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Light my fire

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Basic flat design has changed little in the past 100 years, with today's high-rise concrete boxes barely different from the beam-and-pillar walk-ups of the early 1900s. This may favour Hong Kong's summer months, but it's a different story when the mercury dips below 20 degrees Celsius.

For many this means a miserable few weeks sitting on top of a bill-boosting electric fan heater. However, with a little careful planning and the right choice of materials it's possible to take the edge off the chill without having to resort to expensive electrical appliances or thermal underwear.

Wood may not be as hard-wearing as tile or marble, but it's both warming and cooling, unlike more expensive alternatives. Cork and linoleum are relatively cheap and when laid in bathrooms and kitchens can provide a warmer feeling underfoot.

If changing your flooring isn't an option, throw down a few rugs, especially in places where you spend a lot of time - near sofas, beds or desks. Opt for natural fibres such as wool, fur and fleece, goose-down and flannel, especially for sheets, blankets, cushion covers and duvets.

Layering can help in the bedroom and can be more economical than buying a thick winter duvet for just two weeks of the year. Using two summer duvets, and doubling them during the winter, gives you a spare for the summer. Sandwich yourself between a natural or synthetic bed pad over your mattress, and a heavy comforter or wool blanket above the duvet. A couple of towelling or flannel-jacketed hot-water bottles provide a more eco-friendly and safer alternative to an electric blanket.

'I use quite a lot of Velveteen because it gives warmth in winter but also feels cool in the summer, says Caroline Ma of Jason Caroline Design. 'I don't believe in using fabric that only works well in one season.'

Cold air can come in through doors and windows, especially older metal casement windows and wooden doors, which tend to contract in winter to leave gaps.

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