SIMPLE WAYS TO CREATE A COSY HOME THIS WINTER

​As the temperature drops and days get shorter, we spend more time indoors – and crave our home comforts. The great news is while the weather is turning drab, your décor doesn’t have to be! There are simple ways to create an indulgent and luxurious atmosphere that’s perfect for relaxing in.
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Follow these tips to transform your home into a cosy retreat this winter:

​Layer soft furnishings
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​Layering soft, tactile fabrics provides instant comfort and style, and will make your home feel more inviting. Think chunky knits, cashmere, velvet and faux fur. The contrast of textures will give each room a new dimension and create visual interest, too. And if you’ve a modern interior, layering rich fabrics will soften sleek edges and add a sense of luxury.
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Drape throws and blankets over sofas and beds ready to be grabbed when it gets chilly, and pile up comforting nests of cushions and pillows.

​Make room for a snug reading nook 
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​More time indoors means more time to read and relax. Make use of that empty corner by creating a comfy place to curl up with a book.

Choose a cosy armchair, rocker or ottoman, and position lighting nearby. Add a table for a hot drink and a bookcase or stack of paperbacks. Or for a quirky reading nook, why not create a luxurious Bohemian cocoon with a canopy and patterned cushions?

​Accessorise from nature 
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While the outdoors is inhospitable in winter, bringing natural elements inside can actually make your home feel more cosy. Think winterberries, pinecones, sprigs of festive greenery and warm, wooden finishes.

​​If you enjoy crafts, you could try your hand at making a simple wreath to serve as chic and festive wall art. Hardy houseplants are another great choice to liven your winter décor. They add a pop of colour and improve air quality, creating a fresh environment to combat the stale atmosphere of indoor heating.
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​Create visual warmth with winter colours 
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Surround yourself with rich colours and your home will feel like a sanctuary from the drab outdoors. Try a palette of warm neutrals or soft shades of chestnut and moss green, paired with festive brights like red, gold or copper.

Prefer pale colours? These can be cosy, too. Go for a Nordic or Snow White theme, and balance bright walls with natural accents so your space doesn’t look too stark:
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​Cocoon your home to lock in heat 
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Area rugs give your room character and help to retain heat, especially if you’ve bare wooden floors or tiles.

Large rugs will also act as an anchor, helping to pull the room’s theme together. Choose plush soft pile or sheepskin rugs for extra comfort, and layer one rug on top of the other to create visual interest.

Another way to conserve heat is by investing in thick, lined window dressings to stop chilly winter drafts. Make a statement and choose dressings in vibrant colours to complement your room’s theme.
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Amp up the lighting 

Good lighting is especially important now the days are darker. Exchange one bright light source for softer, atmospheric lighting at different levels. Arrange table and floor lamps to make activities like reading and dining easier. 
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Fairy lights aren’t just for Christmas – they’re a chic and contemporary way to get creative with your lighting arrangement. And nothing says ‘cosy winter evening’ more than the flickering glow of candlelight! Display tealights in pretty lanterns, or indulge the senses with your favourite scented candles.
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​Make the fireplace your focal point 

The living room is one of the most used rooms in a home, especially in winter. And as a source of heat and light your fireplace becomes a natural focal point. Rearrange your furniture towards it for a cosy gathering spot. Accentuate your mantel with accessories inspired by nature, and place a large mirror or statement artwork above your fireplace to draw attention.
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If you don’t have a working fireplace, you can create the illusion of warmth and radiance with an installation of lights and logs, or simply add candles and a pretty lantern:
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Follow these tips and you can create a welcoming environment that’s primed for comfort – and prepare to see out the winter in style! What ways do you decorate your home for winter? Let me know in the comments below. I’d love to hear from you.
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