Beat the Nairobi chill with warm decor

NAIROBI: With temperatures dropping in most parts of Kenya and the evenings getting colder and chillier, it is time to bring some cheer to your home with warm décor. Here are several ways to warm up your space without necessarily using a heater or lighting the fire:

CURTAINS

Windows bring in a lot of draft, which could be lowering the temperature in your house. Good quality windows such as PVC have properties to insulate against weather elements. But most of us prefer handmade, cement-based putty steel metal casements because of their affordability. However, draft easily passes through the gaps of the casements.

Seal off the draft either by installing heavy curtains or layering curtains. If you have three rows of curtain rails, then you can choose to hang several curtains that will either complement each other or colour contrast for visual effect. Hang a sheer drapery on the inner rail rod and two layers of heavy drapery on the adjacent rail rods. Fabric colours should contrast to distinguish each drapery and provide visual interest. The layering keeps the room warm and retains the heat indoors.

However, windows should be opened during the day to let in as much fresh air and sunlight but closed early before the cold breeze sets in. Change soft furnishing to warmer tone colours such as oranges, ochre reds and brown pillows, throws or blankets to give an overall psychological warm effect.

FLOORS

A warm fluffy carpet such as sheepskin will not only help warm up the room but will provide a warm landing for bare-feet. Some floor types are warmer than others: wooden floors are warmer than synthetic laminated floors, which are most certainly warmer than PVC or ceramic tiled floors. Bedrooms and living areas should be installed with the warmer types of floor and non-slip ceramic or porcelain tiles left for wet areas like kitchens and bathrooms.

FURNITURE ARRANGEMENT

If you have a large living room, this is the perfect time to draw the furniture closer to each other. Sofa seats can be brought closer to each other to encourage users to sit close to each other and an area rug placed at the centre to draw people to sit there. Pull throws and blankets within easy reach for grabbing to cover up when the cold begins to bite.

BEDROOM MATTERS

It is time to give your bed some much deserved attention during this cold weather so as to ensure that you can cuddle up in warm bedding. Cover your bed with a high tog duvet, which keeps you warm without getting too heavy. Alternatively, put two or three layers of your blankets, which will serve the same purpose, but you may have to contend with the weight. A hot water bottle placed in the bed half an hour before your bedtime will ensure that the bed sheets are not ice-cold when you get in. A multi-coloured quilt will add cosiness to your room.

Remember to dress warmly in socks and a sweater, do a minimum of half an hour of exercise, then drink a bowl of soup and some hot chocolate to keep you warm.