Subscribe to Taylors Etc Interior Design Magazine.
News and Articles
The Evening Post - 'winter decor' - Interiors Column - dec 2012
The cold, dark and chilly evenings suggest that winter is now well and truly upon us, so this is the perfect time to transform your home into a cosy hideaway. With the run up to Christmas being such a hectic time for many, there is something comforting in returning home and shutting the door on the bitter winds and leaving the stresses of the day behind you.
Snuggled up on the sofa with a mug of hot chocolate in hand and a classic film playing in the background is a perfect winter scene, and with so many of us spending our evenings cooped up indoors to escape the miserable weather outside, it is important that your home is suited to this time of year.If you haven't prepared your home for the festive season yet, or if it still has a fresh, summery feel, then follow my simple hints and tips to create a cosy mood.
Designer's Guild, William Yeoward, Delacroix fabrics
The William Yeoward fabric collection from Designer's Guild is just the thing for creating a stylish winter decor. Combining rich shades with a selection of patterns will bring a sense of warmth into any room. 020 7893 7400,
|
It may surprise you to know that I rearrange the layout of my living areas in accordance to the different seasons.In spring I ensure that the furniture is pushed back to provide a feeling of space and openness, however in the winter I allow it to be situated centrally in the room to create an intimate ambience.
This actually stems from a traditional ritual where many years ago, window dressings would be adapted to suit the weather outside. As windows were once not as sturdy and robust as they are now, thick tapestry and heavy velvets would be put in place of lighter materials in order to prevent cold drafts coming into the room and any warmth escaping.
Despite the fact that issues such as this rarely arise these days, I believe there is still something to be said for adjusting your home in relation to the season we are in, for our own comfort and enjoyment above anything else.
There is no need for this to become a timely or costly project as making a few small changes will allow your home to reflect the seasonal weather outside and enhance your mood within.
|
Simply moving your sofa or armchair closer to the fire in colder months can completely transform the dynamics of your living room. Choosing accessories and soft furnishings that reflect the time of year in terms of texture and pattern will make a massive difference without your home needing a complete makeover four times a year!
To make the transition between seasons as simple as possible, I would recommend applying a neutral colour scheme in terms of the walls and floors through the use of natural tones. These will then work to complement any shades you wish to introduce for summer or winter.Although fresh, pastel hues are perfect for the spring/ summer months, a cosy winter interior requires richer, deeper shades for a cosy atmosphere, so try to incorporate accessories in romantic reds and aubergines. Metallic finishes are also on-trend at the moment and are ideal for a winter scheme. Golds and bronzes not only have a festive spirit, but will bring an extra feeling of warmth into a room.
When it comes to choosing those all important finishing touches for your home this winter I would begin with furnishing your sofa; you should make this as comfortable as possible for those cosy nights in. Opt for a woollen throw that is not only stylish, but perfect for those evenings of snuggling up in front of the TV. Partner with a selection of scatter cushions in a variety of different textures such as velvets and silk to achieve a perfect balance between comfort and luxury. The addition of a plush rug that feels soft and warm beneath your feet will also help to set the scene, especially when placed in front of a fire.
Mood lighting also plays an important part in creating a warming ambience. I would recommend fitting a dimmer switch to any living or dining areas, if you haven't already got one in place, as this can make all the difference. Simply changing your lampshades to coincide with your new winter colour scheme will also work well to adjust the dynamics of a room in accordance to the season we are now in.
Above: Taylor's Etc. cushions
Furnish your sofa with plenty of scatter cushions for a cosy night in front of the TV. This design is available at Taylor's Etc,
02920 358 400,
|
Making your home perfect for winter requires you to apply your attention to the smallest of details such as simply replacing your current scented candles or room fragrance with those that have a hint of spice as opposed to fresh florals.
There are plenty of cost effective solutions out there that will provide great results. The latest offerings on the high street have been designed to coincide with the seasons as we use our homes differently throughout the year. Adjusting the layout of a room, or simply swapping over the cushions and lighting those candles will help you to make the most of your home this winter and will last all the way through until spring makes a welcomed return!
By Lesley TaylorLesley Taylor is an Interior Designer, Author and full member of the BIIDA. www.lesleytaylor.co.uk. 02920 358400 www.taylorsetc.co.uk
|
Above: Heals copper lamp
Incorporate lamps and mood lighting for a warming ambience. This copper lamp is available at Heals,
Tel: 08700 240 780
|
Above: Warwick- Rusca Tamara
Deep shades and luxurious materials including velvet and silk will help to create the perfect scene. Get the look with Warwick fabrics Grandeur Collection.
Tel: 01451 822 383
|
