WARM NEUTRALS

Nothing says winter retreat like cosy sheepskins and candlelit evenings. A calm colour palette and layers of sumptuous textiles are key to this look

Nothing says winter retreat like soft sheepskins and candlelit evenings. We show how to bring the look together with calm colours and sumptuous textiles

STYLE FOR SERENITY

The palette may be restrained, but everything else in this look should feel plentiful and abundant.

Heavy linen curtains look gorgeous and add to the cosiness as well l as helping to exclude draughts and keep the heat in at night.

Drape lavish sheepskins and luxe wool throws over the backs of sofas, l dining benches or at the end of your bed to add extra layers of texture.

Go all out to really boost the comfort factor – extra cushions will l help make your space look warm and inviting and can be stowed in pretty baskets when not in use.

It’s worth investing in good quality materials. Not only will they l last, they’ll also age beautifully and gain character over time – linens will get softer and jute rugs become lovingly worn, while rustic wool blankets will grow charmingly faded.

Begin by gathering your favourite images from magazines and online pinboards such as Pinterest – you’ll see common themes and materials emerging. Using these images as reference, start pulling together samples of fabrics, paint and flooring onto a board to see how the different tones and textures will work together. Keep experimenting to build up your scheme. See housebeautiful.com/uk for our Moodboard Masterclass. Pale-toned woods set the scene for a soft overall effect – look for bleached oaks and washed pines, the lighter hues will sit beautifully with chalky white walls.

Tiling should be natural and rustic, think plain porcelain with crackle glazes and tumbled finishes for the walls, and hardwearing limestone, sandstone or slate for the floor.

Sisal, seagrass or jute carpet and rugs come in a variety of weave patterns to add subtle interest.

When choosing fabri cs, keeping to a tight palette allows you to play with textures, introducing interest with subtle details such as smart stripes or checks.

Tibetan sheepskin bench, £695, The White Company

Texture is key to unlocking maximum cosiness and comfort in your home, and should be explored across every surface from flooring and upholstery to curtains and even walls. Tongue-and-groove panelling, for instance, is a timeless choice that works beautifully as a backdrop. Sundbury dining table, from £850; Sundbury upholstered bench, from £595; Blom dining chair, £150; Charcoal check table linen, from £16; all Nordic House