HOME REFRESH

While our homes don’t need full seasonal updates, unlike our wardrobes, some simple adjustments can add instant freshness and comfort as the weather changes. From swapping out sheer curtains for layered to embracing rich and warming hues, there are a number of easy ways to transform your home into a cosy haven fit for hibernation; including everything from soft knitted throw blankets to inviting velvet accents and warm ambient lighting.

No one wants to be stepping onto a cold floor as they jump out of bed in winter. If you have tiles, hardwood or concrete floors, rugs are an easy and effective way to cosy up your home for winter. Bare floors are not only chilly underfoot but they don’t hold in any heat ultimately making your home colder. That's where a great rug comes in. Not only do they help heat up your home, bringing a cosier feel - but they also provide styling opportunities with options available in a variety of colours and prints.

As we spend a third of our lives in bed, and probably even more during an Irish winter, it makes sense to invest in a quality duvet. Whether or not you have carpet, heating, and even another body in the bed, will determine the kind of coverage you need. Natural fillings - be it wool or feather and down - are generally the best options for those seeking maximum warmth. Whereas synthetic duvets made from microfibre or hollowfibre provide lighter insulation. The general rule of thumb to note when it comes to buying a duvet is the tog count. This reflects the warmth offered by the duvet – the higher the tog value, the warmer the duvet.

The more the merrier when it comes to throw pillows — the comfort factor increases when you can lean, lounge, and lay on the sofa or bed surrounded by plush on plush on plush. Not to mention, accessorising with throw pillows is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to inject a sense of style into your space. And since there are so many great options to choose from, it’s a shame to play it safe with just two or three solid-coloured pillows—or worse, to limit yourself to the set that came with your couch.

Instead of hiding your favourite blankets in a cupboard, put them proudly on display – on your bed, draped across the sofa, or on your favourite armchair – where they will be easier to grab when you need them. Don’t be afraid to mix different colours, textiles and patterns – a relaxed, thrown together look fits perfectly with the current trend for bohemian interiors.

Everyone appreciates a cosy corner to curl up with their favourite book. All you need is a bookcase (or a stack of paperbacks) to make sure that your next read is always close to hand, a cosy armchair, soft lighting and an easy-to-reach table where you can place your cup of tea. Again, blankets will come in handy in case it gets chilly – so make sure you have one nearby.

Autumn and candles go hand in hand. Once the cooler weather hits, all it really takes is the scent of cinnamon, cedar or orange to put you in the cosiest of moods. And let's face it, there's nothing like a flickering wick to complete the ambience you've created with your winter decor.

With natural light in increasingly short supply in autumn, it can be tempting to compensate by turning to overhead fittings to flood your rooms with as much light as possible. However, these can cast quite a flat light, and their crispness and brightness can feel out of step with the season. Instead, consider adding warmth and dimension to your rooms with free-standing fixtures.

While comfort food is welcome all year round, in the winter, it’s the ultimate way to combat darker days and cold weather. A soul-warming bowl of gingery noodle soup; a stick-to-your-ribs roast; creamy, rich macaroni and cheese practically bubbling over the casserole dish. Re-equip yourself with the finest crockery and pans so your comfort food looks as good as it tastes.