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The Evening Post - 'A clutter free bathroom is a happy bathroom' - Interiors Column - Jul 2011
I don't want to cause any panic attacks but winter is fast beckoning and before we know it, the snow will be falling. It's scary how fast the months past but you don't have to spend a fortune or a massive amount of time keeping your home in check with the seasons latest trends.
The months ahead should be spent within the comfort of your home, drinking mulled wine and hot chocolate by the fireplace and enjoying cosy nights in with friends. In order to set the scene and make the most of the winter months, your home should reflect a warm and welcoming retreat that cocoons you, your family and friends from the outside world.
If your home doesn't quite have that 'winter warmer' appeal or if it's still sporting spring/summer accessories, you may want to make a few changes to make way for the winter period. If you start thinking about this now, you'll have plenty of time to create the perfect winter wonderland for you to enjoy over the holiday season.
Cool blues and zesty lemon shades are perfect for a breezy summer feeling but not so great when the clocks go back, the days become shorter and the temperatures start to drop. Although season-specific shades seem a good idea at the time, when the seasons change, you're left with a colour scheme that is out of date and unable to create the ambience you require.
Updating your home on a seasonal basis can be a very costly affair so in order to prevent this from happening; I'd recommend sticking with a neutral colour scheme that can be worked around. If you paint or paper the walls of each room in a classic shade such as light mocha, smooth caramel, cappuccino or even stoney slate tones, you allow scope and endless design possibilities for accessorising. The great thing about accessorising is that you can change the look and feel of a room, instantly, without having to break the bank and in the same way you bring the Christmas decorations out each year, certain accessories will hold their appeal year after year.
The High Street offers fantastic value for money. With a neutral canvas in place, you could walk into Next, Laura Ashley, Marks and Spencer or even Matalan and pick up some seasonal accessories that will add warmth and character to any room without having to worry about them matching the existing décor. You can also relax, knowing that when you replace them in 6 months time, you haven't wasted an absolute fortune.
Even the smallest of accessories can make a massive difference to the ambience of a room. The addition of a woolen throw, a few velvet cushions, new lampshades and a scattering of scented candles for instance would set the scene perfectly for cosy winter nights in.
When it comes to choosing appropriate colours, opt for rich mulberry tones, burnt orange hues, deep blues, greens and purple shades. Black and Grey are also popular colour choices, lending themselves particularly well to winter interiors. Metallic finishes are also ideal with antique gold offering a rustic edge and copper adding a feeling of warmth.
The resurgence of wallpaper has literally rocked the interior design world this year. There are so many wonderful designs available and the High Street has taken on board everything that Designer labels like Cole and Sons, Designers Guild and Brain Yates have tried to get across. It's all about creating striking feature walls with bold, eye-grabbing patterns for a fresh, rejuvenated look.
Wallpaper can also be used to add an element of warmth and charm, perfect for the cooler winter season.
To pull off this trend, you only need to use one roll and concentrate it on one focal area such as the chimney breast or a central alcove. Choose an elegant yet interesting pattern in deep, sensuous shades such as plum or berry red for a result that is cosy, welcoming and ticks all the en-vogue boxes.
Floral print wallpaper was a big hit this summer but just because the flowers aren't currently blooming, it doesn't mean this popular trend can't be worked into your home during the winter months. You just have to stay clear of light, vibrant colours and select deeper, darker tones that fit the mood more appropriately. As long as you restrict the paper to one small area, you could even opt for a black background. Vivienne Westwood's line would be perfect in fact - 'Magnolia' as its name suggests uses a bold black background adorn with a beautiful arrangement of cream Magnolias for a look that is both beautiful and versatile. This wallpaper is ideal for creating an en-vogue finish to a traditional setting or adding character to a more contemporary style home.
At any stage of the calendar year, don't be afraid to experiment with pattern, colour and texture. Lavish velvet cushions in block shades, stripes and florals, plush rugs that your cold feet can sink into, metallic finishes and solid woods will bring you one step close in your quest to create a home that warms the heart.
By Lesley Taylor
Lesley Taylor is an Interior Designer, Author and full member of the BIIDA. www.lesleytaylor.co.uk.
