In an ideal world we’d all have a big fireplace to cosy-up in front of, warm glow filling the entire room. We’d be enjoying the seductive smell of burning logs and only moving from our sofas when we would needed to pour another drink. In an ideal world. In the real world of modern interiors and small living space this is not always an option. But there are still ways we can make our rooms warm and inviting. Now seems as good time as any as we spend more time indoors. Just a few simple modifications will do the tick.
Photo by Pia Ulin
Step #1: Keep it Dark
Convert to the dark side – we have cookies :) I know I am repeating myself and no one really believes me until they try it. But it is life changing. Literally! You will wonder how you managed before. Cover walls, celing, floors, skirtings and even window frames in a dark shade and it will look even better once the sun goes down. I’m sure that when it comes to choosing a colour for any room, dark hue isn’t top of the list for many of us. But it should be. Because everything you put against dark hues looks better, gander and more sophisticated.
Photo: Pinterest
Step #2: Layer Up
And by that I do not mean putting on another sweater. There’s nothing nicer than sinking into a sofa that is piled high with soft cushions and cosy throws. It’s time to ramp up the texture volume and bring out the furs and chunky knits. Do not forget the floor, add another rug to it too. What could be more inviting than the sight of all that softness keeping drafts at bay.
Photo: Abigail Ahern Blog
Step #3: Importance of Lightning
So far you have a dark, dramatic room with lots of different soft textures and it’s time to do some magic with light. Table and floor lamps should be everywhere. On every surface if it is possible. Dimmer switches can also add a bit of mystery to your space. You might want one bright light for reading but the rest of the time you’ll just want a soft glow. And use candles too. The flicker of the flame is comforting and so is the smell.
Photo: Abigail Ahern Blog
Step #4: Surround Yourself With Things You Love
By now you’ll not want to move unless you absolutely have to. So surround yourself with everything you need at arms length. A side table to rest your drink, piles of winter reading, a box set or two and a scented candle to make sure all the senses are engaged. When you go dark, you suddenly create this feel that almost exaggerates homeliness; you just want to hunker down and never want to leave.
Photo: Pinterest
Photo: Pinterest
Photo: Pinterest
Photo by Pia Ulin
My advice is to try it – I know this will force you out of your comfort zone. Try it with hallway – it is most overlooked place in your home, but you will see the instant change. And then you will get enchanted with their ever changing tone and how they make your furniture stand out.
Take the inspiration form photos in the story. As these homes show it’s stunning, it’s chic, it’s unconventional and it’s utterly sophisticated.
Written by Katja Butala, photos by Pia Ulin, Abigail Ahern blog and Pinterest
Prepare to make the most of longer, warmer days with our new arrivals that shine especially when the sun comes out. We have brought together timeless, classic shapes and neutral tones by our independent designers and brands that will allow you to combine them in infinite ways depending on the context. 05 studio Based in [...]
“I find beauty in minimal forms, graphic elements and modern simplicity,” says Petra Arbetova who translates clean lines and geometric shapes into delicate and contemporary jewellery. Born and raised in Piestany, small spa town in Slovakia, Petra founded her jewellery line in 2012 when she returned from her studies in Finland. Arbetova, who has a [...]
Beginnings are always the hardest. When starting to decorate your apartment it is difficult to know how to start. We were told to follow 9 simple steps. And they worked, every single time. The philosophy behind them is to create a living space that feels unique, tells something about the owner, and mixes and matches pieces that you would [...]
It is International Women's Day, celebration of women's political, economic and social achievements. To mark the occasion we have collected the thoughts of some of our favourite women who have made difference in the world and continue to inspire us, elevate, and empower the female gender. Happy International Women's Day, everyone! ON WOMANHOOD One is [...]
New Season, New Home: 4 Ways to Cosy up for Winter
In an ideal world we’d all have a big fireplace to cosy-up in front of, warm glow filling the entire room. We’d be enjoying the seductive smell of burning logs and only moving from our sofas when we would needed to pour another drink. In an ideal world. In the real world of modern interiors and small living space this is not always an option. But there are still ways we can make our rooms warm and inviting. Now seems as good time as any as we spend more time indoors. Just a few simple modifications will do the tick.
Photo by Pia Ulin
Step #1: Keep it Dark
Convert to the dark side – we have cookies :) I know I am repeating myself and no one really believes me until they try it. But it is life changing. Literally! You will wonder how you managed before. Cover walls, celing, floors, skirtings and even window frames in a dark shade and it will look even better once the sun goes down. I’m sure that when it comes to choosing a colour for any room, dark hue isn’t top of the list for many of us. But it should be. Because everything you put against dark hues looks better, gander and more sophisticated.
Photo: Pinterest
Step #2: Layer Up
And by that I do not mean putting on another sweater. There’s nothing nicer than sinking into a sofa that is piled high with soft cushions and cosy throws. It’s time to ramp up the texture volume and bring out the furs and chunky knits. Do not forget the floor, add another rug to it too. What could be more inviting than the sight of all that softness keeping drafts at bay.
Photo: Abigail Ahern Blog
Step #3: Importance of Lightning
So far you have a dark, dramatic room with lots of different soft textures and it’s time to do some magic with light. Table and floor lamps should be everywhere. On every surface if it is possible. Dimmer switches can also add a bit of mystery to your space. You might want one bright light for reading but the rest of the time you’ll just want a soft glow. And use candles too. The flicker of the flame is comforting and so is the smell.
Photo: Abigail Ahern Blog
Step #4: Surround Yourself With Things You Love
By now you’ll not want to move unless you absolutely have to. So surround yourself with everything you need at arms length. A side table to rest your drink, piles of winter reading, a box set or two and a scented candle to make sure all the senses are engaged. When you go dark, you suddenly create this feel that almost exaggerates homeliness; you just want to hunker down and never want to leave.
Photo: Pinterest
Photo: Pinterest
Photo: Pinterest
Photo by Pia Ulin
My advice is to try it – I know this will force you out of your comfort zone. Try it with hallway – it is most overlooked place in your home, but you will see the instant change. And then you will get enchanted with their ever changing tone and how they make your furniture stand out.
Take the inspiration form photos in the story. As these homes show it’s stunning, it’s chic, it’s unconventional and it’s utterly sophisticated.
Written by Katja Butala, photos by Pia Ulin, Abigail Ahern blog and Pinterest
Shop our timeless selection
Bullarum SS Suspension Light
280.00€ – 1 290.00€Price range: 280.00€ through 1 290.00€Lejla Kilim
300.00€ – 2 200.00€Price range: 300.00€ through 2 200.00€Related Posts
New & Now: Spring at Utopiast
Less is More: Modern Jewellery by Bepart
The Interior Reinvented: 9 Simple Revamping Steps
Words of Wisdom: Inspiring Thoughts From Women We Love