As the days grow shorter, home becomes a place to unwind, recharge and find comfort. Yet while 56 million Brits say their home becomes more important to their wellbeing in winter, one in three do nothing to prepare their space for the season, according to new research from Homesense.
With 69 per cent of Brits spending an extra 4.1 hours indoors each week during autumn and winter, small changes to our surroundings can make home feel more welcoming. From creating a bright spot for mornings to adding soft textures and calming scents, these five expert-backed ideas offer simple ways to make your space feel warmer and more restful through the darker months.
1. Feeling overwhelmed? Clear clutter with smart storage
'A calmer home can help create a calmer mind,' begins wellness expert Adrienne Herbert in collaboration with Homesense. 'Reducing visual clutter and creating simple storage solutions for everyday items can make spaces feel more organised, relaxing and easier to unwind in.'
You don't need to get rid of half your belongings to make a difference either. Max Wilson, storage expert and co-founder of Pocket Storage, adds: 'Sometimes moving the summer things out of the way and giving the things you're actually using a proper home is enough to make the whole house feel calmer.'
The remedy: Use baskets, boxes and hooks to keep frequently used items neatly stored and reduce everyday distractions.
2. Want brighter mornings? Create a spot by the window
'With shorter days bringing less natural light, creating a space near a window can help you start the day feeling brighter and more energised,' says Adrienne.
Whether it’s a favourite armchair by a window, a sunny corner of the kitchen table or a dedicated space for enjoying your morning coffee, spending time in natural light early in the day can help boost your mood and make darker mornings feel more manageable.
The remedy: Position a favourite chair or breakfast spot near your brightest window and make time to enjoy natural light at the start of the day.
3. Feeling cooped up? Bring nature indoors
Adding elements of nature to your home can help create a more calming and restorative environment during the months when we spend more time inside. Whether it's a collection of houseplants, fresh flowers or natural materials such as wood, rattan and stone, these simple additions can help a space feel more connected to the outdoors and provide a welcome sense of escape from grey winter days.
The remedy: Create a small green corner with plants, seasonal foliage or natural textures where you can pause and relax.
4. Finding it hard to switch off? Use scent to create an evening routine
'Our senses can help shape how we feel, and familiar scents can become powerful cues that signal it’s time to relax and unwind,' explains Adrienne.
For autumn, choose warmer scents like orange, cinnamon or cedarwood to give an instantly cosy feel. 'Light citrus and floral notes can be swapped for spiced or woody scents to create a more seasonal atmosphere, without the need for a major change,' adds Johanna Constantinou, interior trends expert at Tapi Carpets and Floors.
The remedy: Introduce an evening fragrance, such as calming candles or room spray, as part of your bedtime routine.
5. Want a more restful night? Make your bedroom feel more inviting
A restful environment can help signal to your mind and body that it’s time to slow down. 'Our sleep needs shift with the seasons far more than most people realise. As the weather cools and the evenings draw in, the body's temperature and rhythm change with it, so the bedroom that helped you sleep in summer might be doing the opposite by autumn,' explains Josh Branigan, furniture and home interiors expert at Bedkingdom.
The remedy: Layer soft textures, add warm lighting and keep calming essentials, such as a book or blanket, close by to create a relaxing end-of-day ritual.
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