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HOW TO EVOKE A WARM , COSY FEELING IN YOUR HOME THIS WINTER
As we look forward to the winter / festive season , we prepare ourselves for the sudden dip in temperature and the appeal of a warm dinner in the comfort of home . There ’ s no better feeling than stepping through the front door after a long working week and all that socialising that ’ s expected of us as Christmas approaches . But how do you evoke that feeling of warmth and comfort in your own home ?
“ It comes from creating familiar surroundings through the use of plush textures and warm tones ,” explains Will Lyne , co-owner and master designer for luxury brand Christopher Peters Kitchens & Interiors . “ Cosiness is a feeling , not a design aesthetic , but the two do come hand in hand . It ’ s about ensuring that your living space is cohesively pleasing to the eye whilst also taking efficiency and practicalities , like heating and lighting , into consideration . An efficient home is a welcoming home – and the place you choose to be over anywhere else in the world .”
So , sit down , grab a warm drink and settle in to read all about Will ’ s top tips for evoking a feeling of cosiness in your home .
Leave the outside world at the door It ’ s quite common for homeowners to mistake the hallway or entry space as merely a place for efficiency and storage . We ’ re often advising our clients to see this area as an extension of the main living space because , quite simply , it ’ s the first thing you and your guests will see !
Whilst storage is always a priority in this area , that doesn ’ t take away from the need for the space to feel inviting . It could be as simple as adding softer textures and natural materials – wood and wicker accents make for practical yet beautiful options , such as a stair basket or umbrella stand – or a long-term investment in a bespoke entryway table or hall tree .
Tonal tranquillity Experts say that certain colour groups have the ability to make us feel a certain way – blue is said to improve efficiency whilst green heals and relaxes us . Switching up the tones in your home is a great way to create a sense of comfort without causing too much upheaval and with very little financial investment . You can also simply update any space with a fresh lick of paint – whether that be the kitchen , bathroom or the main living spaces .
I would opt for earthy colours , like deep oranges and terracotta , in your living space . This palette complements wooden finishes well and can add an instant sense of natural calm to your home . If you ’ re feeling a little more adventurous , opulent purples and inky blues replicate the look of the night sky , which instantly takes us to a place of comfort and relaxation . These tones work well with brass or gold accents .
Warm finishes and textures Playing around with mixed materials is a great way to add a more stylised and polished feel to your home – but , done
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well , it can also instantly add comfort and familiarity to the space . A finish we ’ re installing more often for our clients is distressed mirrored splashbacks in kitchens and bathrooms . As well as giving the sense of more space , the gilded edging softens the look and creates a feeling of romance .
When it comes to living and sleeping spaces , there ’ s a lot to be said for simply adding warm blankets and throw pillows
– always a great accent , especially in tones that complement your décor . In kids ’ rooms , add a reading nook with a linen canopy and plenty of soft cushions and blankets . Twinkly fairy lights will also make your little one ’ s space more enticing at bedtime !
Will concludes , “ The secret to making your home feel cosy and inviting can be as simple as adding warm mood lighting , dimmer switches , candles and table lamps . If budget allows , invest the time and effort into the rooms you use most frequently – the kitchen , for instance , will instantly feel warmer and more inviting if units are painted in muted tones and comfortable seating is available for you and guests to relax on . Remember that it ’ s a feeling and not necessarily a look , so just recognise the colours and tones that make you feel most comfortable and integrate those into your existing décor .”