From Wood Burning Stoves to Natural Finishes: Snuggle Up to These Cosy Decor Trends

As the colder weather sets in it's the perfect time to turn your home into a cosy haven. Wood burning stoves, natural finishes, cosy blankets and new lighting are the perfect antidote to the darker evenings. Whether you’re looking to extend, renovate or simply update, let yourself be inspired by this year’s timeless style. Winter 2017 embraces outdoor beauty, from the comfort of your living room.

Natural Finishes

The changing seasons can stir our sense of adventure. This year’s trends embrace a return to solid, natural and reassuring materials, while allowing creativity to flourish. Making use of contrasting textiles and surfaces is a great way of enhancing the sensory appeal of a room. Woollen blankets on leather sofas, knotted oak tables and breathable linen for bedding and tablecloths create a natural and contemporary space, adding comfort on darker evenings. Or try a sheepskin rug on unvarnished wooden floorboards for some instant Scandinavian cool.

The Heart of the Home

Whether it’s roaring flames or glowing embers, a crackling fire can bring light, warmth and focus to a room. Once considered old-fashioned, wood burning stoves are now front and centre when it comes to the modern fireplace. Don’t be afraid of exposed vent pipes, which can create height in a room by drawing the eye upward. Whether you’re aiming for industrial elegance or rustic and modern, they work well paired with an earthy backdrop. Try them against exposed red brick or a bare stone wall for low-maintenance, natural style.

Light up the Room

Visuals are key, and it’s often the little details that make the biggest impression. Keep large furniture, like sofas, tables and desks relatively simple, and embellish with statement cushions, lampshades, and warm lighting. Lamps give extra light as well as creating atmosphere, and will make your home feel comforting and sophisticated. Too many details will contract a space, while large mirrors and the right lighting will open it up.

Seasonal Details

Reorganising a room can be a cathartic experience, and it helps when everything has its own place. Baskets are on trend this autumn, and can provide the perfect balance of form and function. Imagine deep, woven baskets filled with warm blankets or books, and sturdy wicker brimming with chopped wood beside the fireplace.

Abundant plant life

This year’s style is sophisticated, dreamy and verdant. The season is no longer restricted to gourds and chestnuts – it’s time for leafy greens to shine. Botanical prints are everywhere right now, in decorative cushions, bed linens and tablecloths. Pantone’s colour of 2017 is Greenery, and there’s no better time to channel this restorative and warming green if you’re thinking of renovating. Warm and muted colours appeal to most people, and work well with counterpoints of deep green or plum. If you’re not sure about statement prints, real standing plants have the same effect and work in harmony with the natural materials in a room.

Making a Change?

Renovating your home can take a lot of planning, but finding the funds doesn’t need to be difficult. Whether extending, fixing or restyling your home, AIB’s Home Improvement Loans can help. AIB offer loans from €1,000 with a loan decision in just three hours*. You can apply online through AIB Internet Banking and the AIB Mobile App. You can also book a branch appointment or phone 0818 724 725 if you’d like to speak to someone in person.

* 3 hour loan decision applies to fully completed new personal loan applications processed within 3 hours 9am-5pm, Mon-Fri excl. bank holidays. Loans from €1,000-€30,000. Excludes applications: to restructure or clear existing AIB credit facilities; received through Branch and referred to a lender for review, from customers in financial difficulty; for Student and First loans; applications through Business Centres; or where total borrowings exceed €100,000 (excluding Home Loan debt up to €600,000).