7 ways to brighten up your home this winter

Now the summer hols are over, we’ll all be spending more time indoors, so this is a good time to think about how to make our homes extra stylish and welcoming….

1. Colourful cushions in gorgeous fabrics can transform a space and it’s easy to move them if you want to change the look. If you see some fabric you love, just buy a metre and make one cushion – or many fabric retailers can arrange for cushions to be made for you. You can also use dress fabric for cushions as it doesn’t have to be hard-wearing.

Pure wool cushion by handweaver Rebecca Connolly — Pure wool cushion by handweaver **Rebecca Connolly**

Hand printed cushion by David Qian — Hand printed cushion by **David Qian**

2. A new rug or runner is a good way to add a layer of comfort and colour:-

Roger Oates new rugs and runners in delicious colours to spice up a hallway — **Roger Oates** new rugs and runners in delicious colours to spice up a hallway

Bespoke handmade rugs by Elizabeth Ashard are produced by Tibetan weavers in Kathmandu — Bespoke handmade rugs by **Elizabeth Ashard** are produced by Tibetan weavers in Kathmandu

3. Wallcoverings can give such personality to a room - a plain wall with beautiful paper gives soul and depth to a space. An added benefit is it can cover up cracks, bumps and blemishes, and it doesn’t need to be refreshed as often as paint.

David Qians handmade wallpapers (above) are absolutely stunning. You can just cover one wall to give real character to a room. A luxe alternative to paint. — **David Qians** handmade wallpapers (above) are absolutely stunning. You can just cover one wall to give real character to a room. A luxe alternative to paint.

Ailanto’s new collection of fabrics and wallpapers are fresh and unusual. — **Ailanto**’s new collection of fabrics and wallpapers are fresh and unusual.

The Paint + Paper Library have some exciting new narrative wallpaper designs — **The Paint + Paper Library** have some exciting new narrative wallpaper designs

This beautiful textured wallpaper by Brian Yates is a good way to give a room, a wall or an alcove depth and texture — This beautiful textured wallpaper by **Brian Yates** is a good way to give a room, a wall or an alcove depth and texture

These amazing abstract plaster frescoes by Aster Muro are big and beautiful – bespoke commissions start at £400sq metre. Or if you’re on a tight budget, you could try DIY – use different size rollers to build up layers of colour. — These amazing abstract plaster frescoes by **Aster Muro** are big and beautiful – bespoke commissions start at £400sq metre. Or if you’re on a tight budget, you could try DIY – use different size rollers to build up layers of colour.

Walnut furniture by Yoson Furniture Design Co ltd (based in china) has beautiful lines and fine craftmanship — Walnut furniture by **Yoson Furniture Design Co ltd** (based in china) has beautiful lines and fine craftmanship

Groovy seating by Jetclass to add a bit of glam to your home — Groovy seating by **Jetclass** to add a bit of glam to your home

Room for two in this great rocking chair by Baines & Fricker — Room for two in this great rocking chair by **Baines & Fricker**

6. Lighting is so easily forgotten but essential for atmosphere and to highlight your favourite pieces. There are so many lovely lights around this year, here are a few of my faves:

Vega pendants by Baroncelli — Vega pendants by **Baroncelli**

Original BTC lamp                          Vega table lamp by Baroncelli — **Original BTC** lamp Vega table lamp by **Baroncelli**

7. And thinking ahead for next spring, Architectural Heritage’s new sculptural planters are beautiful, with heavenly flower displays:-

Another idea you could try yourself with a reclaimed tub or container. Plant your bulbs before the frost sets in!