Ten Steps to Creating a Luxuriously Cosy Interior This Winter

Want to make your home cosy for the party season, but don’t know where to start? Transforming your interior into a snug haven is easier you think and just a few simple adjustments can make a huge difference to the overall look. Here, Bespoke Shutters, London, looks at ten steps to take to beautify your interior, so you can enjoy comfy nights in during the coldest months of the year.

Shutters London – Click here to see our full range of made-to-measure solid wood and wooden plantation shutters.

Plantation Shutters/Solid Shutters – Buying new window coverings? Shutters are an appealing way to make your London home warm and inviting. Not only do they look elegant from outside and in, but they work as a sort of double or triple glazing and help reduce heat loss. To make your home even more energy efficient, you may want to consider combining wooden shutters with curtains to provide a further layer to help stop heat escaping. Solid wood shutters go with any décor and will add a year round wow factor to your interior.

Textured Rugs – Patterned rugs, or plain textured rugs over a carpet or wooden floor makes a home look comfortable and stylish so you and your guests will feel at ease. If you have a minimalist home, a rug can add colour for an instant makeover, and if you have vibrant walls or soft furnishings, a textured rug in a neutral tone will help balance the look. Rugs help protect your floor and can brighten a plain carpet for a chic interior.

Cushions and Throws – Adding cushions and throws is a simple way to give your home a winter makeover. Use contrasting fabrics such as faux furs, silks and satins, or decorative cushions with embellishments, such as ‘rose petals’, ribbons, beads or buttons. Cushions don’t have to be in neutral colours just because it is winter; daring cushions in tropical colours can add a relaxed feel to your interior. Coordinate with a matching throw to have close to hand on movie nights.

Candles and Scents – Producing an interior that stimulates all the senses – including smell – is a small, but effective, change to make. Think about lighting a few scented candles before guests drop by, or to just create a homely atmosphere when you walk in through the door. Diffusers are long lasting and dotting a few about the home will generate a welcoming atmosphere for your guests.  

Layered Lighting – Lighting isn’t just about having one or two overhead lights, layering your lighting will work wonders to transform your interior into a cosy sanctuary when the temperature drops below zero. Think about wall lighting, floor lighting and side lamps to add interest and make a room look smaller or larger. Little details such as fairy lights under glass table tops, or in vases, add a magical touch to your home and your guests will comment on your style.

Warming Fireplaces – If you have a fireplace, the festive period is a wonderful time to put it to use. Or, if you are not lucky enough to have a home fire, a portable gel fireplace works a treat and is a mesmerising focal point on dark winter nights.  

Snacks and Nibbles – Although you might not want to put too much temptation in your way, having a few nibbles about the house is fun to do when guests drop by. Consider a decorative bowl filled with nuts, or colourful fruit, or a few wrapped chocolates or sweets for guests to help themselves to.

Oversized Mirrors – Mirrors in the hallway, bathroom or living room attract the light and make your home cheerful and warming. Place one above the fireplace or in a dark part of the home for a brightening effect.

Artwork – You don’t have to have a masterpiece on the wall but a painting or print that attracts your eye can be a great focal point. You can either decorate a room to coordinate with a favourite piece of art, or accessorise in reverse and find a painting or wall art that works well with your existing décor.

Occasional Chairs – This is another way to make your home snug. A small antique style leather chair in a discreet corner, or a bright modern chair that stands out, helps to transform your home into a relaxing environment that you can enjoy all year round whatever the weather.

The Bespoke Shutter Company –  Click here to see our full range of shutters and blinds.

Shutters London – Ten Ways to Add Warmth to a Minimalist Interior

Minimalist interiors are clutter free and calming, but there is a danger that this style of décor can look cold and stark, particularly in wintertime when there is a lack of natural light in the evenings. However, there are ways of having the best of both worlds – and creating a clean and streamlined interior that is warm and welcoming too. In this article, Bespoke Shutters, London, looks at ten ways to make a modern, minimalist interior cosy and inviting.

Shutters London – click here to find out more about our high quality made-to-measure solid wood shutters and blinds.

Candles – These accessories never fail to impress as they give you an instant lift and add atmosphere to your home. A large, oversized floor standing candle in a corner and a row of small white t-lights on a coffee table all help to create a snug and relaxed environment during the winter months. And, if you have guests over for dinner, candlelight is far more flattering than harsh, overhead lighting.

Shutters – Whether your London or Hertfordshire home is a state of the art house, or a contemporary flat, shutters are a great buy for a minimalist interior due to their sleek and linear design. Plantation shutters can be used to maximise light during the daytime, especially if you opt for tier on tier shutters which give you greater flexibility as you can fully open either the top or bottom half, or keep the shutters closed and adjust the slats to let the outside light filter in.

Lighting – Side, floor, wall and picture lights all help add a subtle glow and can transform alcoves or spotlight interesting features such as sculptures or artwork. Used together with shutters, you can brighten your space from morning until nightfall with natural, followed by artificial light when the sun goes down. Minimalist interiors are all about showcasing interesting furniture and accessories, so choose sculptural or contemporary feature lighting where possible.

Rugs – This is one way to introduce warmth, texture and colour to a living room, bedroom, dining area or hallway. Textural shag pile rugs make a good contrast against a stripped solid wood floor; or to make more of an impact, colourful rugs with strong, geometric shapes stand out against white walls and furnishings.

Cushions and Throws – Like rugs, cushions and throws are a great way to add colour and texture and are a must-have in winter. Pile cushions in various textures and designs on seating, and drape a tactile throw over a sofa or armchair so it’s within easy reach on colder evenings. You can create a theme by choosing just one colour and varying the tones, or selecting contrasting colours to make more of an impact.

Artwork – Minimalist homes are all about clutter free interiors, where every item has its place and only your most beautiful furniture and accessories are on display. Oversize contemporary, vibrant artwork and floor standing sculptures add an interesting focal point.  White plantation shutters are a good choice for a minimalist home as they won’t detract from the beauty of modern paintings or sculptures.

Fireplace – Not all contemporary homes are lucky enough to have a real log fire, which injects instant warmth, and creates an inviting space where friends or family can gather in the evenings. If you don’t have a fireplace, consider investing in a gel fire, which is portable and can be placed on a table top, as a dramatic feature.

Mirrors – Mirrors opens up spaces and attract the light to make a home feel airy and spacious. You can use all sorts of tricks with mirrors to make a home feel cosier. Place one in a dark alcove, opposite a window, to make the most of a good view, or place two side lights in front of a mirror to maximise light.

Chairs – Place one bold, vibrant feature chair in a room with all white furniture to add a splash of colour. You might want to use this accent colour in your cushions, artwork and throw to build a theme.

Fruit – Oranges, apples, bananas, grapes and mango are subtle way of adding colour to a stress free, minimalist interior. Another way to brighten this space is by placing a simple vase of flowers on a table. Simplicity is key in minimalist homes, where only the most elegant and appealing items take centre stage.

Bespoke Shutters – For beautiful made-to-measure shutters and blinds, London and Hertfordshire, click here.