Cosy up at home for winter

There’s a distinct chill in the air and it’s almost time to hibernate. GABRIELLE FAGAN hunts the hottest buys (and bargains) to warm up rooms

OUR homes really need to be snug sanctuaries at this time of year, so we can retreat, relax and escape the cold.

So, shake up your style to suit the season, splurge on a few treats and you’ll banish the winter decor blues and create a haven where you can rest in comfort.

1 BE COST-CONSCIOUS AND COSY

IT’S all about setting the scene with a cosy focal point at this time of year. If you’re lucky enough to own a fireplace, this is the perfect time to take advantage of it and enjoy that beautiful wood smoke smell and orange glow – it’s pure autumn joy.

An empty hearth can be made just as appealing with a little imagination. Simply decorate with a cluster of pine cones and add a collection of candles for flickering light.

2 HARVEST SOME STYLE

TREAT yourself (and a room) to accessories that are all about chic comfort, which you can move around to suit your mood and the temperature. Think furry pouffes and fluffy beanbags.

3 BAG A HIGH-STREET HERO

SUPERMARKET homeware ranges are such a high standard now (and trend led) that you’re missing a decor trick if you don’t check them out. A trolley full of purse-friendly bargains can refresh a room without breaking the bank.

4 ADD SOME VA-VA-VELVET

VELVETS are one of the biggest ongoing trends in interiors. Pair their touch-me textures with a rich colour – orange and green are this season’s front runners – for a winning winter combination.

5 RAID NATURE’S COLOUR PALETTE

EMBRACE the warmth of the autumn colours as an antidote to the creeping chill in the air. Rich reds and russets star on the hedgerows and trees, and adding those hues in accessories will have the same effect in a room.

6 GO PALE BUT INTERESTING

CHILLED out Scandi-style, with its neutral palette, endures because its classic good looks never date and it’s easy to add subtle new touches to suit a new season.

The addition of a sheepskin rug (pampering for the toes), a throw, and plenty of cushions covered in tactile fabrics like velvet or wool, are all that’s needed to create a cosseting winter sanctuary.

Super soft merino throw, lime white, £132, Tolly McRae Chunky wool throws, a string of lights and a selection of lanterns, all below, conjure a look that says ‘stay in and snuggle’ Arkin wooden frame accent chair, grey, £229; Damien arc floor lamp, £79; sheepskin rugs from £35, Dunelm Langham Saxony carpet in storm, £27.99m2, Carpetright; Wall painted in Off Black, Farrow & Ball farrow-ball.com

Joan Baa sheepskin dressing table stool, £265, Limelace

Morrisons ochre country checked throw, £18

Icon Siberia faux fur bean bag, snow leopard, £99.99, Beanbagbazaar.co.uk

Morrisons orange knitted cushion, £12

Paloma orange knitted cotton throw, £45, Habitat