CHILLING MADE EASY
Enjoy the cold winter months with stylist and visual consultant Heather Boting’s top tips for creating a cosy and inviting home
1 Layer layer layer
Layering is a quick and inexpensive way to create a cosy environment. Add blankets and pillows to your bed, and throws and scatter cushions to couches or occasional chairs. Opt for thicker fabrics such as chunky knits or velvets to keep the warmth in. Don’t stop at one throw — how inviting would a mix of throws, blankets and even a sheepskin be on your bed?
2 Natural materials
Mixing natural materials such as mohair, timber, clay, linen and cotton will soften and add warmth to your interiors. I love natural woven rugs such as jute and sisal as they bring a soft, natural feel into your home.
3 Scents
Winter is the perfect time to indulge all the senses at home. Swop your summer candles for those with a more wintery fragrance. Opt for scents with heavier, deep floral notes and tones.
4 Table details
We often speak about colours affecting our mood, but textures are equally powerful. In winter, layer your dining-room table with a beautiful tablecloth. My favourite is 100% linen, either in a natural colour or with a visually interesting pattern. Add even more depth by including details such as beautiful ceramics and an assortment of candles to create ambient lighting. Soft flowers in moody tones and dark greens will add a lovely finishing touch to your table setting.
5 Books
Books make for great styling props — especially in winter when all you want to do is curl up in a corner and relax. I like to stack three or more books on their own around the home. And for an added decorative look, it works well to add an additional element such as bookends. Top tip? Stack some books horizontally and others vertically between your bookends.
6 Nature’s best
Branches or dried floral arrangements are a great way to bring nature into your home during the colder months. If guerilla gardening doesn’t sound like your idea of fun, you can find a selection of artificial branches that are identical to the real thing. Bunches of eucalyptus are my favourites.
7 Blankets everywhere
We already mentioned displaying as many throws and blankets as possible, but if having these displayed in your space isn’t for you, add organic woven baskets to your living area and display your throws and blankets in them. Place the baskets next to your sofa, occasional chairs or side tables so they’re easily accessible for you and your guests.
8 Bathroom bliss
The bathroom often gets overlooked when we take our interiors from summer to winter, but it’s a crucial space when it comes to staying warm and cosy. Selecting towels in deeper tones or thicker thread count can make all the difference. A favourite trick of mine is to create a small vignette using a wintery scented candle, bath products in glass or pharmaceutical style bottles, and a sprig of greenery. It’s all you need.
9 Pick your favourite spot
In summer we tend to open all the doors and windows in the house and let the breeze in, but winter is more about closing in. It’s the perfect time to create your own corner where the winter sun pours in during the day, or where you can sit at night with a good book and warm drink. Comfortable and stylish occasional chairs have become more affordable and you can add an extra layer with a throw and a cushion. Finish off the area with a wooden or brass side table and then curl up and enjoy your hot chocolate. Because, after all, it’s the small things that matter.
Books make for great styling props — especially in winter when you want to curl up in a corner and relax
HEATHER BOTING Stylist and visual consultant