7 top tips for getting your rental home ready for winter

The evenings are getting colder and the days are getting shorter which means one thing: winter is on the way! As a tenant, you may not be able to install air conditioners to warm up your home or repaint the walls in warm shades, but there's plenty that you can do to warm your home up from the inside out. The CSi Property Group has put together a list of seven strategies that tenants can follow to keep their homes feeling warm and looking cosy this winter.

1.   Snuggle up with soft furnishings, curtains and area rugs

It's time to introduce soft warm textiles like blankets, throw pillows and area rugs made from fleece, wool or faux fur. They will add texture and interest to your home's look, while also putting extra warmth within reach whenever it is needed. Layering is a key strategy for creating warmth. Layer rugs for extra insulation on floors and layer curtains with heavier fabrics like velvet to keep the warmth in and the cold out.

2.   Bring out the warm colours

Consider bringing in seasonal colours like deep reds, blues and greens into your space. These colours evoke a cosy winter feel. There's no need to put your deposit at risk by repainting the walls of your rental home to achieve this look. You can introduce new colours through throws, blankets and accessories. If you like your home to look ultramodern, why not add touches of this year's Pantone Colour of the Year - Peach Fuzz?

3.   Introduce warm lighting and make the most of the fireplace

Switch cool white globes for warm white ones to create a cosy look and turn on area lamps to add pops of light wherever you can. If you have a fireplace, make it the focal point of your living room by arranging your furniture around it. Decorate the fireplace with natural elements like pine cones, branches and berries for a rustic touch.

4.   Set up a hot beverage station in your kitchen or dining area

If you have a spare corner in your kitchen or dining room, why not get into the spirit of the season by creating a hot beverage station? You could have a variety of hot beverages - from coffee and tea to milo and hot chocolate - on display. Your hot beverage station should also have space for mugs, teacups, coasters and trays. For a bit of extra fun, add flavoured syrups, marshmallows and chocolate shavings to the mix.

5.   Cosy up your home with scented candles or diffusers

Winter is about so much more than cold weather. It's about cosy ambiences, family nights in and having friends around for fondues and board games evenings. Take the chill out of winter by bringing in warm, comforting scents like vanilla, cinnamon, sandalwood and spiced apple. Place your scented candles and diffusers on coffee tables, the mantelpiece and countertops where they can diffuse their fragrance effectively. Remember, safety is the most important factor and candles should never be left alight when you go to bed or leave your home.

6.   Maximise natural heat

Take advantage of natural heat sources whenever possible. If there's a particular room in your home that gets great morning sun, open the curtains when you wake up and let the sun work its warming magic throughout your home. If you're using a heater (gas, oil or electric), experiment with putting it in different places to see where you get the most impact from it.

7.   Make the most of your fireplace

If you have a fireplace, enhance its ambience by adding decorative elements like candles, lanterns, decorative mirrors or dried or real flowers. If you use the fireplace, remember to make sure that both the fireplace and chimney are clean and in good working condition. If you have any doubts, get them inspected by a professional before the winter chill sets in.

The CSi Property Group loves winter and all the hot chocolates and cosy nights it ushers in. We also love finding the right homes for Gauteng's residents. If you're looking for your next home, contact us today.