Winter warmers: get cosy at home

All hopes of a long Indian summer have ended, the heating is on, the curtains are drawn against the chill and it's time to get cosy at home. While you don't need to totally redecorate your house in tune with the seasons, there are a few easy tricks that will change the feeling from one of cool, fresh summer days to a more opulent and luxurious warmth that might just take the depression out of those long winter evenings.

Throws and cushions

Some interior designers suggest having two removable covers made for the sofa, one in pale linen for the summer and one in deep velvet berry colours for the rest of the year. This is all well and good, if you can afford it, and it does mean that you can wash them periodically, which isn't a bad idea. But if your budget doesn't run to that, consider buying a few throws and cushions in different textures that will instantly transform a room into something more cosy. Try www.toast.co.uk or www.thewhitecompany.com.

Lampshades

You might think it sounds tiresome, but changing lampshades from cool cream colours to something darker with a gold lining that will bounce the light around just as effectively is a simple way to change the look of a room and make it feel more cosy.

Windows

There's something about the summer that calls for light muslin drapes that let the sun flood through, but in the winter you need something more substantial. Curtains are expensive but consider fitting some plain blinds in a co-ordinating colour and simply dressing the windows at the edges with a length of velvet or heavier material. This has the added bonus of stopping draughts round the edges and means you can get away with a lot less material. It's also a chance to add in some strong colours that will not overwhelm the room.

Rugs

An easy way to transform a room. Use light colours in summer and change over as the nights draw in for a cosier feel. Choose either dark colours or, if you still like the neutral look, consider the texture – sheepskin rugs are pale but delicious to walk on.

And finally, put your feet up

The room has been transformed; it feels warm and opulent. So, for the final touch, buy a footstool, put your feet up and pour yourself a glass of something red and warming.

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