Create Your Cosy Winter Nest

The concept of placing a bench at the foot of the bed dates back to the Victorian era, when benches were used for both practical purposes, such as seating while putting on shoes, and decorative purposes, enhancing the room's overall aesthetic. 

The bedside table: Practical and aesthetic

A bedside table that stores essentials serves to minimise disruptions during the night. Stock up on the essentials and store them neatly in your Houtlander Bedside Table for an elegant, practical solution that supports your forty winks. Items like a nourishing hand cream, a box of tissues, and a journal and pen fit perfectly in the drawer.

Water carafe - so you never have to make a midnight trip to the kitchen. The Pom Pom - Glass Carafe by House of Harhaz makes a luxurious addition to your evening ritual.

Scented candle - Aromatherapy studies have shown that we can use scent to train our bodies when to wind down. An hour or so before laying your head, set the tone for the evening by lighting a scented candle.  

Placing an occasional chair in the corner of the bedroom creates a sense of opulence and comfort. Accompany the seat with a soft throw from Mungo, floor lamp and a small side table or stool for your favourite books or a cup of tea.  

2. Bring the outdoors in with warm wooden elements

As a natural retainer of heat, wooden furniture radiates warmth while creating natural charm in your home. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, wood also regulates humidity and improves air quality, fostering a comfortable and consistent indoor climate.

Scientific studies support these benefits, showing that wood can enhance mental well-being by promoting relaxation. The presence of wood in indoor environments has stress-reducing effects similar to those experienced by spending time in nature.

Incorporating wooden furniture in your home brings the outdoors in and provides a grounding connection to nature that we often miss during winter. The natural textures and grains of wood evoke a sense of tranquillity and comfort, making your living space feel more inviting.

When placed near the entryway of the home, a wooden sideboard serves as a beautiful grounding central element in your home. It acts as an anchor that ties the room together. This not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also contributes to a sense of stability and comfort, which you’ll be met with as soon as you enter the space. 

Place wood furniture in social areas of the home to create continuity throughout the space. The natural textures and grains of wood evoke a sense of tranquillity and comfort, making your living space feel more inviting for your guests.       

Check out our blog about why you should choose solid wood furniture

Here are a few of our favourite wooden pieces: The Milk Bench, Sideboard, and Classic Spindle Back Diner.

 3. Use lighting to Create a Warm Ambiance for Your Winter Nest   

Cape Town loses over 4 hours of sunlight per day at the peak of winter. This decrease in natural light means we rely more on lamps, pendants, and other artificial lights to brighten our homes. 

The right lighting can make or break the ambience of your space, especially when it's cold and dark outside. Warmer hues, such as soft whites and golden yellows, enhance the warmth and comfort of the room, making it feel more inviting and snug.

Studies have shown that warmer light temperatures can create a sense of relaxation and comfort, which is naturally important during the winter months when Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) can be more prevalent. Consider bulbs with a colour temperature between 2500K and 3000K, shown in blocks 4-6 in the scale below. These emit a warmer, more inviting light compared to cooler, harsher tones.       Colour temperature is often a matter of preference, but for a winter nest we suggest warm white tones.

By thoughtfully layering your lighting, you can create depth and warmth in your home. A combination of ambient and accent lighting can transform the space into an inviting retreat that combats the winter blues and enhances your overall well-being.

A pendant, wall sconce or floor lamp are stunning additions that introduce dimension to the space. We also love this Dome Table Lamp by MashT Studio. 

The right lighting can bring your wooden furniture to life. The placement and hue of these wall fixtures are a perfect complement to this dining set.               

4. Integrate Soft Textures and Elements

Soft furnishings absorb sound and reduce noise pollution, creating a sense of calmness. Incorporating elements like blankets, curtains, and rugs will transform your home into a winter sanctuary.

As our need for sleep increases during the winter, it’s no wonder that bedding is the first thing we change as the season approaches. A well-chosen duvet and set of sheets can significantly enhance your sleep quality, helping you feel more rested and rejuvenated. 

Using soft textures throughout your bedroom can promote a harmonious and balanced environment, essential for restful sleep. 

Fun fact:

In Scandinavia and other Nordic countries, couples often use two separate duvets to minimise sleep disruption while staying warm. This tradition helps each person maintain their ideal sleeping environment without compromising warmth or comfort. You might consider adopting this practice to improve your sleep quality and comfort during the winter months.                      Some of our favourite soft furnishing pieces:

Thick cotton sheets are perfect for adding an extra level of cosiness to your bedroom. We love the Mylk Duvet Cover Set by The T-Shirt Bed Co. It’s warm yet breathable, ensuring a comfortable night's sleep without overheating. Pair these sheets with a luxe down feather duvet inner for maximum cosiness.

This thick weave blanket by Barrydale Weavers is an excellent choice for your winter sanctuary. In an initiative supports local artisans and promotes sustainable and ethical craftsmanship, the blankets are handwoven using locally grown cotton. A variety of textures enhances the overall snugness of your bedroom. Not only do these elements add to the aesthetic appeal, but they also bring comfort and warmth, making every corner of the room feel inviting.  

5. Breathe Life Into Your Space With Vibrant Tones and Colours

Rich hues like deep reds, burnt oranges, and golden yellows can infuse your space with warmth and vibrancy. Incorporating these colours into your home can uplift your mood, reduce stress, and make your space feel more intimate and welcoming. These warm tones create a comforting and energising atmosphere that combats winter blues.

Earthy wood elements blend perfectly with vibrant colours, creating an inviting feeling that’s perfect for a cosy retreat. The natural textures of wood and the richness of the hues can transform any room into a warm and inviting haven.

There are many ways to scatter warm hues throughout your home, from cushions and throws to rugs and wallpaper. Strategically placing these elements can drastically enhance the overall aesthetic and comfort of your space.

Using classic design principles, you can create the perfect winter nest. Wooden elements, a variety of textures, warm colours, and ideal lighting are key components. Houtlander’s pieces embody timelessness and quality. Their versatility and elegance make them an integral part of your home for many winters to come.