Now we are at the tail end of a not so Indian summer, it is only natural that we are bracing ourselves for another very English winter. Darker days and chilly evenings can really have an adverse affect on the spirit, so to help stave off the gloom, below are a collection of handy tips that'll keep you warm and cosy whilst giving your home some seasonal style without breaking the Christmas piggybank.



The first step to take is to decide on what mood you want to create in your home and create a sympathetic background through the use of colour on your walls. Colours are extremely powerful in the way they appeal to our senses, and can therefore really improve our mood if used correctly. If it is a cosier feel that you want for your home, choose an earthy tone or colours with a red hue. Alternatively you could add some much needed lightness and sparkle that will really blow away the January blues through the use of winter whites. Much softer than the bright whites of summer, winter whites come in a variety of gentle off white tones are available in most DIY stores.

With your backdrop painted it is now time for the much less demanding task of accessory shopping- although if you are reading this in December it's probably best to stick to the online variety.

Candles are the cheapest way to spread a warm glow throughout your home. Available in many styles they will really help set the scene at the dinner table or shed some light on a reading corner, so be sure to keep a plentiful stock of them handy. Sticking with the subject of lighting, try resituating your mirrors just behind any lamps or lights, they really help spread the light by reflecting it back into the room rather than swallowing it up the way matt painted walls sometimes can. You also might want to change your patterned or dark coloured lampshades for lighter coloured ones which will allow much more light to escape through the fabric.

Adding layers of fabric for texture will definitely add warmth to any space. Think woollen throws, suede rugs, silk cushions, heavy curtains. They are cost effective and easily packed away over warmer months, so really layer up your fabrics and soft furnishings for amazing winter style.

Seasonal furniture is probably taking it a little too far for most of us but small inexpensive items that enable you to add the natural richness of dark wood will make all the difference. Picture frames, magazine racks or ornaments all come in limitless shapes and sizes and lots of different tones of wood so try make use of them.

Remember, keeping your home in line with the seasons need not cost the earth. Small changes such as arranging your seating around the fireplace will make all the difference with just a few of the cheap and cheerful extras mentioned above thrown in to really set the scene. Once you get finished your home will be a place you are happy see out the colder months in complete festive comfort in the company of your loved ones. You'll be sorry to see spring……well, almost.