Baby It's Cold Outside...
-
After a rather wet summer and a brief spell of warmth in late September, the nights are drawing in and there’s a distinct chill in the air. Thoughts of crisp winter days, mulled wine and Christmas can inspire you to add some cosy touches to your interior and bring extra comfort in the chilly months ahead.
Fireplace - The obvious starting point is the fireplace. Whether you have a very traditional home or a very contemporary one, it is possible to enhance the space with a fireplace. This can be an open fire with a traditional cast iron surround or stone surround with either solid fuel or gas. Or you can have a very plain opening with a cast iron fire basket for a more contemporary look. Both options will achieve the same level of heat and ambience. Wells Reclamation can provide reclaimed fireplaces and reproduction fireplaces, fire surrounds, stone fireplaces, slate hearths and decorative tiles to help you achieve your look.
Another option is a cast iron multi-fuel burning stove. These can be solid or gas fuelled and give off up to 90% less emissions than an open fire. The heat retention is more efficient than an open fire meaning fewer trips to the log store in the dark! They come in all different sizes, styles and colours to suit all budgets and tastes. Check out Long Life Stoves, Clearview, Hunter and Chesney’s for inspiration.
Finish the look with a rustic log basket and a fire companion set.
Once you have heat, it is time to consider how to increase the feelings of cosiness and warmth with furniture, decoration and accessories.
Furniture - An obvious choice would be a richly coloured sofa or armchair. Or a fabric covered ottoman to sit on near the fire. The trend now is for investment pieces such as vintage furniture or new well-made items which will last a life time rather than until next Spring. Auctions will give you some vintage options that can be reupholstered in your fabric of choice or you can look at new good quality furniture from Laura Ashley, Heals or George Smith.
The ongoing love of Chinoiserie inspired furniture in black, red and oranges will add drama to the room whilst providing valuable storage and a spot for a well-placed lamp or two. Have a look at this beautiful painted Chinese cabinet just in at Wells Reclamation. As well as this one, they have a range of painted Chinese cabinets, which are not only useful, but also beautifully decorated and at affordable prices.
Decoration - Autumnal and Winter inspired colours of deep reds, plum and rich greens add depth and warmth to a room. The Caledonian Collection by Kirkby Design is a wonderful range of 100% Scottish wool tartans and plains for upholstery and soft furnishings. They look fantastic in both traditional and contemporary settings. Be inspired by the fabrics and wallpapers from Lewis & Wood and GP&J Baker – beautiful, timeless designs to bring both cosiness and interest to your look.
Accessories - Use cosy tartan throws, sumptuous velvet cushions and richly coloured rugs to help set the mood. Well-placed lamps and candle lanterns will add different layers of lighting. To complete the look a winter bouquet of flowers, a glass of red and, of course, a beautifully decorated Christmas tree.
Emma Smith is an Interior Designer. Contact her on 01749 675644 or email emma@emmasmithinteriors.com
- 25th November 2011
