It’s hard to believe we’re already in the middle of November. The holidays are nearly upon us, the weather is getting brisk, and now is the time we begin to retreat indoors, spending more of our day inside than out. What better time, then, to finally create the cosy, inviting space you’ve always wanted in your home? A room where you can spend an afternoon curled up under a thick throw, reading a good book. Or sit snugly with your family while you stream your favorite shows. Or perhaps it’s a welcoming space where you envision your nearest and dearest drinking, laughing and chatting around the warm glow of a fireplace or wood-burning stove.
For those wanting to undertake a redesign in their home, I offer these three different room concepts as inspiration. Each one is unique in look and purpose, yet with each, sumptuous atmosphere and timeless elegance converge to create an intimate and enchanting haven.
Adult’s Snug
This luscious interior screams “I’m a grown-up retreat.” The inky, rich hue of the ceilings, shutters and skirting envelopes, not overpowers, thanks to all of the delightful detailing that compliments it. There’s the accent wall of classically patterned wallpaper, which adds subtle shimmer to the space. Lighter upholstery on the couch and a stunning silver plaster mirror strategically placed above the fireplace draw in more light, offering a perfect counterbalance to the moody dark paint. Elegant brass fittings and accessories, which punctuate the space, provide comforting warmth and understated, and unexpected, gleam as well.
Soft shapes and tactile fabrics–a round wood coffee table, plump, full cushions and lush, fuzzy throws—not only invite touch, they beckon (dare I say, even summon!) one to linger there in comfort. All that’s left is the fireplace to be lit, and the room becomes an invitation not just to see, but to experience and enjoy for hours on end.
TV Room cum Study
Even on dark, cold, gloomy days, this sunlit room will uplift anyone’s spirits. The rich, yellow walls are perfectly tempered by the neutral sand and coral tones of the upholstery so you can bask in the yellow glow while still feeling grounded in an earthy warmth. The exposed honey-coloured oak flooring adds to that sense of grounding. A deep, plump sofa practically compels you to curl right up on it for hours of repose and relaxation, while a plush square ottoman is large enough to serve as a resting place for feet as well as for remotes and other TV room or study essentials.
Decorative tiles around the fireplace add a dash of whimsy, creatively framing the traditional focal point of the room. This room draws upon and takes inspiration from sunnier parts of the world, like the deserts of India, so whether the fireplace is lit or not, it remains a sanctuary that balances the energising energy of the sun—which we all need during these short days!—with calming colors and details evocative of the sand and earth.
Living Room
Thanks to the bold use of rich jewel tones, stepping into this otherwise minimalist room is like walking into a sumptuous sanctuary. Lush red velvet curtains and same-coloured panelling are the room’s focal point, creating a dramatic backdrop to the calming pop of grape-coloured upholstery that graces a plush loveseat and sofa. Layered lighting, from the starburst chandelier to the elegant library sconces to a gold-based table lamp, was carefully chosen to illuminate the room in a cascading warm glow.
Once again, brass and gold accent pieces add to the feeling of warmth. Each metal has a natural sheen that catches and reflects light, and unlike silver or chrome, which typically impart a cool, modern feel, these help create a timeless, cosy atmosphere to any room. The textured, smoked oak flooring is as deep and rich as the colors above it, and was carefully chosen to provide a sophisticated foundation that at once balances and ties together the vibrant tones in the room. At the heart of the room is a wood burner stove that provides genuine warmth on chilly days, as the space itself invites you into its luxurious embrace.