TREND

It's a WRAP

The Design Director of F&P Interiors on how to make your home extra cosy this Christmas

By EMMA VANS AGNEW

As we swap floaty kaftans for chunky knits and start shopping for Christmas gifts, the changing seasons have brought cooler weather and darker evenings. Perfect for cosy nights at home with the family, it is important that your home o ers a comfortable andenergy e cientenvironment for you all to enjoy.

It’s always lovely to have an autumn throw or blanket at hand to wrap around you on those chilly evenings. Faux fur throws are always a welcome addition to any room – drape them over chairs or on the end of your bed to bring a feeling of warmth and cosiness.

Many of our clients have a change of cushions for winter, so think about wools, velvets, felted fabrics, fabrics rich in texture and in colour. If your interior style is very clean and fresh adding darker colours – charcoal grey, rich conker brown, deep russet – will add depth and warmth to your room. If you already have plenty of colour then adding cushions in lovely textures with the addition of flu y trims, pompoms or tassels will add an extra sense of festive fun!

Now the flip flops and sliders have gone to the back of the cupboard and the sheepskin slippers are out, it’s time to invest in a sumptuous rug. There's something comforting about stepping o the sofa or out of bed onto a soft rug. Both shaggy and short pile rugs in yellows, oranges and charcoal grey are especially perfect for creating a feeling of warmth. If you don't want to replace your existing rug, look for a smaller one that complements your existing style. You can then layer them to add depth and interest to your floors.

Chooselampshadesin autumnal colours such as red, orange or brown to create a pleasing glow. Floor and side lamps can be used instead of ceiling pendants to create a more intimate space, or opt for amade to measure lampshade that can be designed to create the perfect light levels in your room.

Adding seasonal flowers is a great way to add colours and texture into your home. Autumnal blooms o er a rich colour palette and elegant branches with leafy stems and charming blooms. A floral display will add the finishing touch to your room or sideboard and the fact that they are picked in season means that they will continue looking beautiful for longer. With Christmas around the corner the addition of a floral wreath hung on a wall can make a striking piece of art, garlands over your fireplace or wound around the bannister add to the festive spirit and you can use wonderful scented fir or eucalyptus to bring a seasonal smell.

Emma Vans Agnew is the Design Director at Sussex-based F&P Interiors. Find out more at fabricsandpapers.com