Design a chill-out zone

d e s i g n a c h i l l - o u t z o n e

We all need a space to call our own – so check out our budget-friendly, 7-step guide to creating a cosy corner to curl up and relax in on cold winter days

0 1seek out a relaxing spot

Sit back and put your feet up with a wrap-around wing chair and footstool combo

Strandmon wing chair in Nordvalla Dark Grey, £229; Gamlehult rattan footstool with storage, £80, both IKEA

You won’t need an entire room for your soon-to-be oasis, just a little creative thinking! So, start by taking a fresh look around your home, as any potential chill-out zone is likely to be something as simple as an under-used corner, wasted alcove or even a window recess. Of course, your chosen spot needs to be somewhere you can feel comfortable and relax in peace, so think about its immediate surroundings and visualise how, with a few tweaks and a little furniture re-arrangement, you could make the most of the available space.

Adding a comfy armchair will always go a long way to guaranteeing a cosy nook – as does choosing a cocooning design that makes you want to sink back and unwind. However, if this is likely to be a bit of a squeeze, then generous, oversized floor cushions and squishy yet supportive bean bags are great alternatives – not to mention perfect for creating that relaxed chill-out vibe!

Cosy up in this comfy yet compact tub chair

Tori bouclé tub chair in White, £150, Homebase

IT’S TIME TO PUT YOUR FEETUP

Simply throw down some floor cushions for an instant chill-out area

Velvet round oversized floor cushion, £44.99, Rucomfy Ideal for even the smallest of spaces, bean bags come in all shapes and sizes

Soft Cashmere emulsion paint, £15 per 2.5L, Wickes Blush Pink matt emulsion, £20 per 2.5L, Dulux

0 2 create a serene scheme

Fresh Herb matt emulsion, £16 per 2.5L, Homebase Valspar Premium walls & ceilings matt emulsion in Brushed Cotton, £20 per 1L, B&Q

Tranquil earthy tones in a subtle textured finish make a great defining feature wall

Crafted by Crown suede textured matt emulsion interior wall paint in Chocolate, £25 per 2.5L, Crown

T O P T I P

Wor r ied about making a costly mistake? Then check out Valspar’s Love Your Colour Guarantee – if you don’t like the paint you’ve chosen, Valspar will replace it for free!

Head to valsparpaint.co.uk/ guarantee for more details and t&cs

A fresh lick of paint can go a long way when it comes to transforming your new space, and opting for a calm, muted colour palette in restful chalky tones or a tactile plaster-effect finish will instantly reduce stress levels, aid relaxation and lift your mood. Simply adding a feature wall or contrasting corner is also a great way to save money and help define the area.

While in the colour stakes, neutrals, such as warm whites, creams and beiges should prove fairly fool-proof, as such soothing tones can be successfully teamed with almost any accent colour. Alternatively, if you prefer a little more definition, then soft shades of green or blue are considered the colours of contentment and could even help lower your blood pressure! Subtle greys or pinks with a brown or beige undertone are also ideal for conjuring up a cosy, cocooning scheme, as do warming, earthy, chocolatey hues that promote a sense of security.

0 3 find time to de -clutter

I’M ECO-FRIENDLYT OO!

This side table comes with a smart storage compartment in white or grey

Fabric side storage table, £40, Next There are few things less appealing than being surrounded by clutter. So, you’ll need to make sure your new chill-out zone is free from messy distractions if you want to create an atmosphere of tranquillity and calm. Savvy storage need not be expensive, and, in most cases, harmony can often be restored by simply setting aside time for a good clear out and some productive organisation. You could even make some extra money by selling your unwanted bits and bobs

If new furniture is on the cards, dual-purpose pieces, such as storage ottomans or tables are great space-savers and don’t need to break the bank. Alternatively, increase existing cupboard capacity by shopping for handy helpers, such as door racks, stackable inserts and organisers. On-display boxes, baskets and hooks can also be used to personalise your space, as well as provide a home for everyday items.

Store anything and everything in flexible woven baskets

Rattan-look open weave baskets, £35 for a set of 2, George Home String bags aren’t just for shopping – hang in rows for stylish storage on a budget

String shopper bag, £5, Albert & Moo

Close the lid on lesser used items with neat, stackable storage boxes

Square 40cm felt storage box with lid, £15, Habitat

Focus on one specific area or cupboard at a time Sort items into what to keep, sell, donate or throw away Be ruthless and ditch items you don’t love, use or need

Have storage on standby ready to organise what you keep Make sure items for sale or donation actually leave the house!

