Shortened days and lengthened nights signal the arrival of Autumn. The crisp temps and golden hued leaves provide a deep psychological pull encouraging us to make our homes comfortable, cozy and safe for the coming winter. It isn’t only squirrels that are busy getting ready for the change of seasons. We too have a natural instinct to nest at this time of the year. As outside temperatures drop, a cozy home will provide a place to rest, relax and gather with loved ones.
If you’re a regular reader of my design/stories, you already guessed that we’re not going to talk about buying a new seasonal throw or more spiced pumpkin candles. I’m not one for encouraging overconsumption. What I want to talk about is nesting and how to set up a home that will provide nourishment and soothing care during the coming time of fallow. The harsh Canadian winters typically involve more time indoors and during the slower pace of winter, I encourage you to find joy and relaxation in your home. Think of it as another tool in your health and wellness tool box.
Let’s just jump right in and start with the current craze of ‘the snug.’ The ongoing love affair with English design has led to the popularity of this space. A snug is an intimate room away from the rest of the main living area that’s cozy and comfortable, usually done in warm colours with soft seating and low lighting. It’s a relaxing space for reading, napping, quiet conversations and other peaceful pursuits.
If the idea of a snug is a warm place to curl up in, then this William Morris inspired room hits all the right notes. It’s a small space tucked off the kitchen with comfortable seating and restful lighting. The sectional is a Gresham House piece, customized to fit perfectly in the corner of this small room. My client wanted a well wearing fabric that was cozy, so we choose a sumptuous crushed velvet in a deep blue from Villa Nova. It has become a well used spot for curling up and reading, yet the design of the sectional allows room to accommodate a friend for tea and quiet chats.
It would be nice if every home had a snug, as I think we would all benefit from having a small room designed solely for relaxation. The idea of providing my clients a space that’s cozy and comfortable is something that I feel strongly about, even if it means being a little creative when carving out space. One area that I often take over is the dining room. Today’s modern lifestyle means that dining rooms rarely get used, yet many people like having a dedicated dining space and don’t want to lose it completely.
The dining room above is one of my favourite examples of how a rarely used room can become a comfortable space that everyone wants to hang out in. When I first went to this family of four’s home they told me that they were feeling cramped with the small amount of main floor liveable space, yet admitted to only occasionally using the dining room.
We decided to make it multi purpose room so the family could read, do puzzles, work from home, and entertain friends. It’s large enough to accommodate a group, but snug enough for one. A colourful Schumacher wallpaper blends with the pale yellow colour of the cabinets. Upholstered end chairs and adding slip covers to a few of the wooden chairs makes the room feel homey.
If you’re saying, well those are lovely spaces but I don’t have an extra room or the ability to renovate right now, there are ways to achieve a snuggly feel by thinking outside-the-box. Furniture can easily be moved around and repurposed for different seasons. In the above space we borrowed a pair of chairs from another room and placed them in front of a patio door, making this a pleasant winter nook. With the addition of a lamp, a basket of books and an end table, it becomes a sweet little spot to use during the snowy months when there’s no need for patio access.
Never underestimate the power of a window. I’m being a bit contradictory here as snugs are suppose to be dark and cozy, but a chair or bench placed close to a window is the perfect spot for reading and journaling. This bench, pushed up tight to the window wall, has become a favourite spot to relax. Even a little amount of space separately carved from a larger living room can provide quietude.
A relaxing armchair was the starting point in creating this perfect retreat tucked in a corner of a bedroom. A view of the garden makes it an inviting spot to read a book or have a cup of tea. The chair and matching ottoman were upholstered in a beige chenille fabric, which is both durable and soft to the touch.
This kitchen eating area takes on a lounge feel due to the smaller dining table and pair of Italian leather chairs from Domaine Furnishings. For quiet evenings, the lamp casts a lovely glow and the stool can be used as an ottoman. Set up in a more intimate way than a large table surrounded by chairs, this area can easily be rearranged to accommodate family and guests when they come for dinner.
A Gresham House oversize chair with nailhead detailing is a refuge from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Squeezed into a corner of the principle bedroom, there’s just enough room to get around the bed. A floor lamp placed beside the armchair is a simple way to visually separate the nook from the sleeping area
A pleasant reading area is created when an animal print armchair is pulled in close to the marble clad fireplace. A glass and metal bookcase behind the chair holds a stack of coffee table books, adding to the library feel. Combining both contemporary and traditional art in the same eye space provides visual appeal to this corner. With sunlight streaming through the window and the gas fireplace turned on, it’s the perfect place to spend a winter’s afternoon.
And lastly, if the above options aren’t doable for you right now, then look to the bathroom and create a mini spa. Water is a known healer as it reduces tension and improves circulation. So whether you like a shower or a tub, make it special. Dim the lights, lock the door, light a scented candle and relax in the comfort of your very own cozy spot.
As the air changes and winter starts to set in, remember that every living thing needs a time of fallow. A time for care and nourishment in order to bloom again in Spring. A warm, comfortable shelter is part of this self-care. Like the busy squirrel, it’s time to follow nature and make your home safe and cozy.
