WINTER: Seasonal Notes from Crittall Interiors

In winter more than any other season we look to be held by our homes, as a space to retreat, to rest, to hibernate and to restore ourselves. I have long been a fan of January, despite the bad press it gets. For me it’s a chance to go inward, to reflect, dream and plan for the year ahead.

There is a huge connection between the space we inhabit and how it impacts our mood and wellbeing, so with a little thought we can ensure our homes nurture and hold us through these colder months. I have shared below practical tips on how to simplify your interior and create a cosy nest that will soothe your soul while we wait patiently for the warmth and longer daylight to return. 

Decluttering

Despite recent decluttering trend, the urge to have a sort out after Christmas when the house feels full to the brim is hard to ignore - even the biggest hoarders amongst us might feel the pull to shed belongings in the post Christmas comedown. 

There’s something about a new year, a fresh start that fits the general mood of decluttering. Perhaps it goes back to childhood and those back-to-school moments - an opportunity for a fresh notebook, well-stocked pencil case and crisp new uniform. Although school days are long behind us, the mindset has stuck and if you have this hangover from childhood, it’s a great opportunity to clear the clutter and create areas of calm.

To all the maximalists out there, I’m not asking you to have a full-on purge of possessions - objects are what makes a home feel layered and personal – and we are not advocating a militant approach so go easy on yourself. It is January after all. The fact of the matter is we all have too much stuff, check-in to see if you REALLY need and want it. As the saying goes; ‘Is it both functional and beautiful?’

Let’s also think landfill and how we can declutter responsibly. If charity shops can’t take it, try freecycle or clothes banks. Toys and homewares (and any unwanted gifts) can be sold on Marketplace or Vinted.

Design tip: Focus on surfaces and shelves – these are the hotspots where clutter can easily piles up ( something I am very guilty of), especially places like the kitchen table, the bookshelves, bedside tables, the tops of the chest of draws, hallway floors….the list goes on. At least it does in our house. So tackle those areas and give everything a place. You can also curate the surface a bit by styling it a bit.

Styling on our ‘Woodchester’ cabinet, adding points of visual interest without it feeling cluttered

Functionality

Functionality and beauty can co-exist. If you have a busy home, or if space is a premium, consider built in cabinetry and work together with a designer to help you make the most of your internal space. There’s no denying that this can add some costs but if the home is going to be somewhere you live for some years to come, it is worth investing in decent, well considered storage that is both practical and visually beautiful. If you are designing a room from scratch be realistic about what you need to store, be honest about what’s on display and what you want hidden.

If you are in the planning stages and would like help with storage solutions, we have experience designing for boot rooms, kitchens, bedrooms, small spaces, and work closely with local craftsmen to bring any ideas to fruition.

Design tip: Think vertically and embrace any unusual nooks and difficult areas that could be transformed into a usable storage. Adding a cupboard at the end of a bunk bed for example, or even building a bed nook that creates both a really cosy snug sleeping area, a design feature AND has storage underneath.

Crittall interiors, Children’s Bedroom with bed nook and concealed storage

Create Collections 

Our take on decluttering isn’t about getting rid of all your worldly possessions to have a paired back minimalist home. Quite the opposite, it’s about simplifying so that everything has a place, and your objects really sing. If you’ve got a penchant for vases and have amassed a rare collection from years of trawling markets and charity shops, then god damn please make sure you display and arrange them well. 

So yes, do get the kitchen cupboards open, sort through the draws of paperwork, but also layer your home with the objects and items you love. That are personal to you and make your home unique. 

Design tip: Consider finding a designated space where you can curate your most treasured items. Shelves are always good for this, and depending on the objects themselves you could create a special displace area. Hallways and thoroughfares are always good spots for this – suddenly a rather empty and dead space becomes interesting and fun.

Shelves with white objects_Crittall Interiors

Hang your Artwork 

Have you got a pile of unframed photos and artwork? Get those pieces up on the wall! Not only will this move clutter out from draws and cupboards creating more space for the things you actually do need to store away, but it will also make you smile. Word of warning here though; you may start to feel very smug for actually getting around to doing it.

If framed well, lots of things can look great up on the wall - textiles, children’s drawings, a holiday souvenir, gig posters, record covers as well as photos.

If you are based in Gloucestershire, we recommend Ro Frames in Stroud who offer a great service and for those of you looking for something special, keep an eye on Medium Room who source vintage and antique art and prints. 

Design tip: be playful and use framing to inject colour, pattern and shape.

Vertical art displays work well on slimmer walls_Crittall Interiors

Have a Re-jig

At Crittall Interiors we are in the ‘buy less, buy well’ camp. Buying lots of newness for your home is not only a strain on your finances but also on the planet, have you tried shopping your home? Gather all your favourite objects and have a little move around. Group together an armchair, side table and floor lamp on a rug, hang some artwork on the wall behind it, or pop a shelf up with pictures on and suddenly you’ve created a gorgeous little pocket of peace where you can retreat to read or take a nap.

Design tip: If space allows play around with the layout of your room, it may unlock new area of space or change the flow. Have a re-jig, faff with styling the shelves and see how you like living with it.

Cosy fire place seating with a re-jig of furniture to create a lovely little corner_Crittall Interiors