Hang this natural hessian shade to cast a warm, relaxing glow

Burlap easy-fit pendant shade in Natural, £25, BHS

0 4 set the mood with lighting

For designer style without the price tag – check out these sculptural lamps with frosted shades

Elements Lahti table lamp in Graphite, £30, Dunelm

On-trend wicker and bamboo lamps will cast a soothing, dappled light

Dani floor lamp in Natural, £39.99, JYSK An adaptable and atmospheric lighting scheme is a must if your space is to leave you feeling relaxed and chilled. Rather than relying on a single overhead pendant, dial up the cosiness factor with a mix of affordable table and floor lamps that will cast enticing and localised glowing pools of light. This versatile combo should also ensure you cater to all functions and moods – from the task lighting required when curling up with a good book or indulging in a hobby, to ambient rays for napping or listening to music. Favouring warm white or on-trend vintage-style bulbs will also prove easier on the eye, and while you may need to up the wattage for a dedicated task light, overhead and supplementary lamps (or just budgetfriendly light strings) should all emit a softer glow. Fitting fabric, opaque or woven shades can also really help to diffuse light sources and guarantee an intimate and restful ambience that says, ‘chill-out’.

T O P T I P

Fitting dimmer switches will allow you to adjust light levels according to the mood required Choose a reading lamp with an adjustable head to get your light just right

GoodHome Menonry Matt Black wood-effect floor lamp, £48, B&Q

0 5 introduce natural elements

Surrounding yourself in nature with a few lush houseplants or dried flowers and grasses in vases guaranteed to help you relax and unwind. Houseplants in particular are known to reduce stress, boost mood and eliminate air pollutants – making for a healthier and happier you. Supermarkets are great for inexpensive potted plants and for the beginner, succulents and cacti require very little watering, plus retro classics, such as cheese plants and spider plants are fairly easy to keep alive. While those with green fingers could even beg cuttings from friends or family and pot up for free! Of course, on-trend, dried flowers are the maintenancefree option and introducing any form of arrangement or even just natural woven items, should prove therapeutic. You’ll find plenty ready-made on the high street, or lots of garden foliage and flowers can be air dried at home.

Add a pretty everlasting floral display to your scheme

Dried flowers in a glass vase, £3.99 each, Dobbies Showcase botanical beauties with this natural grass planter

Woven lined basket planter on legs, from £13, Sass & Belle It only takes one or two houseplants to improve well-being

Icon faux fur cocoon bean bag in Arctic Wolf, £119.99, BeanBagBazaar

Choose an old-school reed diffuser for fussfree fragrance

Cedarwood & Sage scented diffuser, £10, Habitat

You don’t need to worry about wax spills or drips with a scented candle in a jar

Amber and Sandalwood scented candle, £8, M&Co

There are no rules when it comes to fragrance, pick the scent that you find most appealing Spritz your space with room sprays designed to calm and relax

Apothecary Tranquil room spray, £8, M&S Scent has a powerful ability to evoke calm and relieve anxiety, so it’s no surprise to learn that it is a must-have for any chill-out zone – and affordable options can now be found in most supermarkets, as well as your favourite stores. Of course, the aim here is relaxation, so look out for soft, warming aromas, such as vanilla or ylang-ylang that soothe and relax, along with lavender, rose and geranium that are ideal for reducing stress and calming the mind. Whatever your scent choice, the flickering flames of a scented candle are the go-to option when looking to create a luxurious and relaxing ambience. Closely followed by programmable, electronic essential oil diffusers that tend be safer than oil burners. Purse-friendly wax melts and quick and easy room sprays are also a great choice, while reed diffusers offer a permanent 24-hour scented solution for those who never wish to leave their new-found sanctuary.

Pile on the style with plenty of cushions and throws in must-touch textures 0 7 ramp up the comfort factor

If you’re looking for quick and easy ways to create a chill-out zone, you can instantly transform any seating into a snuggle-worthy oasis using inexpensive soft furnishings. The key to success is to add lots of warming layers and plenty of texture that immediately invite you to sit back and relax. So, think chunky knits, feel-good faux furs, sumptuous cut velvets and tactile cotton or wool weaves. Then simply layer up cushions and throws in mix and match patterns and tones to create a flexible combination that can be used to regulate warmth and comfort levels, as well as help define the look and feel of this private space. To complete the look, make sure you throw down a rug or two to provide additional softness underfoot and further section-off your dedicated chill-out zone from the remainder of the room. After all, it’s important to establish that this now cosy, intimate area is for you – and you alone!

Get warm and cosy under this soft woven throw

Knitted throw in Beige Chevron, £18.99, Gisela Graham

Cleo Tribal cushion, £14; Aurora tassel cushion, £14; Willow Leaf tufted cushion, £12; Roma bouclé throw in Cream, £25; hanging frame with pressed flowers, £3; bamboo lantern, £12; dried flowers in cloche, £6; Eucalyptus in vase, £15, all B&M

Add instant luxury with velvety textures

Pink embroidered velvet throw, £25, George Home

Define your space with this patterned circular rug

Black & White Mandala cotton printed round rug, £19.99, Homescapes Online It’s texture all the way with these shaggy showstoppers