WARM AND WELCOMING

Steer clear of the staid and boring, this winter let your home shine with haute ideas, chic finds and a clever design style

- By MITA MEHTA

As a stylist, I don't look at winter as A a time to 'decorate' but as a time to refine how a home holds you, through touch, lighting, material, and atmosphere. A well-styled winter home doesn't just look cosy; it feels instinctively comfortable, like the house has softened its edges for the season. It doesn't require an overhaul, just more intentional choices.

The fastest way to make a home feel warmer is through texture. Sofas in looser, softer weaves like bouclé, textured cotton-linen or wool blends can bring your living room to life. Even a single wellmade throw can add some zest and energy to the space.

Bedding deserves the same attention. Layer smart with materials that breathe comfort-sateen sheets, a quilted dohar, a medium-weight comforter, and a throw at the foot of the bed. Rugs are just as essential. They ground a room both visually and physically, especially on tiled or wooden floors that feel colder this time of year. A dense flat-weave or wool rug with an underlay is one of the simplest ways to make a room feel alive and lived-in.