Winter warmers

Winter’s a time to hunker down, snuggle indoors and enjoy a home whose decor matches the season.
PA Photo/HandoutPA Photo/Handout
PA Photo/Handout

This year, there’s an abundance of chic looks, taking inspiration from the latest interiors trends, which can transform rooms.

Luckily there’s no need to despair if, with the expense of Christmas looming, money’s tight.

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Pick one of our three on-trend schemes and either splash out on a full-on luxe interpretation, or get the look for much, much less with some carefully-chosen budget buys.

A winter palace look is a dark, moody, monochrome palette, sensual textures and razzle-dazzle metallic touches conjure an opulent, elegant sanctuary.

A subtle change of colour may be all that’s needed to capture the atmosphere of this look – opt for mellow tones like fashionable greys, or muted taupes for a feature wall. Charcoal grey or black upholstery, cashmere and wool throws and cushions, plus decadent chandeliers and the soft light of candles in hurricane lanterns are the rest of the essential elements for a hotel-chic cocoon for winter.

l LUXE LOOK: Designer John Rocha’s dark grey Elements Chaise Corner Sofa, currently £1,344 (usual price £1,920), Debenhams, is a handsome choice.

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l STYLE SAVER: Luxury and comfort combine in a Shannon three seater Pillow Back Corner Sofa, available in charcoal and black, and currently a bargain at £899 (half its usual price), DFS.

And then there’s the simply snug range. What could be more appealing than a log cabin retreat, with wood panelled walls and stripped floors, where you toast your toes in front of a traditional stove? The pure pared-back simplicity of this Scandinavian-inspired style isn’t difficult to evoke, and its palette of neutral tones is easy on the eye.

l LUXE LOOK: Wood burning stoves from companies such as Chesney’s start from around £895.

l STYLE SAVER: Cut costs and fake that glow: a Dimplex Tango 2KW Optiflame Electric Stove, £137.91, Amazon,

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Or how about following your nesting instinct? Rich colour, including this season’s star shade; deep blue, teams brilliantly with jewel-bright reds and plums. That colour-combo will bring welcome warmth to any winter setting, and if you introduce key pieces of oak furniture, you’ll conjure a relaxed, unfussy, inviting parlour.

l LUXE LOOK: Invest in glamour with a Dusty 2 Seater Sofa, in blue velvet, £749, DFS.

l STYLE SAVER: A hard-wearing Rebecca three-seater Fabric Sofa, available in teal cord upholstery, currently £349 (usual price £699), Very, would provide that shot of colour.