Storm Goretti is looming large, and snow and ice warnings settle in across the UK, the temptation to hunker down at home has never felt more appealing. When the weather turns wild and temperatures plummet, our homes become more than just shelter. They are where we seek warmth, calm, and a sense of comfort as the days grow darker and the cold snap takes hold.
This is not about emergency preparation or battling the elements, but about how to keep your home warm and cosy through soft layers, gentle lighting, and comforting textures, small interior updates can transform a space into a cosy retreat that feels intentionally cocooned from the storm outside.
As icy winds and wintry showers sweep in, these are the interior updates worth investing in now. From comforting layers and soft lighting to small indulgences that add instant warmth, they are designed to make your home feel cosy, cocooned and deeply inviting while the storm rages outside.
If you're a little sceptical of heated throws (and there certainly are some less than tasteful ones on the market), let me reassure you that more and more brands are bringing out genuinely gorgeous throw blankets that heat you in no time at all. You wouldn't know from looking at this gorgeous Fenwick throw that it is heated, but snuggle up in it, and you won't want to leave!
Sometimes, the old-fashioned methods work the best. Whilst most of us have an old rubber hot water bottle stashed away somewhere (mine is gathering dust in the attic), this year I'm set on investing in a beautiful hot water bottle I will actually use when the frost kicks in. Liberty's sale is still going, and that's where I am heading to ensure I get a warm night's sleep over the next few weeks.
If your home doesn’t yet have a draught excluder, now is the perfect time to invest in one, especially for draughty rooms, where they make a world of difference. My top pick is this one from The White Company: crafted from luxurious New Zealand sheepskin, known for its soft, durable wool fibers, and designed to fit most door frames with ease. It’s a simple upgrade that instantly boosts comfort and warmth in any room.
Not all portable radiators have to be clunky, white eyesores. Take this olive green oil-fired heater, for example – a stylish piece you won’t mind keeping on display year-round. It’s also available in sleek gunmetal blue and a sophisticated black-and-cream, making it a versatile fit for any interior. With its vintage-inspired design, it’s as much a home accessory as it is a heater – a rare find in the world of portable radiators.
Stoov heated cushions are quickly becoming the must-have home accessory this winter – and it’s easy to see why. Ingeniously designed and wonderfully warming, they’re perfect for anyone planning to stay in and get cozy. Treat yourself to one of these luxuriously warm cushions and elevate your snuggle game.
While candles won’t do much for the room’s actual temperature, they have a huge impact on how cozy a space feels. Now is the perfect time to stock up on large pillar candles, taper candles, and tealights to create a warm, inviting, and snug ambiance throughout your home.
I’m loving these tall tealight holders from Oka – they offer a stunning alternative to lamps. As evening falls and the storm rages outside, lighting a few twinkling tealights in these holders creates an utterly magical, warm atmosphere.
Every home worker knows the joy of having their hands clamped around a hot drink on a winter’s day. So, if you’re thinking of investing in a new kettle this year, consider models that deliver a stay-warm function, such as this one, which can keep water hot for about 20 minutes and is more energy efficient than reboiling.
If you don't already have a snuggly and warm winter bedding set, now is the time to invest in one. Brushed cotton is often the warmest, and Piglet in Bed stocks some of the best (and prettiest) winter bedding around.
Of course, whilst it may not be the most glamorous thing you do all week, now is the time to bleed your radiators in your home. It's reassuringly easy to do, and can save you hundreds of pounds when the real cold sets in. This will make your radiators heat up faster, and all you need is a radiator key, such as a radiator tool from Amazon, and once done, you will feel a real difference in the warmth of a room.
If, like me, you have floorboards at home which often make your toes feel icy cold, it's well worth ordering a thermal insulating wool-rich underlay, like this thermal underlay from Amazon.
Remember to insulate windows for better energy efficiency, too, before the really foul weather takes hold. If you have a room you are particularly worried about, it's worth getting some window thermo covers that form a heat-insulating air cushion by your draughty windows.
Also, it's worth being aware of those design choices that are making your home less cosy. Turn off the big light and layer your lighting, turn on lamps, fairy lights, and low lighting – and keep any harsh bright white light away, as this can make a room feel very chilly.
