It’s grey and miserable outside, and the light is fading earlier every day. Autumn is well and truly here, and before we know it, we’ll be in the throes of winter. If you’re keen to do some decorating or sprucing at home to create a cosy vibe perfect for chilly climes, you’ve come to the right place. Here are some inspirational ideas to help you snuggle up this autumn/winter.
Switching up your colourways
When the sun’s shining, and it’s light until you go to bed, it’s wonderful to embrace natural light and try and create crisp, clean spaces. As temperatures fall, it’s increasingly tempting to shun the outside world in favour of retreating to the couch and huddling around the fire. Colour is a really important factor when it comes to setting the tone and adding ambience to a room. When it’s cold and dark outside, opt for warm tones rather than clinical white or neutral shades. At this is time of year you can really experiment with colour and be a little bolder with your palette. You don’t have to go crazy and cover every wall with printed floral paper or rich burgundy or midnight blue paint, but use accents of colour to lift your interiors and embrace autumnal styling. Think plum curtains or sapphire cushions, for example. You can create a feature wall with one shade or use decorative accessories to carry a colour theme.
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Beautifying your bedroom
There’s nothing more appealing than crawling into bed and getting cosy under the covers when it’s pouring down and blowing a gale outside. If you’re keen to enjoy lie-ins at the weekend and early nights after long days at work, it may be time to consider a mini makeover in your bedroom. You want to create a comfortable, tranquil space that provides a sanctuary to escape to when you want to relax or wind down. Opt for warm, neutral tones or pastels and keep your lighting soft to create a relaxing atmosphere, which makes it easy to doze off at night. Comfort should be your priority when it comes to designing your bedroom, so make sure you have a bed that enables you to enjoy a restful night. If you’re not happy with your mattress, have a look online to find the best mattress review and take a trip to some bed stores. This time of year is a great time to buy, as shops often offer flash discounts before Christmas. Once you’ve ticked off the comfort factor, focus on styling the room. Make your bed a focal point, which catches the eye as you walk through the door. In the colder months, it’s all about staying warm, so pile pillows, blankets, and cushions high. You don’t want to be too uniform when it comes to dressing your bed. The laid-back look works brilliantly.
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Heating your home in style
Even the hardiest homeowners will probably take steps to heat their homes this autumn/winter. Most homes have a central heating system, but there’s nothing like the rustic appeal of an open fire if you’re keen to create that cosy, snug vibe. If you don’t have a fire ready and raring to go, you could consider fitting a log burner or installing a more modern alternative, such as a plasma screen, wall-mounted fire. Think about the space you have available and the style of your home. If you have got an old-fashioned stove or a range, make it the focal point of the room by angling your furniture towards it and adding accessories, such as a log basket. You could also consider making a feature of your radiators. You don’t have to go for the run-of-the-mill wall-mounted white units. You can buy radiators in all different shapes and sizes, such as coiled springs and even Lego bricks. If you like to make a statement and you have a contemporary home, have a look online for inspiration and get some quotes.
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Textures and fabrics
At this time of year, there’s so much scope to play around with different trends and styles and mix and match textures and fabrics. In the warmer months, we tend to favour minimalist styles and keep materials light. When it’s cooler outside, you can be braver and more experimental. Consider opulent fabrics like velvet and faux fur if you’re channelling a boutique hotel vibe in the bedroom or thick woollen rugs and high-pile carpets if you’re updating the living room. Soft furnishings add interest to interiors, but they also add warmth. Layer blankets and throws over sofas and chairs in the sitting room and place rugs on the floors in the hallway and bedrooms. In the kitchen, you can make seating areas more enticing by placing blankets on benches and chairs.
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Ambient lighting
When there’s a lack of natural light available, you can use lamps, pendants and freestanding lights to create a relaxed mood. Opt for soft lighting rather than harsh light provided by strip lights or spots. Hanging oversized, industrial-style bulbs is a great idea for contemporary office spaces or funky modern kitchens while romantic chandeliers work well with chic, vintage-style decor. You can also use indoor lanterns, candles, and fairy lights to add warmth. If you have children and you’re worried about the safety of burning candles, take a look at LED alternatives.
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Temperatures are falling, and we’re hurtling towards winter at a rate of knots. If you’re starting to feel the chill, it’s time to start making your home cosier and more inviting. You don’t have to embark on a full-scale makeover, but it’s always comforting to feel warm and relaxed at home. Use soft furnishings, ambient lighting and bolder, darker colours to set the tone and don’t be afraid to mix and match fabrics and textures. Focus on the rooms you’ll be spending most of your time, heat your home in style and make sure you feel comfortable, especially in your bedroom. Layer up with throws, cushions, and blankets, stock up on candles and keep your toes warm with high-pile carpets or shaggy faux-fur rugs.
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