To make a seasonal home year-round, you must first insulate the structure for proper weatherproofing and install a reliable heating system, such as a convector heater or heat pump, and potentially a supplemental system for outdoor areas, like ceiling fans or heaters. You should also seal any gaps, upgrade windows, and address the foundation to prevent heat loss and drafts. Finally, use interior upgrades like thermal curtains, rugs, and cozy furnishings, and consider outdoor additions like covered patios or fireplaces to extend usability in all seasons.
Structural and insulation upgrades
- Insulate and weatherproof:
Add insulation to walls, ceilings, and floors to retain heat in winter and block it in summer. Spray foam or fiberglass batt insulation are good options.
- Seal gaps and drafts:
Seal all leaks around windows and doors. Use caulking or weather stripping to close any gaps in logs or walls.
- Upgrade windows:
Install double-glazed or even triple-glazed windows to improve insulation and manage heat better.
- Address the foundation:
If your home is on a concrete slab, dig down around the perimeter to add rigid insulation. For crawl spaces, insulate under the floors or add insulation to the crawlspace walls.
Heating and cooling
- Install a heating system: A convector heater provides a good balance of power and heat distribution, while an air source heat pump is a more energy-efficient option. For outdoor spaces, consider overhead heaters, fireplaces, or hot tubs.
- Provide cooling: In warmer months, use ceiling fans or misters to stay cool. If needed, a portable evaporative air cooler can also be effective.
- Add air conditioning: For extreme heat, consider installing a modern air conditioning system.
Interior and exterior enhancements
- Add cozy furnishings:
Use soft furnishings, rugs, and throws to make the space warmer and more inviting during colder months.
- Install thermal curtains:
Hang thick, thermal curtains to provide insulation from both heat and cold. They can block intense summer sunlight or keep in heat on chilly evenings.
- Create covered outdoor spaces:
Add a covered patio, pavilion, or pergola with retractable canopies. These structures provide shelter from sun and rain, making outdoor areas usable year-round.
- Add lighting:
Install lighting like fairy lights or cafe lights to create a magical atmosphere in the evenings.
Practical tips for year-round use
- Focus on maintenance: Perform regular maintenance, such as cleaning gutters, sealing logs, and ensuring your heating system is serviced annually.
- Keep pipes insulated: Insulate pipes to prevent them from freezing in the winter.
- Adapt for different seasons: Change the function of the space based on the season. Use it for indoor hobbies or games in the winter, and for outdoor entertaining in the summer.
To make a seasonal home DIY, use interchangeable seasonal elements and focus on a neutral base. Swap out small decor pieces like vases, pillows, and throws to reflect the season, and use natural materials like wood and greenery to create a versatile foundation. You can also update scents, switch out curtains, or add festive elements like pinecones in fall or florals in summer.
General tips for seasonal decorating
- Start with a neutral base:
Use a neutral color palette for large items like walls and furniture, as this makes it easy to swap out seasonal accents without a major overhaul.
- Incorporate nature:
Use natural materials and objects that change with the seasons. Fill wooden bowls with seashells for summer or mini gourds for fall, and display branches or pinecones in winter.
- Update textiles:
Swapping out curtains, throws, and pillows can make a big impact. Use lighter fabrics and colors for summer, and cozy, warm textiles for fall and winter.
- Use light to set the mood:
Hang string lights, use lanterns for pathways, or arrange candles on tabletops and mantels to create a seasonal atmosphere.
- Focus on small, easy-to-swap items:
Update your coffee table or entryway with seasonal decor. A simple vase of flowers or a bowl of seasonal items can make a big difference.
Seasonal DIY examples
- Fall:
Create a fall-themed floral arrangement with sunflowers, pumpkins, and pampas grass cuttings, or make a simple potpourri with spices and fruit peels to simmer on the stove for a cozy scent.
- Winter:
Build a rustic wooden banner, craft a wine cork reindeer, or decorate glass jars to look like snow globes. You can also give wine bottles a winter makeover.
- Spring:
Add seasonal florals to your home or create a wildflower bouquet to place in a vase.
- Summer:
Use seashells and coastal-themed decorations. Create a summer potpourri with citrus peels.
Where to find more ideas
- Extra Space Storage:
This site offers numerous ideas for holiday-specific DIYs, from making giant outdoor ornaments to crafting paper plate lollipops.
- Hostfully:
This website provides DIY project ideas and
resources for vacation rentals, including ways to incorporate seasonal or local themes.
- Worthing Court:
This blog shares ideas for winter-specific decorating, such as using magnolia leaves in arrangements or filling a bowl with pinecones.
