Is it ever going to stop raining ? I currently have no desire to leave the house particularly since Deliveroo has arrived in Cornwall and Netflix is bringing out the bangers. Unfortunately for my poor husband, these colder months often trigger a ‘changing rooms fervour’ in me, I want to release my inner Lawrence Lewellyn Bowen (frilly shirts and all) start ripping things out and painting up swatches all over the show. In an attempt to curtail these fanciful ideas, I thought it might be useful to identify some affordable changes we can make to make our homes cosy and embrace the spirit of JOMO (Joy of Missing Out).

Out with summer

I cannot bear the hallway clutter and whilst I am not really on board with Kondo cleansing, it is a good idea to pack away the flip flops, lightweight jackets, crocs (ahhh) and sunhats to make room for your winter clobber. They do say that there is no such thing as bad weather, just inappropriate clothing. I’m not sure whether or not I completely agree, but if you absolutely have to go out, it is so much nicer if you don’t have to sift through all that crap to find your gloves.

Pretty leaves and twinkly lights

I’m not one for getting out the Christmas decorations until at least December 1st, but I do like to change things up for Autumn and winter. Fairy lights are always welcome and the more the merrier, I like to wind them around plants and foliage to hide the cables. Put them on a timer switch for a little sparkly surprise when you come home. I also love autumnal foliage but since they don’t like a roasting log fire or central heating, I am going to mix them up with some faux botanicals such as banksia and eucalyptus.

Something smelly

I get very upset if people leave windows and doors open in winter (Are you mad?). With the lack of fresh air, its nice to bring in some scent with pine cones and fir branches as well as invest in a good scented candle if that’s your bag.

A lick of paint

Paint is a very good and economical way to update a space that has become boring. Is the posh paint worth it ? If its a special room where you spend a lot of time, you get a lot of pigment for your pennies but if its a ‘passing through’ room or a kids bedroom, spend the change on something else (like wine or Ben and Jerry’s).

Softies

Fill up a basket of blankets and extra cushions and put it next to your sofa. It’s nice to add in lots of textures with your cushions (Poppy and Honesty make some velvet beauties) and you can pick up some knitted or wool ones to make your sofa even cosier. Changing up your bed linen is a good way to create a different look in your bedroom. Our linen bedding range has lots of texture and I find it really cosy in winter.

What little winter rituals you have in your home? There is nothing like hunkering down during a rainstorm and I’d rather make a cake than build an arc. FOMO ? Are you kidding? Season 2 of The Crown is about to start. Bring on the JOMO.

Sophie xxxx