how about investing in some throws and cushions to give it a new lease of life?
It would be great to have the chance to put up some fresh color on the walls. Matching and complementary colors both work well. Try and emphasise warmth and light as you want any space here to be inviting but spacious.
Depending on your taste, let yourself go with the entertainment system of your dreams. What could be more comforting than curling up and indulging in a great movie or series that you are hooked on?
It can be great fun to make a wish list. It gives you ideas of the things that you could do. It allows you to play with ideas and find out what is important to you. You also come across ideas that you hadn’t thought about. With a New Year just around the corner, it’s good to have some idea of what you can achieve. Even if it is only increasing your comfort factor. But then again, life is better when you are feeling good.