Hannah Risbridger, a former fashion buyer, co-founded From the Post House last autumn – a subscription service that sends out curated boxes filled with homewares and styling advice to help create a seasonal look in the home: its new ‘Autumn Hygge’ box includes a cushion, candle, match holder and mug.
In the absence of fresh blooms, she advises filling bowls with seasonal fruit and vegetables, or trying dried or preserved flowers instead. “They’re a stunning and sustainable way to accessorise the home,” she says. “Fill a ceramic or amber glass vase with some structural stems – Shida Preserved Flowers do some beautiful bouquets that will last all season.”
4. Layer up
“Winter is about layering,” says interior designer Martin Waller. “Just as we put on coats, scarves and gloves, your home needs extra rugs, throws and pattern.” More is more with this approach: a mix of textures from blankets piled up in a wicker basket, cushions with velvet or chunky-knit wool covers, and large thick rugs helps to add warmth, both physically and aesthetically.
Consider adding texture to walls, too, with textile wall hangings (try Etsy.com or Roseandgrey.co.uk) or cladding: painted tongue-and-groove or slatted oak acoustic wall panelling will add instant cosiness at relatively little cost.
5. Focus on lighting
This is the most effective way to change the atmosphere of a room – and if cosiness is what you’re after, forget overhead lights. Ceiling or spotlights can be necessary in kitchens and workspaces on dull days, but make sure they are on dimmer switches so that they can be easily adjusted.
Add a variety of lamps at different levels – a floor or table lamp in each corner of the room, plus others set on shelves. As Waller puts it, “Create a conversation with your lighting using different heights. Why limit yourself to a single dimmer switch when you can be surrounded with warmth?” Make sure lamps are fitted with warm-white bulbs – or, for the ultimate in ambience, go for colour-changing bulbs such as Ikea’s TRADFRI or Philips Hue, which allow you to light your room in any colour you choose.
6. Be inspired by the past