Autumn Leaf

 

Although I am looking at a bright blue, sunny sky as I write this … I am eyeing the rapidly rising pile of leaves on my deck that tell me gray skies and cooler weather are coming up fast. Brrrrrr! Soon we will be looking for ways to be warmer. Lighting the fireplace is the first thing that pops into my mind, and I suppose I could rake those leaves to warm myself up. But there are plenty of easy ways to turn up the heat without ….. well ……… actually turning up the heat! Adding elements to your home that provide “visual warmth” can make you feel warmer without ever striking a match. If your brain is telling you that you are warm, you are less likely to turn up the thermostat. If you are staging to sell, the visual warmth is more inviting to buyers. So, whether you are staying in your home or getting it ready to sell, I hope these tips help you make your place comfortable for the cooler days ahead.

 

Colors are referred to as “cool” or “warm” for a reason. All white rooms, or rooms that are decorated in cool colors like pale blues & greens, literally feel warmer when colors like red, golden yellow, brick, rust, burgundy & plum are added.

          Wool felt throw pillow by Koko          Wool felt and tye dye cotton throw pillow by Koko

These throw pillows by Koko are a great mix of cool & warm colors. The wool felt fabric is warm to the touch and they are like little works of art to boot!

 

When I feel goosebumps coming on I reach for a luxurious faux fur throw. This one by PreFurs in Lynx is absolutely amazing! The look of fur is warm and inviting, and on the practical side, it keeps you toasty on the coldest of evenings.

PreFurs faux fur throw in Lynx

Contemporary living room with sheepskin rug

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The addition of an area rug in a super deep tufted wool or sheepskin is a great way to add warm texture in a large way and feels great on bare feet. The Sheepskin rug above is from Burke Decor.

Read on for more cool ways to add warmth ....

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Post is included in group: Advice for Sellers
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6 Comments on The Warmth of Cool: Portland Interior Designer & Home Stager Shares Tips to Add "Visual Warmth"

OCT
10
2009
154,493 Points

Pangaea, those are fabulous photos.  We in the Chicago area are bracing for the cold as well, looks like it's coming early this year.

Linda Metallo, Re/max Impact, Lockport, Il.
6:08pm • #1
Called Shot Master

Good timing on your ideas. We had snow last night here in Minnesota and it lasted all day on the grass....more is coming Monday!
8:40pm • #2
OCT
11
2009
3 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Great post.  I try to stage according to the seasons.  I love using warm colors in the Fall and Winter.  This year my favorite is orange.  I also like to use throws in cooler seasons.  Maybe a coffee cup on a tray with a reading book. 
5:37am • #3
269,928 Points 1 Featured Post Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I love those pillows and the EcoSmart fireplace is fabulous!!!  I have a few clients to show that too!! Thanks for sharing-Love your new photo!!  Will you be in Vegas at the convention? Hope to meet you in person.
8:47am • #4
3 Featured Posts

Linda & Shelley - As a former California gal, I think the Portland weather is all I can take. I lived for a few years in the Chicago area and don't care to experience midwest weather again. Yikes!! Snow already! I hope the "visual warmth" tips help out ... but you may need mittens.

Wanda - Yes, I love orange too! I even paint my nails with bright orange nail polish ... LOL ... but for winter I tone it down a bit to Burnt Sienna. You should go on my website and subscribe to my monthly design tips newsletter. Burnt Sienna is my color of the month and my newsletter goes out next week.
1:36pm • #5
3 Featured Posts

Cathy - Ooops! I hit submit too soon. Meant to respond to you. I love the pillows too! I'm crazy about felt ... even have a felt purse. I also love these contemporary fireplaces. They are so cool looking. Not as much heat put out as a wood burning or gas fireplace, but for people who have no "real" fireplace, they are a wonderful option. Haven't made plans yet to go to Vegas, but I really should. Sounds fun and I would enjoy meeting you too. Any advice on where to stay and all that? I've never been.
1:55pm • #6


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Pangaea Interior Design Home Stager - Redesign - Model Homes

Portland, OR

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Portland Oregon

Address: 240 N. Broadway, Suite 202, Portland, OR, 97227

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Portland Oregon Interior Designer, Redesign and Home Staging professional, Pangaea, shares tips on preparing a home for sale, interior design ideas for lofts & contemporary architecture, and home improvement projects. Twitter Button from twitbuttons.com


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