Winter time is upon us. I've always been in awe of how the seasons change. The beautiful way in which they transform and merge into each other. The blatant contrasts between them all and the awe inspiring effects it has on the world around us. It has always been very fascinating to watch the natural and animal world gloriously adapt to the ever changing surroundings.

We all have a romantic view of winter time. It falls around the two most important times of a year, the end and the beginning. We have celebrations and festivals and holidays and it's a time to unwind and reflect on the year that has just been. People are tired, wanting a break but also looking forward to the year that's coming. I find that people are more optimistic and reflective at this time of year. They will be moaning about the weather and the cold but at the end of the day they secretly love the atmosphere of winter. I know I do.

As it is the end of the year, many people don't make major adjustments to their homes. They have other expenses to cover this season. However, there a few little things that you can do around the house to style it up for winter. A few subtle changes here and there can make a world of a difference.

Above from left to right, Cream Knotted Throw - Crane & Canopy, Copper Table Lamp - Barker & Stonehouse, Diamond Weave Throw - Anthropologie, Rilled Pillar Candles Heavenly Blue - Nordic House, Grey Frosted Faux Fur Throw - Au Lit Fine Linens, Grey Candles - Cox & Cox, Copper Metal lamp Grey - Maisons Du Monde, Branch Pillar Candles - Nordic House, Driftwood in Glass Vase - Wonderweib

Layer It Up

There really isn't a better feeling than coming home on a cold winters evening and sitting down on a sofa and just sinking into a beautifully soft abyss of blankets. A lot of people might be tempted to go for one thick blanket, but it is actually better to have multiple thin layers, as the heat distributes better. And multiple layers just means that you get to incorporate more designs and patterns into your interior, and what better way to accessorise your living room or bedroom than with throws and blankets?

Explore different textures and fabrics, create a feel to excite the senses. Play around with colour and add contrasting shades and tones. It would be ideal to layer up neutral colours, so as to create a more subdued atmosphere. Pile on the cushions. Add a rug or two, especially in the kitchen and dining areas. If you have hard flooring, just soften it up with some rugs, it will change the look of the place and the flooring won't feel too cold.

Warm It Up

Everyone has the fantasy of spending cold winter nights curled up in front of a hot roaring fire. Getting all warm and toasted up. Unfortunately this can't be for everyone. Candles are helpful for times like this. I find candles to be a beautiful accent to an interior, if they're done right. Go for an asymmetrical arrangement, with different shapes and sizes. Go for candles with patterns, marble effect candles are trending right now, which are perfect for beautifully minimal look. Be careful with the scents, you don't want to overpower the room with multiple smells being burnt. Look around and create an arrangement of scents that work together.

Curtains also help retain heat and help create a warm and cosy atmosphere. Thick fabrics of dark or neutral colours will work well this season. If you want you could incorporate some of this seasons hot colours, like deep reds and mustard yellows to add an element of war

Light It Down

Dark and light, a beautiful contrast and what better time to exploit this than during winter. Light, outside during winter is minimal, daytime is shorter and generally we spend more hours in the dark than light. However, instead having a light and bright atmosphere inside, I prefer to mimic the natural lighting conditions, which sounds kinda crazy but it work

By creating little spots of lighting around the room is far more effective than one lighting source. I believe this works because it balances out with the natural environment. Lamps are always popular during winter time, as they help create a more intimate environment, reflecting the nesting qualities of nature. We tend to huddle together in the cold and the dark and little spots of lighting is perfect for that.

The short and cold days are made better by spending the night in front of a hot fire bundled up in thick fluffy blankets, cradling a steaming mug of hot chocolate. The wet and miserable is replaced by plates of hot desserts and endless helpings of comfort food. The dull and grey atmosphere is replaced by mood lighting and candles. There's just something about firelight and the beautiful colours of yellow, orange and red that lulls us into a sense of relaxation, in a grey and dark world. But a few changes in style can really help amp up that glorious winter feeling, or as the Danish call it, that hygge feeling.