Be prepared!

As temperatures drop, we automatically adjust our wardrobes, pulling out winter woollies and overcoats, but how long do we spend making sure our homes will make it through the winter season? Sound familiar? Then read on:

Homes need to breath, whatever the weather, but there's a big difference between aeration and down-right draughty! If your home leans towards the latter, now's the time to get to grips with the cause, and solve the problem. And the sooner the better.
You'll see the result in your heating bill, and you'll feel the physical benefits immediately. And don't be tempted to stop the gap with a rolled up comforter (yes, we've all been there), all it does is trap in the moisture (where air passes, moisture is never far behind) and adds to the problem.

Let's take for granted here that your windows and doors are in OK condition. If so, then the cause of your draughts will probably be caused by the joint between the window and the wall. Take a look. If you see cracked/mouldy joints then look no further.

• Scrape out old joints and deal with any peeling paint
• Wash the area thoroughly with a specialist mold deterant, that will knock spores on the head and reduce the chance of it returning
• Leave to dry
• Then re-seal with silicon (I usually use paint with a mold retarding ingredient around windowsills, to help protect the area from future attack). Job done!

If you're windows and doors need replacing, but your budget just won't stretch this year, then let's look at some low-cost 'bridging' solutions...

• Deal with the joints (see above) this is usually where most air enters
• Wooden windows and doors can be brought back from the brink by using the wood hardening product on the market. Check out your local hardware store. These products can literally 'stop the rot', but be sure to follow the directions to the letter!
• Single pane windows can be turned (temporarily) into double glazing with plastic sheets that stretch to fit with the application of heat. (Think cling-wrap). So dig out the hair dryer and get blowing
• Use fabric! Our ancestors created curtains, not for the decorative effect, but out of necessity. Yes, you guessed it: to keep out draughts! So be bold, frame windows and doors with lots of lovely fabric that can be pulled across to keep winter at bay, and add a super cosy feel to your home. And it needn't be expensive! I love using those natural cotton decorators sheets: large widths and cheap as chips, but they really do the job and fit into both modern and more traditional settings, adding an eclectic touch at a great price. Or use simple cottons and line, or better still, interline (basically that's making a sandwich of cotton, filler, cotton) and get sewing. No sewing machine (or no desire to DIY-it?) than check out your local Ikea.

I once fell upon a whole collection of 'grandmas' blankets (gosh, was THAT a find), that created an instant cottage feel when hung. The fact that some were too small (how did they sleep in such narrow beds?) to fit the windows wasn't a problem. I just edged them in a contrasting fabric and 'voila' a unique way to add personality and warmth without breaking the bank.

My tips:

1. If you have a whole house to do, and you can cut and sew in a straight line (seriously, it is that simple) than invest in a sewing machine: it pays for itself in no time.
2. If money is tight, broom handles, plant poles and canes, and even metal rods make great alternatives to expensive curtain poles. Mount them with individual hooks or rings, paint them them to fit your existing scheme or leave them 'raw' to add to that eclectic or country look. 

Whichever way you decide to tackle a draught problem, you can be sure that your home and the environment will thank you for it. And if you do take the DIY route, you'll be amazed at the satisfaction you'll feel, having not only solved a problem on a budget, but by creating a unique look for your interior. Good luck!