Getting cosy for Autumn
I’ve just about got over huffing and puffing about the rain, the chill and the dark evenings and am ready to embrace autumn. It didn’t take me too long when I realised it means I stop shaving my legs and can finally dig out the cashmere. And I can’t deny that it’s a lovely time of year here in the countryside. There’s something really spellbinding about the streak of low sunlight that darts through the trees and I know the best bit is yet to come when the trees all turn their lovely autumnal hue.
But what it really signifies is time to turn our attention indoors. While I’ve been focusing all my efforts on the garden this summer now it’s time for attention to turn inwards. And in my case that’s going to require a lot of decorating, as we haven’t even begun to tackle our home renovation yet. I’d like to say I’m excited but I just feel overwhelmed, it’s no surprise that designers never get around to finishing their own homes! Nevertheless here’s a few quick and easy things I like to do to make my home feel winter ready.
1. Something about the colder months makes me really get in touch with the feeeeel of things. Velvet is my go-to fabric of choice for upholstery and I always opt for a really rich jewel like shade like this cheeky Bluebell snuggler from Sofa.com in this vibrant teal.
2. For me winter is all about layering up and you can do this at home too. I like to play around with layering rugs, mixing pile and kilim rugs so it doesn’t get all too squishy. Its also another chance to pop some colour and play around with patterns.
3. As the nights draw in it’s all about getting the glow. I have oodles of candles and love dotting them around the living room to get that feel good vibe. I love to opt for scented candles that evoke the time of year so musky scents like fig, clove, orange and pomegranate work for me.
4. Fresh flowers aren’t so abundant this time of year but I say you shouldn’t be afraid to fake it. Go for strong bigheaded blooms and they’ll add that much needed pop of colour.
5. I’m the queen of cosy but I think it’s important that you decorate with this in mind. Squashy shaped furniture, like an oversized snuggler is perfect. Failing that cosy up the sofa with a bevy of cushions and the more they clash the better
6. If you’re anything like me you’ll be spending an unhealthy amount of time this winter watching box sets during the dark evenings. I have a stash of favourite blankets including some crocheted beauties that come out of the airing cupboard this time of year. They are a welcome addition to my sofa.
7. I love a well-dressed window as it’s a great way to make a feature in a room and a combination of curtains and blinds is my ideal combination. Radiators are often sited under windows (don’t get me started) but I get around this by having an interlined blind, which can be dropped, leaving the curtains drawn so the radiator can still heat the room effectively.
Credits: Wallpaper, Prism by Cole and Son. Side board by Sarah Moore for Money for Nothing. Bluebell snuggler in Amazon, footstool, both by Sofa.com. Crescent lamp base and shade from Pooky lights. Side table by La Redoute. Rugs by Sofa.com. Portree cushion by Bluebell Gray.
