CREATURE COMFORTS

The cooler months are often greeted with a resigned sigh, but as the days get shorter and the air bitingly crisp, our homes can become cocooning havens.

- WORDS SHELLEY TUSTIN

To make home hibernation a joy, dial up the comfort factor with a few simple seasonal changes. We've looked at all the elements that bring a sense of cosiness and sensory comfort to our homes, from the tactile joy of plush fabrics to the fragrant steam rising off a hot bowl of soup. By setting up your home to appreciate these simple pleasures, autumn and winter might just become your favourite seasons.

CARPETS

As you swing your legs out of bed on a chilly morning, do your toes recoil from the icy touch of hard floors or nestle into the fluffy embrace of carpet? If winters in your area have a proper bite, there's no substitute for the warmth of carpet underfoot. Colour specialist in product development Lily Ng of Bremworth explains, “Wool carpet feels significantly warmer underfoot – anywhere between 7–10 times more insulating than tile or laminate.” The range of carpets seems vast and baffling, but our glossary (right) is here to help. Familiarise yourself with the most common carpet fibres, as well as the pros and cons of different carpet piles. From there, choosing the right carpet is all about ticking off the practicalities. “It is very much up to the individual’s taste but a few rules apply,” says Lily. “We would recommend a more durable carpet for high traffic areas and perhaps a low pile height for dining areas so chairs can be moved easily.” A plush carpet (a very dense, soft cut pile) is perfect for kids’ rooms, feeling gentle and fluffy under little knees. Beyond that, it’s about what feels good to you. “Some loops, especially multilevel loops, will provide a massaging feel underfoot. If a look and feel of luxury is desired then a plush, especially a heavier plush, will always be your best bet,” says Lily.

RUGS