Welcome

Brrr. Winter is well and truly upon us and, while I will never be a chilly weather person at heart, this year I have been enjoying the feeling of warmth that envelops you when walking into a toasty home. When we redesigned our house, we invested in underfloor heating. It has been a game changer and left our place feeling so cosy – and ‘cosy’ is a word I keep hearing at this time of year. In the past, it may have meant small, dark rooms, too much wood, squishy furniture, etc, but cosy these days is framed as the ultimate luxury. Let’s call it the New Cosy – think warm, relaxed, comfortable, candlelit. This issue’s homes are rich in New Cosy atmosphere – Jess’s converted engine house in Cornwall features rich wooden panelling and pops of gold ( page 36); concrete details are softened by exposed beams and twinkling lights in Margret and Henk’s home ( page 130); while tan leather bar stools lend texture to Charlotte and Cameron’s white kitchen ( page 50). I hope you find inspiration in this issue and take time out of the holiday period to enjoy it. You’ll find me snuggled on the sofa with a blanket and a hot choc…

sarah spiteri, editorial director