Winter is approaching here in the Hudson Valley. You must prepare your wardrobe, your furnace, your insulation – but also your mind. Others can help with the first three areas, but I am an expert on the fourth. Follow these 14 easy steps for mental winter preparation:

Disregard old memories of what wallpaper used to be—those shabby chic floral patterns and shades of dusky rose striping. To the delight of interior designers, who have been nudging clients to be more open minded, wallpaper has made a comeback in the design world, and it’s no longer just for historic B&Bs or formal dining rooms. From mural papers that fill an accent wall with a breathtaking vista, to contemporary patterns like palm fronds, modernized toile, or bold-hued illustrations, homeowners are welcoming a change from solid painted rooms.