A cosy home: Tips from interior designer Charlotte Dawson

British sheepskin pads, £34 each - pop on a bench seat or armchair for added comfort and style; Faux eucalyptus garland, £29.95; Little red robin tea towel, £14 - 100% cotton, hand-illustrated, UK made; Handmade alder bowl, £48 - Cornish-grown alder wood, hand-turned in Penzance; Natural wood hanging star decoration, £4 each. All from Marcel Rodrigues Interiors of Nansledan, Newquay. Facebook @marcelrodriguesinteriors, www.marcelrodrigues.co.uk

Charlotte Dawson of Chestnut Interiors turns her attention to the darker months

As the seasons turn and we begin to spend more time indoors, it’s a treat to make some simple adjustments that bring warmth and cosiness into our homes. Afternoons spent hibernating and watching the garden change through the window become all the more enjoyable with some scrumptious essentials. Snuggle down and read on for some quick tips that will help you maximise heat on cooler days.

Blankets and throws

© Charlotte Dawson

These are a must-have for sofa and beds. When choosing blankets for a living room or bedroom, the priority is to opt for materials you enjoy to touch - that way, you’ll find it hard not to wrap yourself up! Choose sumptuous fabrics and use colours that compliment your interior scheme. Consider the weight of the material to add extra cosy points and guarantee yourself a sweet spot you won’t want to leave.

It’s easy to transform a bedroom by layering blankets and mixing materials: for example, a fine knit mixed with a waffle cotton. Ensure choices are practical so as not to slip off, and not too heavy so they can be layered. My personal favourite places to shop for blankets in Cornwall are Atlantic Blankets, Brocante and Jenny Aves. In a recent project, my client chose to bring warmth to a white room by layering a green woollen blanket with a lightweight striped cotton bedspread. Cushions Candles

© Just Delights

© Victoria Williams

Adding scatter cushions to your living room furniture and beds brings another layer of comfort. For an average threeseater sofa, it suits to pair a 22in cushion with an 18in cushion at each end. This is an opportunity to add some interest to a plain sofa, and the good news is they don’t all have to be the same – in fact, it’s better if they aren’t. It’s therefore possible to mix favourite colours, patterns and fabrics.

Something to consider to make cushion shopping easier is to stick to a colour palette and play with slightly different hues and textures: for example, a deep green velvet paired with a sage green and oatmeal linen stripe. Add in a burst of colour for a central cushion, in this example perhaps a print with green, rust and charcoal.

When purchasing cushions, feather-filled will be miles more comfortable. If you’re having covers made or buying them separately, remember to size up by two inches. Victoria Williams Upholstery offers creative upholstery across the county using an extensive range of gorgeous fabrics. For a greater sensory experience, add the flicker of candle light to a relaxation ritual. By inviting other senses into your home and burning your favourite candle, you will enjoy a gentle glow and beautiful scents - absorb the tranquillity. Candle makers recognise the calming impact their candles have and tailor them specifically for sleep, to soothe the mind and ease anxieties. Just Delights in Penryn have recently filled their shelves with autumn and winter candles including fragrances such as Silver Birch & Black Pepper, and Green Fig & Cedar.

Ceramics

© Laura Lane

While enjoying the physical nourishment and opportunity to rest and rejuvenate amongst comfortable cushions and blankets, the final addition for some extra cosiness is, of course, your favourite hot chocolate to be enjoyed from a finely crafted mug. In Cornwall, we are fortunate to have talented potters in our midst, among them artist Laura Lane, who has designed and created a range of beautiful cups and mugs using locally sourced clay from St Agnes. Perfect for those restful days at home. l