Making the most of winter

The Scandinavians have the right idea.

In a land darkened by winter, they revere white for its ability to reflect and enhance the waning sunlight. You can do the same in your home.

Snuggle in, and make the most of it. Few things are more serene than frosty windows and softly falling snow. Instead of fighting it or grousing about it, make the most of it.

Use filmy sheers to keep the light coming in, even on gray days. Use creamy white upholstered pieces in a cozy seating arrangement. Make sure there is texture in the fabric or in the nearby accessories to warm up the scene.

Here are a variety of other suggestions to warm up your surroundings in a chilly season:

Don't overneutralize when you go with a neutral color scheme, such as a white-on-white look. First, use not just one color but many shades of the same color. Second, emphasize surface textures, shapes, and dimension. Last, use a few dark contrasts to give the neutral colors a solid footing.

With short days and long nights, you'll have the perfect opportunity for illuminating your home with candles and lighting, giving a close-to-the-fire ambiance.

Even if you have a small entry, add a sense of welcome with candlelight, a mirror or a fresh posy to delight family or guests as they come in from the cold.

To warm up windows, add a cozy look by adding a plate rail for display. Also, add tab curtains that have been lined for warmth. When spring comes, remove the curtains and change the items on the plate rail to fit the new season.

Use paints and wallpapers with a classic, no-color look that can adapt to seasonal changes. Basic whites with small amounts of black or other neutrals, such as in a subtle stripe, work well for cozying up a winter look, but also for a fresh spring and summer look.

Warm up the look of your home with accessories that tell stories. Pieces from the past help add a warm glow to your central gathering spot.

Build yourself a "nest" for sleeping or reading. Provide a good light, books for perusing, and comforters and throws for keeping warm.

Make the most of your bathroom, and turn it into a home spa. Light votive candles, add some aromatherapy, and indulge by pretending you're in the snowy woods.

When you entertain -- or just for a simple family meal -- add candlelight. It raises the room's emotional temperature in an easy, relaxed way.