This time last year I done a blog on the impending cost of living crisis, a year later and we’re still here…prices still rising, strikes still threatening, government still a shambles 😔
Also this time last year I decided that we were not putting the heating on until October. I said the same again this year. We made it to September 29th and gave in. I think this shows how sick of the cost of living crisis we are. Everything is going up in price, not just our energy bills any more.
Heat the human not the home!
Have you ever heard such a ridiculous sentence. These words belong in years gone by. I firmly believe that this sentiment should no longer be a worry for people. The government should have gotten their act together, they haven’t…..so we need to plan how we’ll heat our homes for the changing season.
I learned that putting a terracotta pot over four tea lights will generate heat. The terracotta absorbs the heat and then radiates it. So as long as the cost of tea lights doesn’t go through the roof we can have table top heaters at dinner time. Although I wouldn’t leave it unattended.
Sound investments.
Everything is going up in price- everything! But some things are still worth the investment. Throws and rugs keep heat in your rooms, as do curtains. The one off payment for these will make a difference in keeping your family cosy this year.
Clarissa Hulse.
Rue Watercolour Teal.
From £52.45
Curtains to go.
Harlequin x Sophie Robinson sherbet stripe pair lined multi-way curtains.
£130-£250.
John Lewis.
Keeping with your theme.
Grey is still massive in the interior design world, paired with bright colours, and white is more popular than ever. Though these colours don’t scream cosy and warm. If you choose the right accessories for your rooms you can make them warmer without breaking the bank.
Cable knit Sherpa fleece throw, ochre.
£28.
John Lewis.
Navy blue snuggle teddy fleece throw.
£12-£22.
Next.
Layering is still on trend this season, as are bold colours. If you introduce throws and cushions they make your space look less cold, and keep the heat when you sit with the family.
Mink brown coco ruched faux fur cushion.
£18.
Next.
Anyday velvet cushion, auburn.
£20.
John Lewis.
If like us you have tiled or wooden/laminate flooring it becomes even harder to heat your home. It’s amazing the difference a rug makes! Even better, they can be rolled up and put away in the summer months.
Watercolour floral multicolour rug.
From £99
Ruggable.co.uk
Rug gable Galaxy rug.
From £99.
Ruggable.co.uk
Mad men collection.
Stellar.
From £199.99.
Woven.co.uk
However you manage to heat your space and your family this autumn please remember you are not alone. If you get your home ready for the colder seasons now it will keep costs down until the heating has to go on and stay on. Last years minus 10 memories still give me the fear! With that in mind please remember that many community spaces offered warm places last year and are planning on doing the same again this year. Keep an eye on your community social media to find places that are putting their heating on so you don’t have to.
We realise decorating is a luxury service, and we are lucky that we are busier than ever. We don’t walk around with our eyes closed though. No one has got it easy at the moment, so if we can help anyone in any way please pick up the phone.
The painters wife xxx
01236 424 804
