Full article first published on Houzz

Nathalie Marquez Courtney, Houzz Contributor

There’s something kind of lovely about winter. It’s the best possible excuse to hunker down at home, light the fire and get stuck into that good book you’ve been meaning to read for ages.

It’s also an excuse to say 'winter’s coming' every time you feel a chill...

Warm things up with wood

You don’t even need a fireplace or wood-burning stove to try this one. A simple bundle of wooden logs is a cheap and cheerful way of adding rustic winter style to practically any room. Pile them into a redundant fireplace or odd-shaped corner to add texture and warmth.

See more clever ways to store logs in your home

Try Scandi style

You hardly need an excuse to invest in timeless, midcentury Scandinavian pieces, but the fact that these northern delights work so beautifully with classic winter accessories makes them that bit more appealing come the chillier months.

Introduce some luxe touches

Fancy embracing the dark and dramatic this season? Jewel tones are perfect for glamming up moody winter spaces, while velvet accents, such as deep red (or emerald, or gold) curtains and cushions, feel as good as they look.

Check out these velvet schemes

Lean into layers

Add an instant dash of homeliness with lashings of throws, rugs, blankets and more. Experiment with plaid, knit, wool, linen and, of course, sheepskin.

As long as you keep the palette neutral, these fabrics mix easily with most styles and add a great textural touch to sofas, ottomans and stools.

Winter-proof your hallway

Preparing your hall for the additional bulk that comes with the colder months will reduce rushed morning searching and flustered evening returns.

Make sure there’s ample room for chunky coats and boots and keep a basket handy for the season’s essentials, such as scarves, earmuffs, gloves and brollies.

Think you haven’t got space for a boot room? This might surprise you

Create a cosy reading nook

Whether you’re into historical romances or pacy thrillers, take some time to turn an awkward corner into the perfect spot in which to curl up with a brilliant book. All you need is a comfy chair, some simple storage and easy access to regular cups of tea.

Take a break from blooms

I love a good neon pink peony print as much as the next person, but winter gives you an opportunity to play with different patterns.

Try swapping floral cushion covers and throws for more seasonal styles – a monochromatic pattern or a graphic splash of houndstooth quickly updates a room.

Tour more traditional living rooms

Dress up for dinner

You might have swapped eating out for one-pot suppers or even a hot and spicy takeaway, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make the occasion a little special.

Found natural objects, such as twigs and dried flowers or even sprigs of herbs, such as rosemary and thyme, add organic, sculptural interest to tablescapes. As we get closer to the party season, add a string of fairy lights or some simple baubles for a more festive flourish.