SMALL BUDGET BIG IDEAS

Affordable ways to make your home cosy, without ramping up the heating

- ANNA-LISA DE'ATH

Snuggle on the sofa

Nothing beats cosying up in the living room on a winter's night. Make your sofa super-snuggly by layering up cushions in soft teddy bear fabric, along with plenty of throws. Make the fireplace the focal point and bask in its glow. No fireplace? Pop on a YouTube video of a crackling fire.

Warm your senses

Create a cosy ambience by using home fragrances with rich, warming essential oils, such as black pepper, mandarin, cedarwood and cypress, which combine to promote a feeling of relaxation. Candles, diffusers and oils that are part of the amber family are a good choice.

Keep your toes toasty

Hard floors can feel cold and unwelcoming underfoot on chilly days, so make them a little more forgiving by covering them with rugs. A large jute or cotton rag rug is an economical way to add warmth to a large floor area. You can then ramp up the cosy vibes by adding a soft and tactile sheepskin, real or faux, for luxurious warmth.