Next week’s weather is autumnal – when a strange melancholy arrives as leaves drop and the sun weakens as if apologising for losing interest. Winter coats are appearing in store window displays accompanied by socks, boots, hats and gloves. Most of us are crying … Nooooo! Not being a fan of the dark and damp, I seek to create what the English call, a ‘cosy’ interior atmosphere or the Germans call ‘bequem’. This doesn’t mean you have to go for deep browns and greens, unless you love them and also if they are important according to Feng Shui practice – see my Feng Shui posts. There are some easy and inexpensive changes that you can make each season which can also be stored easily. Some like to go all the way and buy up lots of pumpkin ornaments, comfy throws and dried fruit. I prefer a more practical, economic and less cluttered approach. Let’s look at some ideas.
Cushions & Covers
This is the easiest first change. Look for warmer and heavier fabrics, there are some lovely new linens and wool covers appearing. If you like dark colours, go for it but in the darker months, you may prefer ivory and buttermilk tones to maintain a sense of light and shade. Change the bedlinen. Zara Home has some lovely, inexpensive duvet covers. Check out their actual display and see if you can buy the whole look for maximum effect. Add some throws in cable knits or faux fur which convey a sense of luxury and warmth to any room. If you have the budget, you could even change the curtains and add a brighter feel to the room.
Colour
Why not be brave and paint a room or at least one wall? You can always repaint it but if renting, check with your owner to get approval. If painting is too scary, there are some simple stencils you can buy to use on furniture and walls. Just make sure you prepare the wall first for the paint you are going to use. Remember the ideal colour formula, 60% dominant colour (usually white or a pale colour), 30% secondary colour and 10% colour to accent.
I Need Some Sun
Or rebel and go for summery colours to keep the dark days bright. I intend to keep our bedlinen with a bird pattern partnered with lemon accent colours against buttermilk walls. I have seen some petrol blue and inky navy fabrics appearing. Against white and mixed with chestnut brown, lemon or lime, you can add warmth but keep the look airy and bright. Me, I am just going to escape to the South of France when I can for blue-sky days.
