Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could all just change our interiors to suit each season – swap our lounge suite, replace the floor rugs and repaint the walls to suit.
Well, though desirable, unfortunately it’s just not practical.
So let’s look at the next best thing: Working with what we’ve got, by adding a few simple extras, to cosy up our living spaces.
Let’s start with the lounge/living room
New homes favour the open plan living/dining/kitchen areas – great for our climate though it can prove an arduous task, when winter hits, to get that cosy comfy feeling happening. Ensure your spaces are defined by placement of furniture – rearrange your lounge suite – and with the use of mats.
Think of warm colours – tangerine, plum, and berry – and layering the colour, tone on tone on your lounge, with the use of cushions and throws. Team natural fibres and sensual textures, from silks to suedes to wool, for a toasty laid-back look.
A great way to add a personal touch is by knitting your own cushion covers or throws. Impress your friends and family with your talents. Keep your accessories going with your colour theme.
If a fireplace is not on hand, candles are your next best friend to add magic and ambiance, always place them strategically out of reach of little fingers.
If you already have two layers of curtaining, a sheer and a solid, place the solid in front of the sheer to add weight to the look. Swap them back for a lighter feel when Spring hits.
Now onto the bedroom
Spoil yourself. Select a new Quilt Set in grape or chocolate tones that entices you to cuddles up under it.
Should the budget not stretch for a new quilt set or bedspread, a luscious woollen throw or blanket at the foot of your bed along with textured cushions that say ‘snuggle me’ are perfect for those carefree weekend mornings.
Place a scarf that will radiate winter colour over your bedside lamp. The instant glow it gives will radiate warmth.
A dimmer switch in any room is a great asset for mood lighting. Always remember to have set zones where task lighting is essential, ie for reading.
Even a bathroom can be ‘warmed up’
We all love to wrap around ourselves in new, freshly washed plump towels, so introduce a colour like ruby red or burnt gold.
Hang your bathrobe or dressing gown on the back of the door in readiness for a lazy afternoon or night.
Scented candles to match, in decorative votive or tealight holders will set the scene. Add little touches of luxury.
If a renovation is on the cards, why not consider under-floor heating?
Can you feel the heat already?
