Has the change in season inspired you to rethink the layout or design of your home? As we edge closer to winter – and inevitably end up spending more time indoors – many of us begin to think about how we can improve our living space.
And while easy updates such as switching up your soft furnishings or picking out a new houseplant can change the look and feel of your space in the short term, it’s worth considering something a little more significant if you’re looking to achieve real transformation.
So, we’ve teamed up with John Lewis & Partners to showcase some of our favourite ideas for transforming your home this autumn. From designing the sofa of your dreams for snuggly nights in, to preparing your home for hosting during the festive season, our ideas are sure to leave you feeling inspired. And if you move quickly, it can all be done in time for Christmas. Marvellous.
1. Design your dream sofa for cosy nights in
Nothing says winter quite like a cosy night in snuggled up on the sofa with your nearest and dearest. But, it’s often in these moments that we begin to realise that our sofas are beginning to look – and feel – a little lacklustre. A distant cry from the large, luxurious model we had in mind.
Shop the Schmoozer Large 3 Seater Sofa by Loaf in Velvet Spiced Orange at John Lewis & Partners. Also available in 16 colours
So, why not take the opportunity to design the sofa of your dreams? Well, with John Lewis & Partners, creating your ultimate sofa is easier and more affordable than you might have imagined. With prices starting at just £399, it’s possible to choose everything from make and model, down to fabrics and finish, so you know exactly what you’re getting from the outset.
Discover more about designing your dream sofa with John Lewis & Partners. Then, just add mulled wine.
2. Make hosting a breeze with a handy sofa bed
If your home turns into a hosting hot-spot over the festive period, you may also wish to consider the benefits of a sofa bed.
Gone are the days of sofa beds looking cumbersome and, to be blunt, pretty uncomfortable. There is now a whole host of super stylish models to choose from at John Lewis & Partners, each of which will transform the aesthetic appeal of your home, as well as offering friends a spot to crash when they inevitably have one sherry too many. John Lewis & Partner's sofa beds start from just £299, so there really is something for every budget.
3. Embrace Scandi style and make your space feel super hygge
Masters of the colder months, the Danes do indoor living better than most. And while hygge was something of a buzzword a few years back, the principles shouldn’t be forgotten when designing a space with winter in mind.
So, we’d recommend starting with the basics if you don’t have them in place already. Wooden flooring – particularly when paired with white walls – creates that soothing Scandi feel that we all crave. John Lewis & Partner offer an impressive array of wood flooring options, suitable for every budget and design preference. When this is in place, it’s super easy to add colour and texture to your scheme through your choice of fabrics and furnishings. Think stylish made to measure curtains designed to keep out the cold, along with throws, blankets and patterned rugs for warmth underfoot.
If you’re not sure where to get started, we’d recommend John Lewis & Partners as your first port of call for design ideas and expert installation insight. Learn more about their design service.
4. Ensure your bathroom is a space you can unwind in
Another space that tends to see a lot more action during the winter months is the bathroom. After all, what better a space is there to warm up and unwind. From freestanding bathtubs that (let’s be honest) we’re all eternally lusting over, to stunning waterfall showers that we once imagined were only available in luxury hotels, there’s a lot to be said for investing in a little luxury for your bathroom – particular as we edge towards cooler months.
It’s worth noting that the average bathroom takes somewhere between four and six weeks to fit if you’re ripping everything out and starting again, so you’ll want to start thinking about a renovation soon if you want your space ready for the depths of winter.
Discover more about designing a bathroom with John Lewis & Partners.
5. Create a winter wardrobe that inspires you
Transitioning seasons call for a transitioning wardrobe, so what better time to ensure yours is leaving you feeling inspired.
Whether you’re working with an awkward space, trying to make the most of a small bedroom, or simply like the high-end feel of a bespoke solution, fitted wardrobes are a great option for giving you that dressing room/walk-in-wardrobe feel, even if you don’t have the room.
So, why not channel your inner Marie Kondo, sort through your clothes and book an appointment with John Lewis & Partners to discuss all things storage with custom-built fitted wardrobes. We promise it will leave you feeling inspired for the cooler months.
Start designing your dream wardrobe set-up with the experts at John Lewis & Partners.