You don’t need to own a log cabin or country cottage to design your own woodland hideaway this winter. It’s easy to transform your favourite space into something snug and stylish in a few simple steps. Part Nordic, part Highlands, an interiors injection inspired by nature and the autumn landscape is unique, inviting and seriously good for the soul.
For an instant lift, I always hunt down a couple of new cushions and a chunky throw for my sofa at this time of the year. Go for something woolly, sheepskin or faux fur to really up the comfort factor. Zone in on folk stitching, checks, Fair Isle and luxurious velvets to add depth and interest. Pick colours and tones you’d readily find outdoors – think the rusts and coppers of turning leaves, rich browns of falling pine cones and berry hues aplenty.
Fern and feather prints, wooden details and a token stag head or fox motif will all add to the natural, textured feel. Introduce a scented botanical candle or some fragrance sticks in warm spices and woody accents to instantly bring the outdoors, indoors. My go-to’s are The White Company and Rituals.
Light a roaring log burner or fake your own log store by stacking up chopped wood and piling high in a basket – pop by the coffee table or in an empty fire place. Curl up with a good book – Hans Blomquist’s The Natural Home is my current read – and you’re set for one major hunker down.
In the kitchen, play around with seasonal-themed accessories. Leaf shaped bowls filled with bay, rosemary and star anise will always look pretty and smell divine, or snap up some ceramics starring harvest scenes, pheasants and feathers. A wire basket makes for a great vegetable and pumpkin store, and doubles up as a pretty decoration for the kitchen island. I snapped up mine at a local garden centre, so keep your eyes peeled, and John Lewis has a great selection.
For the dining table, I like to mimic the place settings from my wedding day by topping plates and napkins with sprigs of silvery eucalyptus. An original offering for guests, if you’re short of time, solo cinnamon sticks from the pantry also work a treat! That’s your fast track to a timeless (and magical) woodland wonderland, sorted.