Decorating
9 of the Warmest Ways to Cosy Up Your Living Space
Cocoon your living room in snug fabrics, warm colours and the glow of candlelight for a winter you won’t want to end
Before you plunge into a midwinter gloom, remember that the cold season has much to offer, too – particularly for our homes. Think crackling, open fires, faux-fur throws and a rich, welcoming colour palette of bitter chocolate, rusty red and warm ochre in which to wrap up our living rooms for the cosiest time of year. Best of all, the cold, dark nights give us all the perfect excuse to put on our PJs and snuggle up on the sofa for the rest of the evening. What’s not to love?
Use warm-hearted tones
A palette of rich aubergine, gold and off-white will wrap your living room in a cocoon-like ambience. There’s no need to overhaul every inch of your room – just a quick lick of berry coloured paint on one wall and a pile of comfy cushions on the seating, and it’s ‘goodbye summer, hello winter’.
A palette of rich aubergine, gold and off-white will wrap your living room in a cocoon-like ambience. There’s no need to overhaul every inch of your room – just a quick lick of berry coloured paint on one wall and a pile of comfy cushions on the seating, and it’s ‘goodbye summer, hello winter’.
Warm up a modern room
On the face of it, this light, bright and airy barn conversion shouldn’t be cosy at all. But the real fire, original timber beams, stash of sawn-off logs and soft hide transform it into the most welcoming of rooms. And when the snow starts to fall outside, what better place to take in the spectacular winter wonderland?
On the face of it, this light, bright and airy barn conversion shouldn’t be cosy at all. But the real fire, original timber beams, stash of sawn-off logs and soft hide transform it into the most welcoming of rooms. And when the snow starts to fall outside, what better place to take in the spectacular winter wonderland?
Fire up your imagination
Nothing can beat the roar, crackle and glow of a real, open fire when its cold, dark and rainy outside. If an open fire is a tad too traditional for your tastes, why not invest in a super-contemporary, sculptural fireplace like this one. This clever, suspended Gyrofocus design, which can be rotated, adds a sensational centrepiece to the room – and of course will keep everyone toasty to boot.
Read expert advice on choosing the right fire for your home
Nothing can beat the roar, crackle and glow of a real, open fire when its cold, dark and rainy outside. If an open fire is a tad too traditional for your tastes, why not invest in a super-contemporary, sculptural fireplace like this one. This clever, suspended Gyrofocus design, which can be rotated, adds a sensational centrepiece to the room – and of course will keep everyone toasty to boot.
Read expert advice on choosing the right fire for your home
Layer with texture
The colder months are all about shutting the door and hibernating at home, and what better way to do this than with layer upon layer of warm fabrics and traditional prints. You can’t go wrong with wool cushions and blankets of course (think merino, cashmere, mohair et al), a plush rug underfoot and a selection of tweed and tartan patterns in heathery purple, sage green, caramel and taupe.
The colder months are all about shutting the door and hibernating at home, and what better way to do this than with layer upon layer of warm fabrics and traditional prints. You can’t go wrong with wool cushions and blankets of course (think merino, cashmere, mohair et al), a plush rug underfoot and a selection of tweed and tartan patterns in heathery purple, sage green, caramel and taupe.
Invest in plush fabrics
Velvet really is a must-have material for adding the feel-good factor. Choose a big, slouchy sofa upholstered in a vibrant teal, chartreuse or crimson velvet, or update a worn armchair with new velvet covers. If that isn’t an option, invest in piles of multicoloured velvet cushions and swap and change as the seasons come and go…
See why you can’t live without velvet
Velvet really is a must-have material for adding the feel-good factor. Choose a big, slouchy sofa upholstered in a vibrant teal, chartreuse or crimson velvet, or update a worn armchair with new velvet covers. If that isn’t an option, invest in piles of multicoloured velvet cushions and swap and change as the seasons come and go…
See why you can’t live without velvet
Harness the Highland look
If you aren’t fortunate enough to live in a Scottish castle, you can still tap into the vibe with a peppering of well-chosen accessories – even if you live in the heart of the city. An antler chandelier will conjure up visions of remote Scottish glens and lochs, but give it a modern twist with smart, wool-covered armchairs and a sophisticated grey palette. Then just add a wee dram…
If you aren’t fortunate enough to live in a Scottish castle, you can still tap into the vibe with a peppering of well-chosen accessories – even if you live in the heart of the city. An antler chandelier will conjure up visions of remote Scottish glens and lochs, but give it a modern twist with smart, wool-covered armchairs and a sophisticated grey palette. Then just add a wee dram…
Light a candle… or three
The key ingredient for cosying up your home is also the most simple and cost-effective one – candles. The soft, warm glow from a single church candle is truly hard to beat in the cosy stakes, while a cluster of tapered candles in pewter or glass holders will instil a welcome sophistication into every style of home.
The key ingredient for cosying up your home is also the most simple and cost-effective one – candles. The soft, warm glow from a single church candle is truly hard to beat in the cosy stakes, while a cluster of tapered candles in pewter or glass holders will instil a welcome sophistication into every style of home.
Hang thick curtains
The pièce de résistance of this cosy living room isn’t the mulberry velvet sofas (although I do adore them) or the open fire, but the thick cream curtains that can be closed when night falls. Curtains might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but in the winter, heavy drapes really do envelop the living room in an extra layer of warmth and privacy. And you can easily swap them in spring for sheers or lace panels if you fancy.
TELL US…
What are your favourite winter warmers for the living room? Share your tips and photos in the Comments below.
The pièce de résistance of this cosy living room isn’t the mulberry velvet sofas (although I do adore them) or the open fire, but the thick cream curtains that can be closed when night falls. Curtains might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but in the winter, heavy drapes really do envelop the living room in an extra layer of warmth and privacy. And you can easily swap them in spring for sheers or lace panels if you fancy.
TELL US…
What are your favourite winter warmers for the living room? Share your tips and photos in the Comments below.
I love how this living room can easily flip from a breezy summer space to a winter den in a few simple steps. First, drape the sofa with thick, knitted blankets, then sprinkle the furniture with a string of pretty red fairy lights. When night falls, light the pillar candles for a homely glow. Now that’s what I call cosy…