I'm an interior guru – five swaps that will keep you warmer this winter without having to put the heating on for long | The Sun

THE DREADED arrival of autumn and winter means wrapping up in layers, sipping on hot drinks and turning the heating on to keep warm.

But as the cost of living crisis continues to engulf the world, many Britons are forced to find less costly alternatives that will help to slash their ever-rising energy bills.

Offering a helping hand, many have since come forward revealing how they've gone a whole winter without heating.

But according to an interior expert, the design of your room can play a vital part in keeping the space toasty.

Chatting exclusively to Fabulous, Debbie Blott, at Decorbuddi, listed five swaps that will keep you warmer this winter without having to rely on radiators.

Swap Minimal Décor for Cozy Layers

When decorating your home for maximum warmth, you don't have to spend thousands – even the smallest of changes, Debbie pointed out, can make a huge difference.

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''Move away from minimal décor to cozy layers, with warm and insulating fabrics from soft pile rugs on bare floorboards, to wool throws on sofas and interlined curtains on windows.

''Layering it up creates a warm and welcoming ambience that softens and calms as well as reducing your heating bills.''

Swap out old bedding for a good night’s sleep

Getting a good night's sleep is a priority for most. But as the temperatures drop, the cold air makes it almost impossible to drift off.

Here, the expert emphasised, a good quality bedding can make all the difference.

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''Whether you prefer a duvet or traditional blankets and sheets make sure that your bedding is going to keep your warm at night.

''Choose a lovely hot water bottle for that final decorative touch. Our very own Decorbuddi interior designer, Laura Nicolson, has created a luxurious range.''

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Swap radiators for under-floor heating

If you're currently planning a home transformation project, opt for under-floor heating, as this investment will pay off in the future.

''Water based under-floor heating is more cost effective than radiators, and so if you are planning a home project it is well worth considering.

''One of the biggest regrets home-owners have is cutting the under-floor heating out of their project to save on the cost of fitting.''

Debbie went on to explain: ''As hot air rises, under floor-heating will keep you toasty warm and will pay-off the initial investment with cheaper bills over time.

''Just make sure you use the best flooring material to allow the heat to flow into the room. Porcelain floor tiles are a great option.''

Swap out plain, painted walls for wooden panelling

Not only is this feature ''bang on trend'', but adding wooden wall panelling can also have insulating properties.

''It looks stunning and has the added benefit of both heat and sound insulation.

''A great solution if you are living in a terraced home or apartment with a shared party wall.''

Swap out slatted shutters and blinds for interlined curtains

One of the biggest mistakes people make is keeping the blinds and curtains open, letting the warm air leave the room.

Slashing the energy bills, she said, is as easy as covering the windows and ensuring the cold air can't flow into the home.

''Covering up these areas with close fitting, interlined curtains will look gorgeous and help reduce your heating bills.

''It is important to design the window dressing to sit as closely to the window as possible.

''Go for a closed pelmet rather than an open pole to trap the air around the window.

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''Layers of lining and thermal backed fabrics are more effective than single layer curtains.

''Choose curtain fabric that suits your style, from bold rich velvets, to beautiful patterns or quiet neutrals.''

Interior Design expert advice

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