As autumn gets into full swing and the news that the UK is facing another Beast from the East this winter, I feel it’s probably a good time to look at what makes a home feel cozy. As we, in the northern hemisphere, come to the end of summer it is a good time to prepare your home for the winter months. What you want is a comfy, welcoming retreat where you can keep snug from the cold outside. Here are some quick and easy fixes for creating a cozy home.
I am in no way affiliated with the products included in this post. Selections are made entirely independently and without any form of commission.
Cushions + Throws
Cushions are an easy way to update your decor for the coming season. They are a great way to add colour and/or pattern and texture. Choose warm autumnal colours in on trend velvet for coziness this autumn. A fringed cushion will also amp up warmth. Add throws or blankets draped over the arms of armchairs or sofas in complementary or contrasting colours… Le Poeme De Fleurs Rosewood cushion £110 from Designers Guild would look great layered with moody, inky textures or with neutral pastels or indeed as strong splash of colour in an all white interior – perfect for winter. For more autumn florals check out this post.
For something colourful and tactile with an element of fun try the faux fur Sophie cushion from Anthropologie £32.
Bed Linen
The current trend for casually done beds in washed linen is perfect for easy autumn cosiness. These also look great in darker colours, which suit this time of year. I particularly like this look with a lighter bottom sheet and a darker duvet cover and pillowcases. Secret Linen Store has this 100% Linen Aubergine Bed Linen on sale right now. Double duvet cover £119, standard pillowcase £15. Perfect for early nights and long lie-ins. Hello colder months.
I am also loving the colour and texture of Anthropologie’s Kantha stitched velvet quilt and pillows (below). the colour taps into the current mustard trend but the velvet finish gives it a more autumnal sunshine feel. Super cozy! Quilt £168, pillowcases from £58 for 2.
Artwork + Accessories
Artwork and decorative accessories are very personal and your collection should be built up over time. However, bare walls are the antithesis to coziness so perhaps now is a good time to find something you love. For online sources: if your budget is limited try Society6 for affordable art prints or Print Club London for limited edition screen prints from emerging artists. Minted is good for quality limited prints with reasonable rates for International shipping, or if you are after something original try Saatchi Art or Artfinder. Of course art is not only pictures and paintings, take a look at the decorative wall art at your favourite homeware stores or on Etsy and find alternatives such as decorative baskets or this joyous Gold Sunburst Clock from Audenza, £151.
Fine dining is on the up again as the experience driven younger generations look for new and creative ways to experience meal times. This trend is expected to influence home dining, especially in the UK as the economic ramifications of Brexit take hold; expect well presented tables with attention to detail. Tableware is a great way to express your creative side and add some colour and/or pattern to your home. Beautifully laid tables will make your guests feel special and bring a sense of occasion to your dinner parties. The new Voyagers range from Korb Atelier is gorgeous with a chic autumnal feel.
Or add some vintage autumnal glamour to your drinks cabinet or bar cart with this Nomu Decanter from Oliver Bonas, £28.
Lighting
Lighting is a major consideration when injecting the cosy factor into your home. A solitary overhead light is not going to cut it. Lighting should be layered at different heights; think floor lamps, table lamps and wall sconces. Dimmers are your best friends when creating a warm glow. Adjust your lighting to create different moods. Adding candles is an effective and inexpensive way to set a cosy vibe.
Greenery
Plants and flowers will make your home feel alive and welcoming. You can play with size and don’t forget that hanging pots or plants on shelves is a great way to spread greenery throughout the room. Plants can help clear toxins and so you will also end up with a healthier space. For those not blessed with green fingers, there are some quality faux plants and flowers available these days or how about the Seletti Desert Sunrise lamps, by Marcantonio (below), which give you greenery and lighting in one hit!
Well I hope you’ve enjoyed this post on how to create a cosy home. If you are looking to add some warmth before winter then I hope this has given you some pointers. I’d also like to apologise for the lack of posts in the last month. I have been extremely busy as the project I’ve been working on has been sold and we are getting ready to leave our home of 6 years in Concarneau, France. Soon we will be heading south on our sailing boat….follow me on Instagram to find out where we end up!
XO💕
