Get Plush with Pillows and Throws


Screenshot courtesy of Amazon.com.

Plush, textured pillows and throws say "Comfort!" Fortunately, it's easy to create this inviting feel without adding a new collection of pillows. Just search a shopping site for "faux fur" decor and you'll find selections like the pillow cover and throw set above, which sells for around $40 on Amazon.

(Plaid and tweed are popular winter patterns for throws.)


Layer Textured Area Rugs

Look for rugs with heavier pile during the cool weather season, whether it's sheepskin, faux fur, or something with a heavy knit. Design experts recommend layering area rugs like these under furniture such as coffee tables and beds.


Bring Natural Decor Inside



Create a rustic, "down home" look that fits the season by using real wood, pine cones, colorful berries, and evergreen branches. This style tends to contrast nicely with traditional winter decor, even in more modern homes.


Reverse Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans usually have a switch that allows you to reverse the direction of the blades. You can do this in the fall to reverse the flow of air and bring warm air down from the ceiling, keeping your home warm and cozy.


Use Flameless Candles for Warm Lighting

 
Screenshot courtesy of Amazon.com.

Battery-powered candles come in many different styles and are an easy way to create warm, festive lighting in your home without the mess or danger of real candles. (Bonus: Many sets can be operated by remote control.)


Decorate with Warm Metallics

Even if your home doesn't currently have a warm metal motif, you can pick up some temporary decor in copper, bronze, or rose gold to create that feel during the winter season.

The Spruce blog suggests buying items such as copper pans at a second hand store and hanging them on the wall. Or, you could follow this tutorial on how to make a gold-leaf pumpkin.


Use a Diffuser for Seasonal Essential Oils

 
Screenshot courtesy of Amazon.com.

Don't you love walking into a home and smelling the winter baking scents of vanilla or cloves? An easy way achieve this effect is to use a diffuser and essential oils. Many diffusers offer high tech features and come in attractive styles, like the one pictured above. 

Cozy Up to an Electric Fireplace

If you already have a fireplace this probably won't be for you, but if not, you may want to consider an electric fireplace that looks reasonably natural and helps to keep your home cozy and warm.


Screenshot courtesy of Amazon.com.

The fireplace pictured above and linked to here costs around $200 and has 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon. (Many of the users stated in the comments that it didn't significantly affect their electric bill.)

 

- U.S. home prices rose 3.2 percent year-to-year in August, according to a recent S&P/Case-Shiller report.  They rose 3.5 percent year-to-year in September, according to CoreLogic, a data and analytics company.

- The national average 30-year fixed mortgage rate is around 4 percent.

The September Pending Home Sales Index increased 3.9 percent year-to-year, according to the National Association of Realtors®.

Sometimes real estate-related, sometimes not... these are assorted links that come in handy:

Make 3 Easy Fall Centerpiece Ideas in Minutes
Use the same wooden box for three fall centerpiece displays, each with its own unique style.

Hostess Gift: DIY Cinnamon Roll Kit
Be everyone's favorite gift giver with a pre-assembled kit for baking cinnamon rolls.

Thanksgiving Stuffing Poppers with Cranberry Jalapeno Sauce
These tasty treats can be baked as well as deep-fried. (Instructions for baking are in the comments section.)

---

When a toddler made a near-perfect golf swing on the sidelines of the Houston Open, sports announcers were only too happy to analyze his stellar technique. The result was pretty cute. :)

Click here or on the image above to watch the video on the family-friendly SunnySkyz website.