Hot summer days at the beach are long gone and Autumn is here, with even Portugal experiencing some drops of rain, cloudy skies and cooler temperatures. as well as the days with cloudier skies. If you live in Portugal, or are planning to make use of your Portuguese holiday home this autumn, we're here to help you make your home nice and cosy this season, thanks to some tips for each room, in collaboration with habitissimo, a platform specialising in construction, renovations and other services for the home. Let's have a closer look at these autumn home decor tips and trends in Portugal.
Preparing the living room and dining room
It's important to prepare these two rooms for the colder weather, making sure the heating systems are working properly. Have the heating serviced to make sure everything is working as it should and ensure you save on your electricity bill. When it comes to decorating, put plenty of cushions and blankets in the living room, opting for earthier tones such as brown, aubergine or grey, and don't forget to complete the whole set with some plants.
An autumnal bedroom
At the end of a busy day, there's nothing like relaxing in your bedroom. To prepare this room for autumn, start by replacing cooler textiles for warmer bedspreads and duvets, opting for pastel shades, because these promote tranquility and relaxation. Complement these colours with some shades of brown or even green in small details. Finally, if you've been toying with the idea of getting an armchair or sofa for the bedroom, this may be the ideal time to invest. Add some cushions and blankets and you'll create a very pleasant nook, perfect for watching the falling leaves outside.
Cold-proof the bathroom
As the weather gets colder, it also becomes increasingly difficult to get into the shower or bath. But there are a few things you can do to help. For starters, go for fluffy textiles that will give you the best welcome as soon as you step out of the shower. And, if you don't already have a towel warmer, this might be a good time to install one. Add a small wall-mounted or portable heater, which you can switch on minutes before entering the bath, and you'll have a warm, cosy bathroom, even in the colder seasons.
An autumn kitchen
The kitchen is one of the rooms in which we spend the most time, whatever the time of year. With the abundance of autumn, we may tend to have this space a little more cluttered, and therefore, it is important to stock up on storage baskets and pots, especially those made of natural materials. Another good option is to reuse objects for the same purpose. Finally, if you don't already have an herb garden in your kitchen, autumn is a great time to create one - it can be something as simple as some small pots or a vertical herb garden.
Making the most of the outdoors
It may be in the garden, on the terrace or on a small balcony, but you can also prepare your outdoor spaces for autumn. Opt for different plants and textiles, such as cushions, blankets, rugs and poufs, all in earthy and cosy tones. In case temperatures drop a lot, you can always put some sort of heating system or heaters outside, or just a few thick blankets to keep you cosy and warm.
Combat increases in electricity bills
Preparing your home for autumn goes far beyond decorating: you need to be prepared for an increase in your electricity bill, especially given the current economic climate. To save on your electricity bill in Portugal, make sure your heating is working properly - faulty radiators can cost you much more than you might think. The insulation of the house is another factor to take into account, because a well-insulated house has no heat leaks, allowing all the heating systems to work more efficiently. So try to solve any insulation problems before the coldest days arrive.
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