Easy ways to make your home feel more cosy and calm during this autumn lockdown
Written by Catherine Seagrave
Lockdown, lockdown lockdown… so here we are again, only this time round without the warm sunshine and time spent in the garden.
After half term and the clocks going back, autumn seemed to arrive here very abruptly. I suddenly found we were rushing home from the school pickup as the light faded and the damp mists rolled in. We have had some beautiful autumn walks out in the countryside and the colours have been incredible this year, which has definitely lifted my spirits. But it’s the dark nights I struggle with, and in combination with lockdown and limiting out social connections, it can leave me in a bit of a miserable mood. So in an effort to cheer myself up (and hopefully you too!) I’ve been thinking about what I can change, what I have some control over, and what can bring me happiness in my home (besides making and eating my favourite cake, which is an entirely different blog post!).
I’m sure like me you’d probably love a new sofa, bathroom etc, but that's not always possible - or even needed. And I can very much empathise with the idea that creating a place of sanctuary and calm in your home can feel a tall order if again, like me you have kids that are seemingly intent on turning out every single lego brick and car they own and distributing around the house, or trying to kill each other virtually or otherwise, and a cat that keeps vomiting around the house due to stress (apparently!!!).
But stick with me… sometimes it’s just small changes that can make your home feel more cosy and calm, so here are some easy ways to cosy up your house, to help you create a haven to escape to - and maybe just lessen the lockdown blues a little.
1. Our senses are so important to focus on right now, and improving our lighting can be an easy win. Light can work like magic to change a mood and an atmosphere. Fairy lights are a great way to add sparkle and joy and don’t have to be only for Christmas. If ever there was a good time to get them out the loft early, it’s this year! Wrap them around your headboard, wind them into a plant, drape them over a mirror - or even place them in a glass bowl or vase on a coffee table or mantlepiece - they can be used everywhere to soften and warm your home.
Obviously candles work wonders too. Try grouping several together on a tray for greater impact - even tealights together can produce a lovely light, but are especially effective if used with candles of different heights and sizes. There’s something about those flickering flames that’s so soothing.
2. Make your home your own. Surround yourself with things that mean something to you and evokes special memories to increase your sense of calm. It could mean simply changing some of the photos you have around for new ones. After a while you stop looking or taking in your familiar surroundings and a change helps you take notice again. One tip is to select 2 or 3 photos for a frame and put one behind the other. Then every few months you can swap the one at the front and give it time to shine! If you like to collect things, get them out from the back of the cupboard and show them off. Arrange them on shelves and side tables (we can help you with this!) and show off the things you love.
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3. However, despite what I just said, sometimes less is more! Especially if the more isn’t practical or beautiful. Focusing on decluttering a spot in your home that’s been bugging you can have a really positive impact and help you feel more in control. Baskets can be a good easy solution for a ‘catch all’. I have one in the kitchen (admittedly often overflowing) with post and things I need to do something with at some point - and now facemasks for everyone too.
4. Layer up the cosy - my children certainly know how to do this - they are never without a throw wrapped around them on the sofa even in August (our Victorian house can be cold!). Again it’s about speaking to our senses and touch is so important. Adding textures and layers with different cushions, throws and rugs really gives that comforting ‘home’ feeling - and of course can be practical too, keeping the heating costs down. Dunelm have some great inexpensive teddy fleece cushions and throws right now that are super soft and washable, and Ikea does a great range of sheepskin rugs (real and fake) which can be equally snuggly for your toes, or draped on the back of your sofa for added comfort.
5. Lastly, if we can’t get outside as much as we’d like, bring some greenery inside instead. It’s one of the quickest ways to style any space (check out our instagram grid! We use them all the time) and plants look good pretty much anywhere and with any style room. And as an added bonus they can help clean your air too. If however you tend to be the kiss of death to all plants (even the unkillable spider plant!) then fake plants can bring the same feel and boost of green to the room. Sainsbury’s do a good range right now with stylish pots. And let’s not forget dried flowers too. They have made a massive comeback recently (one which I resisted for a while as it took me back to the dusty arrangements and pot pourri of the 90’s in my Mum’s house!) but they can add drama and that natural element to a room. I am loving my new bunch from H&M Home and although quite expensive, I know I definitely can’t kill them, and they should last a while - providing I can keep footballs away from them (darling boys!). Etsy and small independent florists such as Louisa May Flowers have some great arrangements of pampas grasses and bunny tails to add something new to your home.
I hope that’s given a few ideas of ways to create a cosy, calm space for you right now. And how small changes can have a big effect on how we feel. If you would like any personalised advice for your home, check out our interior design packages here. We’d love to help you.
Take care of yourselves x
