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How to decorate for maximum cosiness this winter
This Ilse Crawford inspired look pairs layered greens (sage to apple) with dark wood and leather
The season of hygge is here, so we are looking not just to comforting shades, but to one of British designer Ilse Crawford’s most famous spaces: Ett Hem in Stockholm. The boutique guesthouse is the perfect rebuttal to anyone thinking Scandinavian design isn’t cosy. For Crawford, always in tune with addressing true human needs through her designs, the renovation of this former private residence, built in 1910, involved creating a series of rooms that make you feel instantly at ease when you walk into them.
The layering of greens (from sage through to an almost tartly apple hue) with dark wood and leather feels like a marriage between the minimalism of Danish design and a sensibility that is slightly more akin to a modern take on the homely warmth of English country houses. It’s a look that’s satisfying to emulate – and this is the edit of furniture, homeware, wallpaper and fabrics you’ll need.
‘Armchair 45’, Artek
Originally designed by Alvar Aalto back in 1947, this timeless piece has been relaunched by Artek, which now offers it with a quilted leather seat and back. There are more traditionally Scandi colourways (think pale birch and cream), but these darker hues feel very of the moment. £3,057, artek.fi
‘Damier’ vase, L’Objet
With a name taken from the French word for checkerboard, this spherical vase is the perfect graphic counterpoint to this palette’s comforting hues and textures. £405, uk.l-objet.com
‘Agave’ wallcovering, Arte
A stylish way to instantly add texture to walls, this design by ground-breaking wallcovering specialist Arte, is made from woven sisal and comes in a wealth of colours that suit this palette – including ‘Olive’ (pictured). £67 per m, arte-international.com
‘Atollo’ table lamp, Oluce
One of the most recognisable silhouettes in the design world, this lamp by Vico Magistretti is the perfect finishing touch for any home – and this satin bronze finish intensifies the softness of its glow. £786, twentytwentyone.com
‘Chenille Stripe’ cushion, John Lewis & Partners
From its on trend stripe to its a-little-bit-extra ruffle, this cushion has it all. There’s three colours available, but ‘Auburn’ is the most pleasing match for this Ilse Crawford-inspired scheme. £60, johnlewis.com
‘Pilu’ shelf, Ferm Living
Display your treasured objects on a shelf that is a design statement in its own right. This organic-shaped design is also available in a neutral taupe. £39, fermliving.co.uk
‘Vladimiro’ fabric, Dedar
This ultra-soft mohair velvet is taken from the very first shearing of Angora goats. Use for heavy drapes or as a luxurious upholstery option. £300 per m, dedar.com
‘Relief’ chest of drawers, String
This furniture staple has been given a stylish and practical update by TAF Studio for String – the design brand behind the world’s most iconic bookshelf. £1,535, stringfurniture.com
‘Mottled’ tile, Balineum
Tortoiseshell never went out of style in the fashion world, but when it comes to tiles the pattern has lost favour since the Victorian era. Now, it’s having something of a renaissance, with its swirling colour combinations suiting this cosy decorating palette – use for a splashback! £1,121 pr sq m, balineum.co.uk
‘Ottino’ pendant light, Lights&Lamps
This pendant’s linen shade assures the most mellow of glows, perfect for dark evenings. Its design is inspired by the Art Deco movement, but with a materiality that feels firmly now. £399, lightsandlamps.com
‘Pillow’ lounge chair, Baxter
The plushness of this armchair by Federico Peri is juxtaposed by its exceedingly delicate legs. Go for the ‘Rhubarb’ colourway (pictured) and you have a rich counterpoint to the abundance of greens in this Ilse Crawford-inspired scheme. £8,160, monologuelondon.com
Hand-quilted velvet throw, Toast
’Tis the time of year when every armchair, sofa and bed should be draped with an artful throw, providing much needed extra snuggly warmth when required. This handcrafted option from Toast has an artisanal quality that would look just at home in a country pad or modern apartment. £260, to.ast
‘Brush’ fringe, Romo
Designed by Alice Temperley, this fringing is the fashionable accessory for upholstered furniture this winter. It’s available in eight shades, but this ‘Olivette’ option (pictured) is especially en vogue. £67 per m, romo.com
‘Space’ dresser, HK Living
Nothing quite hits the spot like the taste of rich chocolate on a cold day. The same is true of using the colour in interiors. This storage unit is the perfect, decadent hue, with a form that also nods to the current obsession with 1970s design. £1,299, hkliving.com
‘Tesseract’ fabric, Kirkby Design
This upholstery fabric, with its slightly raised pattern, combines two tones of green. It’s woven from recycled material, meaning the ethos behind it is green too. £120 per m, kirkbydesign.com
‘Greyson’ floor lamp, Soho Home
The glossy lacquered base of this tall lamp reflects the shine from the linen shade above. Placed in a corner, this modernist-inspired design is a subtle nod to the colours in this wintery palette. £850, sohohome.com
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