A fire in the fireplace, snow falling outside, and a warm beverage to keep you extra toasty. The bitter cold of winter has arrived leaving many folks retreating indoors. From large-scale to do it yourself, here are a few ideas to keep your time inside entertaining and productive.

Binge-Watch in Style

Curl up with your family for movie night or binge-watch a new show. Perhaps a high-tech media room, complete with theater seating and a popcorn maker, is on your wish list. While hardcore movie buffs might still insist on traditional, dedicated theaters, many families are opting for media rooms with open floor plans and varied seating that can be used in a multitude of ways. This modern format still delivers a high-quality movie watching experience but works equally well for hosting friends for the BIG GAME or throwing a neighborhood talent show thanks to the flexible, interactive atmosphere. If you're maxed out on space or don't need all the bells and whistles, a projector, blank wall and comfy bean bags may be all your family needs for the perfect viewing party on a chilly night!

Indulge in Creativity

Imagination isn't just for children. If one of your New Year's resolutions is less screen time, spend your free time reading in your most comfortable chair, or choose a space in your home to create something new every day. Clean off that catch-all desk in your home office and use it to write, craft, organize, or whatever makes you feel at ease. If your space is maxed out, we can help you build new or reimagine and reconfigure existing space. We've built mancaves in the form of car barns and she-shed art studios with every comfort imaginable. Your creative space is achievable with a little imagination.

Clear the Clutter

Have you seen the new Netflix series about tidying-up? It's all the craze right now. While watching someone on television clean houses isn't going to get your own home organized, it may just inspire you to get the ball rolling. With crazy wind chills and icy slush, the winter months are perfect for scheduling cleanups one room at a time. Instead of just packing away the holiday décor, take some extra time to sort through and label untouched boxes in your storage area. Or plan time to clean out your closet donating items you never wear and tossing the shoes with the flapping sole. Then, tackle your kitchen and pantry. The kitchen is likely the heart of your home and if you can find everything you need, without knocking over plasticware and spices, you're bound to enjoy the space more. However, if you need a little extra help, our kitchen design specialists have lots of great solutions and organizational tools like roll out drawers, pegboards, and innovations for those tricky corner cabinets.

As you and your family are stuck inside this winter, take the time to create quality moments, release your imagination or begin the new year with a clean slate! Don't resist the urge to hibernate indoors when the inside is where all the comforts of home exist.

Tim Burch is a Vice President and Owner of BOWA, an award-winning design and construction firm specializing in renovations ranging from master suites and kitchens to whole-house remodels. A Northern Virginia native and third-generation builder, Tim enjoys calling on his 30 years of design-build experience to solve clients' home-related challenges. He is the Construction Advisor for The Mosby Heritage Area Association and sits on the Board of Building Appeals for Fauquier County. Prior to joining BOWA, Tim was the Lead Project Manager of Construction for the Emmy Award-winning construction reality television show, Extreme Makeover Home Edition on ABC Television. For more information on Tim and the BOWA team, visit bowa.com or call 540-687-6771.