…which means it’s time to cosy-up your home. From inviting lighting to touchy-feely textiles, Charlotte Page shows you how to hunker down in style
Nothing says welcome back winter like a roaring fire. Here the fireplace is enjoyed to the max with furniture positioned around it, while warm, chunky textures add to the cosiness of the setting From left: sheepskin chair, £1,100, cushion, £55, lamp, £195, sheepskin pouffe, £495, vases, large £35 and small £20, candle, £60, log basket, £100, cable-knit cushion cover, £40, throw, £400, and sheepskin stool, £275, all thewhitecompany.com
While deep, rich colours are traditionally used for winter décor, this year is all about keeping it light and bright. To ensure the snug factor, swap cushions and throws in lightweight materials such as linen and cotton for more tactile fabrics such as velvet and wool, and rather than just the one rug, enjoy a few – layered and overlapping in different sizes and materials to add instant insulation and a touch of luxury.
Fireside
As the temperature drops and the nights draw in, it’s time to think about lighting the fire and curling up. Whether it’s roaring or resting, make the fireplace the focal point of a room with just a few added touches…
1. Decorate the fireplace to suit the space you have. A well-placed wall mirror will not only reflect light around the room, it will also draw the eye up towards the ceiling to create a sense of height. 2. The winter months are the perfect time to get creative with the mantelpiece. Use baskets and lanterns to add interest at the base, and decorate the top with candles, flowers and a selection of your favourite items.
Lighting
More than just about illuminating a room, lighting – be it a chandelier or a row of simple bulb pendants – helps give a space personality and will also warm it up even during the day. However, getting the lighting right is more than about just picking it – it’s positioning it, too.
- To give your room a sense of depth, position lighting at different heights and use a mix of options, such as table, floor, wall and pendant lights, to adapt the ambience throughout the day depending on the activity.
- Think about the mood you want to create in a space. For example, in a bedroom, a warm table light or the glow of candles will deliver an intimate vibe, while in a living room, a pendant light hung above a table or desk area will provide enough brightness to eat and work under without being too harsh.
Pendant lights needn’t be in the centre of the room to command attention: here they create an intimate corner in the living room. Lights, £34.99 each, chairs, £119.99, table, £79.99, plant pots, from £9.99, and watering can, £19.99, all hm.com
Statement touches and functionality hang side by side – the cluster of white lamps gives the room drama, while the pendant above the table can be used for working in the evening. For similar lighting, try pooky.com and for a similar rug, try frenchconnection.com
Floor lamp, £325, oka.com, Candle holder, £44, amara.com, Pendant light, £110, anglepoise.com, Pendant light, from £45, pushpull.store, Table lamp, £30, johnlewis.com, Table lamp, £95, laredoute.co.uk, Wall light, £175, curiousegg.com, Table lamp, £130, nordicnest.com, Wall light, £151, amara.com, Electric diffuser, £69.50, oliverbonas.com
Textiles
For that cosy but luxe touch, add layers of temptingly tactile materials.
- Pile on cushions and throws in fabrics such as velvet and wool and opt for pops of warming hues such as mustard and plum.
- Pattern is great for adding texture – you just need to strike the right balance. For example, with a bold floral throw, opt for plain velvet cushions in similar colours.
This room’s mix of different woods creates an effortlessly stylish and relaxed feel, while soft throws and a heap of cushions up the hunker-down factor. Bed, £1,870, pendant light, £80, and sheepskin rug, £260, all neptune.com
Velvet and cotton bedspread, £135, oliverbonas.com, Linen and velvet cushion, £80, jessicaosborne.com, Wool rug (160cm x 230cm), £550, floorstory.co.uk, Velvet cushion, £39, trouva.com, Berber rug (140cm x 210cm), £250.49, trouva.com, Recycled cotton blanket, £60, nordicnest.com