Revitalize Your Living Room for Winter Comfort

As we spend more time indoors this winter, it’s a good idea to refresh your living space for maximum warmth and comfort. Your living room should feel like a cozy retreat from Connecticut’s chilly temps, and a few simple updates can make a world of difference. From layering textures to introducing this year’s most inviting paint colors, here’s how to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere in your home.

Embrace Cozy Textiles and Layers

One of the easiest ways to transform your living room for winter is through soft furnishings. Swap out lightweight summer throws for chunky knit blankets, faux fur, or woolen textures that invite you to snuggle up. Layering area rugs can also add warmth, especially if you have hardwood or tile flooring. A plush, high-pile rug over a flat-weave base creates an extra-cozy look and feel underfoot. Don’t forget to add plenty of cushions in varying fabrics like velvet and chenille to enhance the inviting ambiance.

Introduce 2025’s Trending Paint Colors

A fresh coat of paint can work wonders in revitalizing your space. The color trends for 2025 are all about warmth, nature, and creating a sense of comfort. If you’re considering a new look, these trending hues will set the perfect tone for your winter sanctuary:

• Earthy Clays and Warm Terracottas: Inspired by nature, these rich, grounding tones bring a sense of stability and warmth to your living space. Shades like “Autumn Ember” or “Sienna Sunset” from leading paint brands are excellent choices.

• Deep Greens and Forest Tones: Reflecting a renewed connection to nature, hues like “Evergreen Haven” or “Mossy Retreat” create a calming and restorative environment.

• Muted Blues and Soft Teals: While traditionally cool, shades like “Coastal Mist” or “Winter Sky” add a sense of serenity when paired with warm wood tones and soft lighting.

• Rich Chocolates and Deep Caramels: For a sophisticated, cocooning effect, consider deep, chocolatey browns or caramel-infused neutrals. These colors work beautifully with warm metals like brass and copper accents.

Play with Lighting for a Warm Glow

Shorter days and longer nights make lighting an essential element in setting the mood. Swap out cool-toned LED bulbs for warm white or soft amber lighting. Incorporate layered lighting by using a combination of floor lamps, table lamps, and wall sconces to create a gentle, ambient glow. Candles and string lights can also add a touch of magic to your winter haven.

Rearrange for Better Functionality

Sometimes, a simple rearrangement of furniture can make a room feel brand new. Try orienting seating around a focal point like a fireplace or a central coffee table to encourage conversation and relaxation. If space allows, add a cozy reading nook with a comfortable chair, a small side table, and a warm lamp for those long winter evenings.

By embracing rich colors, soft textures, and thoughtful lighting, you can transform your living room into a comforting escape from the winter chill. Whether you make small tweaks or go for a full refresh, these updates will keep your home feeling warm and inviting all season long.

Bob O'Donnell is the owner of O'Donnell Bros, Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. For remodeling needs, contact O'Donnell Bros, Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit www.odonnellbros.com. Submit your questions to Bob at info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line "Ask the Pro." All questions may be considered for publication, and advice is for guidance only.

Think Twice Before Tackling These Outdoor Projects in Winter

Many homeowners think about tackling big projects in the winter before the weather warms up and contractors start getting too busy. But when it comes to major exterior work like roofing and siding, winter isn’t your best bet. Here’s why holding off might save you headaches—and money—in the long run:

1. Cold Weather and Building Materials Don’t Mix
Temperatures below 40°F can significantly impact the performance of materials like shingles and vinyl siding. Shingles become brittle, increasing the risk of cracks and splits during installation, while vinyl siding shrinks in the cold, which can lead to misalignment or leaks when it later expands in warmer weather.

2. Shingle Adherence Needs Heat
Shingle sealant relies on warmth and sunlight to activate properly. In cold conditions, the seal might not set as securely, leading to potential issues down the line. Contractors often need to hand-seal shingles in these conditions, which adds time and expense to an otherwise straightforward process.

3. Air Tools Aren’t Winter-Friendly
Most contractors rely on air nail guns for outdoor work, but these tools can malfunction in cold weather. Moisture in the airline can freeze, causing nails to be driven in too shallow or too deep, compromising the integrity of the installation. Compressors face similar challenges in freezing temperatures.

4. Safety Risks on Icy Surfaces
Winter conditions make outdoor work hazardous. Even experienced contractors face risks from black ice on roofs or ladders, increasing the chance of accidents. While professionals take every precaution, working in icy conditions is inherently more dangerous.

5. Unpredictable Winter Weather
Snow and freezing rain can wreak havoc on a job site. Unlike rain, which can be managed with tarps, snow adds both moisture and weight, making it difficult to protect an open roof. Imagine starting a roofing project only to have a snowstorm dump a foot of snow on the site—it’s a risk no one wants to take.

6. Warranty Concerns
Many manufacturers require products to be installed in temperatures above 40°F for warranties to remain valid. A cold-weather installation could void your warranty, leaving you unprotected if issues arise later.

7. Winter Work Takes Longer
Cold weather slows everything down. Workers need to take frequent breaks to stay warm, and shorter daylight hours limit productivity. A job that might take a day in spring could stretch to several days in winter.

When Winter Work Can’t Wait
In some cases, waiting until spring isn’t an option. If delaying repairs could lead to further damage, make sure you hire an experienced contractor who is well-versed in working under winter conditions. Discuss the precautions they’ll take to ensure a safe and effective installation. Cutting corners to accommodate the weather isn’t worth the risk.

Is It Really Worth It?
While winter projects may seem like a good idea, the risks often outweigh the benefits. Waiting for warmer weather ensures a safer, smoother, and more cost-effective process.

Bob O'Donnell is the owner of O'Donnell Bros, Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions for Bob to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro”. All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O'Donnell Bros, Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.

Ice Dam Prevention

While we haven’t had much snow this season, winter is still in full swing and this week’s freezing temperatures were a stark reminder that the worst is likely yet to come. It won’t be long before another storm rolls through to remind us why proper home maintenance is so critical this time of year. 

One common winter issue homeowners face is ice dams—and they can wreak havoc on your home if you’re not prepared. An ice dam forms when snow blankets your roof, creating an extra, unwanted layer of insulation. As warm air rises from your home into the attic, it melts the snow on your roof. The water then slides down to the eaves and gutters, where the colder surface temperatures cause it to refreeze. Over time, this process creates a growing mass of ice at the edge of the roof, commonly known as an ice dam.

These icy buildups are more than a minor inconvenience—they can cause significant damage. Heavy ice can tear gutters away from your home or even lift roof shingles, leaving gaps for water to seep into your attic. From there, leaks can spread to ceilings and walls, creating a costly mess.

The key to preventing ice dams is ensuring your home is properly insulated and ventilated. Unfortunately, many homes in our area lack adequate insulation. In fact, more than 75% of New England homes are under-insulated, allowing heat to escape straight through the roof. This problem is often a result of outdated building standards—homes built decades ago weren’t designed to handle the harsh winters of Connecticut.

By upgrading your home’s insulation and ventilation, you’ll do more than just protect your roof. A well-insulated home is more comfortable year-round, keeping you warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. You’ll notice the difference immediately and see the impact on your energy bills too. Proper ventilation also helps reduce the risk of mold and mildew buildup, which can harm both your home and your health.

Investing in these upgrades is a simple yet powerful way to protect your family, your house, and your budget. Don’t wait for the next big storm to highlight what’s missing—take steps now to keep your home safe and comfortable all year long.

Bob O'Donnell is the owner of O'Donnell Bros, Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions for Bob to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro”. All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O'Donnell Bros, Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.