England, Wales, Scotland & Northern Ireland
Interiors
INTERIOR EXPERTS REVEAL HOW TO CURRATE A COSY, ON-TREND SPACE THIS WINTER
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Frost is forming on chilly mornings, crunchy amber leaves are falling from the trees, and hints of this year’s Christmas festivities are beginning to make an appearance… it’s official - winter is coming. With the temperature predicted to drop dramatically in the coming weeks, there is no better time of year to consider how you will be adapting your living spaces for the winter months. Let’s get cosy.
Swoon, the UK’s leading online design-led furniture brand, along with its design experts, has revealed its top tier interior design advice to cosy-fy your abode. From chic curtains to toasty throws, Swoon’s experts reveal their must-have items for the ultimate snug space to curl up and relax in this winter.
Curtains – Draft Away!
If your windows become draughty during the colder months, covering them up in a stylish and functional way is a great solution. Yes, we are of course talking about curtains! Curtains are often forgotten about when designing a room, however, due to their incredible versatility, they are simple to incorporate into any room. Plus, as around 40% of heat from your home is lost through your windows, curtains are super handy at keeping that all important heat, in.
When selecting curtains for your space, you need to consider two major factors. Dimensions, and colour. For maximum heat retention, ensure your curtains generously cover the full surface area of your window. Take the time to get the tape measure out and carefully determine the exact dimensions your curtains need to be – it’s better to be safe than sorry!
When it comes to choosing a colour, it’s always best to take inspiration from your chosen room’s aesthetic. If you have a Scandi style space, a neutral beige is a timeless choice to
ensure your curtains blend well with your current colour scheme. However, if you’re feeling bold, there is a great opportunity to make a statement with a daringly bright hue. Forget feature walls – this season it’s all about dressing your windows to create an eye-catching display. Add a couple of complementary ornamental accessories to dress the windowsill, and you’re all set.
Soft furnishings
Now that all of your major surfaces are covered, it’s time to start considering the finer details. Social areas can become chilly quite easily during the colder months, so it is important to equip them with homely soft furnishings to ooze comfort and snug vibes.
Consider creating a basket or box full of warm throws for your lounge, so that when the temperature drops, your guests can reach for a comforting blanket to snuggle up and relax. Choose a selection of soft cotton velvet throws in a range of hues that co-ordinate with your current colour scheme, and roll them neatly into a wooden basket for a Mid-Century-inspired set up.
In your bedroom, consider updating your bedspread to a thicker, heavier fabric for the winter. Velvet is well known to be an excellent insulator, so it is a great choice to dress your bed, and keep you warm and cosy whilst you slumber. Plus, it looks super chic and is sumptuously soft, so you’re sure to sleep well.
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Rugs
Hard wood, tile, or laminate floors can become super chilly once the temperature drops. So, in high-footfall areas of your home, such as your lounge or dining space, placing a carpet or rug down in your space can help to keep your environment, and your toes, toasty – and retain up to 20% more heat.
When it comes to placing and styling a rug, Sam Baldry, Head of Design at Swoon, comments:
“I love placing a rug in specific areas to create zones in the home. In the living room, positioning a rug between the coffee table and sofa creates a snug area dedicated to respite and relaxation – and will help to reduce heat loss in your abode, too.
“If you are choosing a new rug, select a thick, hand tufted woollen rug that suits the surface area of your space well, creating the ultimate under-foot experience. For an aesthetically pleasing display that all of your guests will envy, choose a warm tone such as a burnt auburn or harissa red. Sunset tones are great at bringing warmth into any space.”
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Lighting
Sometimes, the way a space is lit can affect the overall atmosphere, and warmth of the space. Bright white, clinical lighting imposes a cold ambience to any room, and therefore should be avoided. Instead, consider warm tones, mood lighting, and even coloured bulbs to create a ‘warm’ vibe, without adding any heat at all.
Sam Baldry, Head of Design at Swoon, comments:
“When the darker evenings draw in, I love to switch up my lighting set up to enhance the mood and warmth of my living space. After the sun sets, table lamps, wall lamps, and floor lamps are great alternatives to using the main ceiling light. Dimmer, more dispersed lighting can help to create tranquil corners in your space, and can also help to relax your eyes, body, and mind before you retire to the bedroom.
“I would recommend keeping all your lighting accessories themed together for a super ‘put together’ aesthetic. I love the look of all brass appliances in a space, ensuring you use warm toned bulbs to maintain a welcoming atmosphere. Unifying the materials used, but diversifying the shape and style of each light creates a super chic combination that looks like it was put together by a high-end luxury designer. It’s a great little trick to achieve an expertly designed space without hiring a professional.”
So, with four simple and easy changes that you can make in your living spaces to keep them cosy even once the temperature drops, all that’s left to do is to get your creativity flowing and choose your designs!
For more information on Swoon and its latest editions, please visit here.
