Winter's not that far away now and winter means spending much more time indoors. So, rather than that inspiring a feeling of melancholy, why not give your home a winter makeover? Make your home a place you can't wait to get back to - your cosy sanctuary full of ‘hygge' as the Danes say! This can often mean bringing the outdoors inside in the form of light, plants, materials and textures.
We've put some ideas together to ensure your winter home is comfy cosy for you and for your visitors - they won't want to leave but don't blame us!
1. Cosy Throws
A winter décor demands throws! It's essential that when you fall into bed or sink into the sofa you feel nice and toasty. Therefore, make sure you have plenty of faux fur throws at the bottom of your bed or on your couch and immediately your space will feel warm and cosy. Another option is soft snuggly fleeces which are perhaps gentler on your pocket too!
2. The Devil's in the Detail
If you want to achieve the perfect cold weather interior then you must consider what is particularly redolent of the season. Just to give you a few ideas - how about pine cones, cinnamon sticks, nuts, dried fruits and candles? You could place them in bowls, on wreaths on platters. These items look particularly attractive around the fireplace. There's so much you can do - just let your imagination run away with you!
3. Twinkle Twinkle Little Fairy Lights
Fairy lights aren't just for Christmas! Fairy lights will lend a touch of sparkle and lift your spirits on those days which are particularly dull, dark and dank. Opt for white lights as they will add a cosy and even romantic ambience to your rooms. You could put them on your dining table, around your bookcase, hang them on a wall or even place them inside glass bottles for unique effect. This is a cheap and cheerful way to lend a warm and twinkly atmosphere to your home and will undoubtedly help you to unwind and relax after a hard day especially if there's a glass of wine at hand!
4. Follow the Fabric
It goes without saying that all fabrics are not for all seasons. Just as we wear woollies in winter, your home needs to be dressed in suitable material too depending on the time of year. In order to lend a warm atmosphere to your home, one of the time-tested ways is to lay cosy rugs in snuggly material. Other ways include using cuddly fabrics on your cushions such as faux fur, fluffy wool and fleece. For a more luxe effect but equally warmth inducing is velvet.
5. Plant Perfect
Another idea which won't break the bank is plants. As we said in the intro, bringing the outdoors in can really make all the difference during those darker months of the year. Apart from looking great, plants lend a certain freshness to a room. If you're not particularly green-fingered, then how about creating your own arrangements using holly and mistletoe which you can refresh on a regular basis. This will add a vibrant touch of colour to your space and you won't have to look after them either!
6. Velvet Overground
We've mentioned velvet before; velvet is a fabric which is not only ideal for the winter months, it will also lend an opulent air to your room. So, if your bank book allows, an armchair or a couch in velvet is an absolute must for the coldest months of the year. Opt for deep autumnal hues and when it comes to spring and summer, scatter throws and cushions in lighter fabrics and shades.
