By HOLLY WAGNER

Herald-Whig Staff Writer

Outside, a wet, cold wind may be howling, but inside, your home feels toasty warm, welcoming and full of light.

To create that feeling of coziness, interior decorators say winter is the time to change out your home accessories. Get rid of -- or at least cover up -- the sheers and the all-white rooms that can leave one feeling cold both inside and out.

A feeling of warmth can be as easy to achieve as adding a basket of greenery, said Rhonda Wand, interior decorator at Ashley Furniture.

Mary Terwelp at MJT Interiors likes it when something adds a splash of yellow. Whether it's in a throw or a picture or a floral arrangement, the ray of sunshine "catches the eye and conveys a sense of happiness," she said.

Melissa Burhmester of Melissa B Interiors looks for that one inspirational piece that's in everybody's home and works off that. It might be a rug, a picture or a wallhanging.

"It's something that unique to you," she said. "That's what keeps your home from being cookie cutter and looking just like your nieghbors."

To bring back the sun's warmth this winter, all three say the emphasis should be on heavier, textured fabrics. And soft, warm colors, like chocolate browns, reds and golds, "make us feel better," said Wand.

They suggest a variety of simple, inexpensive changes that can reap psychological benefits all season long:

* Layer. It doesn't just make sense when you get dressed, but it's also a good idea to convey warmth in the home. Layer pillows, add a valance or an entire layer over a sheer window treatment and even put smaller table runners atop bigger ones. Burhmester suggests using shams to change the look of your pillows for the season, so you're not storing summer pillows all winter long.

* Put out some decorative throws. They not only add dimension to a piece of furniture, "but you can grab one to use as well," Terwelp said.

* Floral arrangements. Flowers are still inexpensive and in winter are an appealing accent. Fall offers all kinds of items for a colorful dried arrangement, from squash and corn to interesting seed pods, leaves and branches. Mix a floral arrangement with candles and a table runner for an inexpensive center piece.

* Add area rugs to tiled or hardwood floors.

* For the kitchen, change the place mats and towels. "Adding warmth and color are the biggest thing," Wand said.

* Put out candles and potpourris. "Candles go a long way in the holiday season," Burhmester said. If you're concerned about the dangers to house and children, she recommends using the battery-operated ones for accents. She also recommends creating a candle scape in an unusued fireplace. Scatter fresh potpourris about the home. Cinnamon and spice create a sense of "just-baked cookies" hominess, she said.

* Look for spots, like a foyer, to hang a mirror. "Mirrors reflect the light and give the feeling that there's more light than there is," Wand said.

* In the bedroom, change the comforter. "Think warm, comforting tones and rich, thick fabrics like ultrasuedes, velvets and chenilles," said Wand.

-- hwagner@whig.com/221-3374