Creating comfy rooms and snug spaces is sure to see you through the dark days of winter. Angelina Villa-Clarke talks to the experts to find out how to make your home into the ultimate ‘winter-proof’ sanctuary
With long nights upon us, nothing appeals more than getting comfortable at home with a warm drink and a good book. In Denmark, this feeling is truly embedded in the country’s culture through the notion of hygge, which encompasses the wellbeing that comes from simple pleasures in life. Lighting a room with candles, curling up by a flickering fire or snuggling under a warm blanket are all elements of a hygge lifestyle.
Bad weather often means more hours spent indoors, so winter can be a dismal time for many. By making a few simple tweaks to our homes, we can create our own hygge: relaxing spaces that offer rest and respite, making this season a time to look forward to. In short, cosy homes can help us perfect the art of ‘wintering’.
Colour is a great place to start. Fred Horlock, design director at Neptune, which has a store in Harston, says: “Embrace earthy tones such as deep rusts and browns, which can be introduced through textured throws and rugs.”
Dominic Myland, CEO of paint brand Mylands, suggests: “Enveloping a room in a single colour, particularly deep neutrals like our Egerton Place or darker shades like Burlington Arcade, creates an intimate feel that’s also luxurious and dramatic.”
Creative director and co-founder of Yes Colours Emma Bestley says: “For a cocooning atmosphere, drench the entire room in deep, jewel-like tones such as rich plums, warm oranges and forest greens.”
You can also introduce colour by choosing statement furniture. “Opt for pieces that will enhance the room’s overall cosiness, such as soft green and mushroom,” advises Kate Palmer, creative director at The Painted Furniture Company.
Berry and burgundy are on trend too, and will bring a feeling of quiet luxury when paired with shades from nature, such as forest green, says Georgia Metcalfe, founder of the French Bedroom Company. Meanwhile, Shelley Cochrane, accessories buyer at Furniture Village, picks teal as her colour of the season. “Colour-drench the space in this opulent shade, from walls and floor coverings to furniture and accessories,” she says. “This will deliver a captivating effect in dining rooms, creating an intimate backdrop for candlelit dinners.”
Ultimate cosiness, however, is all about making sure you have the right furniture to sink into. “Choosing the perfect sofa is key,” states Caron Grant, brand manager at homeware company Bridgman. “It’s the centrepiece of any living space and vital for relaxing and unwinding. Don’t forget about comfortable armchairs as well – another essential. Create cohesion with an armchair in the same style and colour as your sofa or opt for an accent piece that enhances the space with a striking silhouette. Pairing it with a complementary footstool allows you to unwind in absolute comfort.”
Natural accessories
For those on a budget, it isn’t necessary to redecorate or invest in new furniture to create a welcoming space. This is easily achieved with just a few artful, thoughtfully placed accessories.
Interior designer Claire Garner says she always turns to natural materials. These include wood, rattan and linen, among others, which help create authenticity and rustic charm. “You can enhance a room’s atmosphere with soft, textured throws and cushions, as well as accessorising with vintage finds such as antique lamps and woven baskets.”
“Layer textiles such as velvets and linen-satin blends using tone-on-tone colours to create a cosy and expressive interior,” says James Gomez, co-founder of Yarn Collective. “Warm, earthy swatches such as terracotta, sienna or copper are great options for curtains and bring warmth and comfort. Shades of green with olive undertones add a luxurious feel to a space.”
Rugs are another effective way to add softness and interest to a scheme. Kirsty Barton, marketing manager at Alternative Flooring, says: “As the temperature drops, rugs become more than just a design element, also serving as essential insulators that add beauty and warmth to any interior. Placing a large wool rug on cold, hard floors creates a homeliness and softens your space.”
Cushions can introduce visual appeal and, when chosen in luxury fabrics and displayed symmetrically, they can add a sense of drama to a room. In fact, by restyling a room with new accessories every season, you can keep the scheme looking fresh. “A simple revamp is the easiest way to elevate a space without having to redecorate or introduce new furniture,” agrees French Bedroom’s Georgia Metcalfe. “Soft furnishings are the perfect starting point for this. In bedrooms it can be as easy as switching out your bed linens and cushions, while in the living room we love swapping out curtains and rugs – often seasonally – to introduce new colours and textures and let summer sunlight in or keep the winter freeze out.”
Finally, it is surely the allure of a roaring fire that produces the ultimate hygge effect. Morso’s contemporary stoves burn wood efficiently, so they not only look sleek but also offer an environmentally friendly method of warming up your home. Direct Stoves also has a large range of traditional and modern wood-burning stoves. Joanna Humphreys, the company’s fire and stove specialist, says: “A wood-burning fire adds character to a home like nothing else. Not only does it create an enticing atmosphere, but it introduces a timeless centrepiece for the room.”
