So the clocks have gone back, the temperature has dropped and the evenings stretch out in front of us. Let’s start this new series of Objects of Design as we mean to go on: In The Warm.
This beautiful chunky cable knit throw is perfect for covering up cold toes, or wrapping round your shoulders while you hold a bowl of home-made soup. Of course if you had one of these chairs to snuggle up in life would be even better, but you can’t have everything so start with a good blanket.
Now, if we were really organised, the key to getting ready for winter is to bring on the textiles; wool, cashmere and velvet in warm, toasty colours. Then, when the spring comes, hide them away (from the moths) and ring the changes with silk, cotton and linen.
It’s not something I’ve ever quite managed to pull off, but it’s a good idea and needn’t cost a fortune. It also refreshes the room and makes it feel like new again, which is always fun. Obviously the simplest change to make is cushions, but if you were feeling a bit more enterprising, and have room under the bed for storage, you could try a winter and summer rug. Change your curtains to go with the seasons as well.
It’s a common habit in Nordic countries where the Finns often change their curtains according to the season and the Danes switch from heavy textiles to lighter more summery ones.
Bring on winter, we’re ready for you now. The rest of this series will concentrate on finding lots of gorgeous accessories to make the cold months seem a little less dark and a little less long.
