Creating visual warmth in a room is just as important as creating physical warmth – a room that’s decorated in ‘cool’ colours can easily look chilly and unwelcoming. We’ve got some bright ideas to warm up your schemes – sometimes it can be as easy as adding ‘warm’ lighting – as demonstrated here in the light and airy kitchen seen in the header image. It’s very easy for kitchens to look cold and unfriendly, but in this case, a cluster of glowing pendant lights above the island and the warm tones of the exposed bricks add a warm glow. And the tiles, naturally are from us – check out the full Dunsen range. Best of all, they’re anti-slip, too – perfect for a busy kitchen space!
Keep It Cosy
A log burner is definitely one of the best ways of creating a warm ‘look’ in your living room or kitchen. Even if it’s not lit, a log burner creates a cosy, welcoming feel. Of course, it’s essential to get a burner installed by a competent and qualified installer – you should be able to get recommendations from the retailer (and they often provide an installation service as well). This is Arada’s Farringdon Ecodesign Ready Multi-Fuel Stove. There are three models available, from 4.9 kW to 8.2kW and 10.6 kW, meaning there’s an option for all room sizes. Burn solid fuel or wood (it’s DEFRA Exempt, approved for use in Smoke Control Areas).
Autumn Shades
Orange, red and yellow are the ultimate ‘warm’ shades, creating a cosy feel even on cold autumn and winter days. It’s lovely throwing the glass doors open on to a sun-dappled lawn or patio, but even if your conservatory, sunroom or kitchen extension is double or triple-glazed, large expanses of glass can still promote a ‘cool’ feel. We suggest Samaitra cosy curtains in glowing shades, along with a statement armchair or footstool in a gloriously warm, such as gold, orange or mustard. All available from Dunelm.
Table Lamp by Marks & Spencer
Inspired By Paint
A change of wall colour is a quick and relatively inexpensive way to influence a colour scheme; warm tones are always welcome and can take the edge of a stark white or grey room. We’ve already looked at Dulux’s Colour of the Year for 2019, Spiced Honey, as an easy to use shade, and can also suggest a host of associated looks, such as Freckle, Flower Pot, and Riding Hood, all from Earthborn Paints. Get inspired by warmer shades, and don’t forget the masking tape if you’re using several shades at once. A little pool of light from a stylish table lamp is also a lot more warming than a harsh ceiling light. This one is from a selection at Marks & Spencer.
Zhu Zhu Hand-Painted Two-Drawer Chest by Ian Snow | Park Life Lampshade by Lush Designs | Mustard Velvet Chair by HomeSense
Clever Accessories
We’re very enthusiastic about colourful accessories that will add some oomph and colour to a room, warming up a scheme and bringing a warm glow into a dull corner. When choosing things, try to multitask; will that little chest work in the corner of the bedroom? Could it maybe next winter become a useful hall cabinet or a lamp table in the living room? You get the gist. From left, Zhu Zhu hand-painted two-drawer chest, from an ever-changing selection at Ian Snow. As ever, little lamps are great for adding cosy pools of light in all rooms, and one with an orange or red shade will definitely emphasise that look. Check out this Park Life Lampshade from Lush Designs, a very apt seasonal design for Autumn! And our last ‘pick’ for a stylish seasonal update is this gorgeous mustard velvet chair from a huge selection at HomeSense.
Leaf Print Quilt Set | Content by Jasper Conran
Cosy Nights
A great example of how visual warmth can be created, these gold and mustard additions to a cool grey scheme comes in the form of Leaf Print Quilt Set and accessories, just about to be launched into the oh-so-desirable furniture and accessories collection, Content by Terence Conran.
Glowing Metallics
And finally, we can’t resist pointing you in the direction of our stunning Nice Marron Stoneglass Mix mosaic tiles (that’s Nice as in the South of France btw).These tiles have a beautiful colour and textural feel, and of course, they team perfectly with brass and copper bathroom or kitchen fittings, helping to create a visually warming scheme.
Next time: We’re looking at inspirational ways of creating a vintage look for your tiled floor.
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Linda has worked as a freelance interiors writer and blogger for many years; she has written for most of the major home and design magazines, including KBB Magazine, Grand Designs, Homes & Gardens, House Beautiful, Period Homes and Good Homes. She made the break and moved from London back to her home town of Shrewsbury three years ago and has just finished renovating her house. She also works in an interior design studio, produces copy for brochures and website, tries to tame her garden, aims to finish all the home furnishing projects she has on the go … and loves walking.