5 SIMPLE WAYS TO TURN YOUR HOME INTO THE ULTIMATE SANCTUARY

I hope you’re all doing great. I’m doing well, just trying to enjoy these new year days as the UK has decided it’s time for some icy chilly weather.

I don’t know about you, but as soon as I feel that chill in the air, I get the urge to nest. It’s like my home instantly changes from a bright, airy summer space to a cosy cave I never want to leave. But sometimes, getting ready for that shift can feel like a huge task, especially after warm weather.

If you read my tips on spring cleaning the lazy way, you know I’m all about finding the simplest way to get things done without getting frustrated. Transitioning your home should feel warm and welcoming, not stressful.

So, here are five super simple steps I take to cosy up my home for the season without having to overhaul everything!

This is the fastest way to change the mood in a room. Put away those light linen throws and airy cotton pillow covers! Pull out all your thick, chunky knit blankets and toss them strategically over the back of the sofa or on an armchair. Swap out a few decorative pillows for ones in richer textures (velvet, faux fur) or deeper colours (mustard, rust, forest green) for the extra touch. It instantly makes the living room feel like a hug. It’s such a quick fix, and you can store the summer stuff away until next year—one less thing to look at!

Winter means hot drinks are back on the menu. But don’t just grab any old mug. Make it a ritual and pull out your absolute favourite, biggest, heaviest mugs. I swear, a hot chocolate or a simple cup of tea tastes better when the mug feels substantial. Arrange your tea caddy, coffee pods, and hot chocolate mix in a cute little corner next to the kettle. Having a designated “cosy drink station” makes those afternoon breaks feel special and organised.

You know how certain smells scream “home”? In the spring and summer, I love fresh, bright scents, but once winter hits, those have to go. Say goodbye to light florals and citrus scents for something warmer. Think pumpkin spice, baked apple, cinnamon, or even a woody “fireside” scent. You don’t need a hundred candles, so don’t overdo it. One good diffuser in the main living space or a candle lit on your bedside table can set the perfect, relaxing mood. It’s an instant comfort booster.

Before the severe winter rain and cold arrive, we need to address the entryway. Am I the only one whose front door area turns into an immediate dump zone? Analyse and declutter, take five minutes and remove all the random summer clutter, be it swim bags, sand toys, or forgotten sunglasses. Make space for the real autumn/winter gear: a basket for scarves and gloves, and a spot for boots. This simple organisation will now save you countless frustrated mornings searching for a matching glove when the weather turns truly nasty. Getting organised early makes life easier!

Every season needs a signature comfort meal, and winter is the time for something slow and warming. It doesn’t have to be complicated. This isn’t about spending hours in the kitchen (unless you want to!). It’s about having a simple recipe in your back pocket that you can throw together on a chilly evening. Maybe it’s a slow-cooker stew, a simple roasted chicken, or just a creamy soup recipe. It should smell amazing while it cooks and be instantly comforting when you eat it. Getting your home ready for the colder season is really about setting the mood for relaxation and finding that sense of calm inside as the world outside gets busy. It’s about taking life one cosy day at a time!