DÉCOR BY DEGREES | Color creates ambience. But when temperatures dip into single digits, people want real warmth. The kind that makes skin flush and fills spaces with the snuggly feeling of hot cocoa, thick socks and fuzzy slippers. Instead of reaching for the thermostat the next time toes and noses grow cold, consider a few winter-friendly design elements. Aiming for that apres ski resort feel? Here are some ideas.
FLOOR DÉCOR
Wool absorbs moisture better than synthetic fabrics, according to Allure Rug Studio owner Avner Gilady. His company designs and manufactures custom wool and silk rugs in Denver. Gilady offers these tips for maintaining a wool rug: Vacuum regularly, especially in high-traffic locations. The best vacuums for rugs are equipped with a brush and beater bar but have no teeth or combs. Spot clean spills immediately, and professionally clean rugs once a year. Allure is in the Denver Design District, 303-871-8848.
—————————————-
ALL WRAPPED UP
The options for heated bedding have grown to include reversible heated blankets like these, along with heated throws and mattress pads. Sunbeam Bedding offers these safety tips for living with heated linens: Never use them for pets, infants, children or anyone who’s incapacitated. Never use them if the cords are damaged. Never dry clean them or stick them with pins. And never use more than one warming product at once. Read more at sunbeambedding.com.
—————————————-
INSURANCE WORTHY
It may not get more glamorous than a real fur throw lined with cashmere like this one for $11,200 by Daniel Duross. It is available from John Brooks Inc. at the Denver Design District, 303-698-9977. Just remember these tips from furs.com: Furs like cold and hate heat. They don’t like friction. They don’t like chemicals. They like space and frequent cleaning, but only by a professional.
—————————————-
SIMPLY RADIANT
David Lupberger with ServiceMagic explains there are two basic options for radiant-heat floors: A hydraulic system that runs hot water through pipes beneath the floor, or an electric system in which fiber pads are installed beneath the floor. Electrically heated floors can be less complicated to install and better suited for small, awkward spaces. But floors heated with water are cost- and energy-efficient. Additional radiant-heat applications include warming roofs and driveways. Find a contractor experienced with radiant heating at servicemagic.com.
—————————————-
SWEET HEAT
Heated towel racks do more than provide billowy linens. They dry towels more quickly, and less dampness means less towel washing, according to Tim Molloy of towel racks.com. Options vary from one like this that’s wired into the wall and connected to an on/off switch – popular in European homes – to freestanding models.
—————————————-
SLEEK HEAT
The Mica flat-panel radiator from De’Longhi can be mounted on the wall like a flat-panel television. Or, stand this skinny space heater on the floor as shown. $80 plus shipping at comforthouse.com.
—————————————-
TASTEFUL TOOLS
Employing sturdy fireplace tools is key to enjoying safe indoor fires. Experts say it’s also important to have the chimney professionally inspected, swept and cleaned regularly; install a chimney cap; use flame-proof hearth rugs; and update smoke detectors. Also, keep kids and pets away; never burn garbage in the hearth; and make sure a fire is completely extinguished before leaving. These handcrafted iron and bronze tools from Tuell & Reynolds Metal Arts are $3,375 at Town, 601 S. Broadway, 303-282-8696.
