Shaynna Blaze
Interior Design Expert
Getting Cosy
Posted Monday May 14 by Shaynna Blaze-Vaughan
It's that time of year again where we disappear into our cave and have already started counting down the days until next summer. On go the jumpers all day, socks instead of thongs and we find it hard to make ourselves go out at night when it is dark by 6pm. But take a positive outlook to Autumn and Winter and you might start to enjoy the hibernation in your ‘cave’ over the next few months.
Decorating seasonally used to be a big thing to do many years ago. However, I do find you tend to waste a fair bit of money constantly changing colour schemes for a new look twice a year. Instead I look more at ‘cycling’ your house to get a great feel without going over the top.
Lighting – Lamps are the best way to create mood and atmosphere. If you think of winter with its rolling clouds and stormy greys these too are mood creators. If you have lamps in your bedrooms and lounge areas - whether floor or table lamps - try swapping them around or just change a few shades to get a different mood or feel. In the lounge create a corner of light with a floor lamp, table lamp and candlelight on a coffee table near by, then switch off all the over-head lights. This will create a dramatic spill of light that will infuse the main part of the lounge and if there is a fireplace in there, well I think you will be eating in nearly every night!
Colour – You are stuck inside anyway so instead of going on the treadmill or gym, paint a room! For six months why not try being dramatic. Stick to the colour scheme you have but instead go 3-4 shades darker than the wall colour you have. If it feels too dark, do the lighting trick and then add 2-3 light coloured cushions to the couch to create a bit of punch against the new dramatic colour. By going deeper in colour you are creating a cocooning effect in the room without having to invest in all new furniture and coverings. When spring comes along repaint to your original colour and you will again feel like you have a new house!
Fabrics – I am a big one for having a stack of cushion covers and throws high up in the linen cupboard that I can bring out and change the look instantly. When it's winter, I like to have fabrics that are tactile like short fringing, raised velvets and a fur like feel so you can run your fingers through the fabrics. By having covers with zips or buttons, it means you don’t have to store the insert and the cost of buying more for each individual cushion. Invest in feather inserts - they may be costly to start with but they plump up year after year and will outlive a cotton insert many times over.
Shaynna you are so spot on....always