A peaceful retreat

Designer-approved ways to create a warm and cosy bedroom retreat for the winter months.

Textures

“The layering of textures is key to creating a retreat where you can curl up and relax. Play with different textures in your bedding by using linen, silk, brushed cotton and weaves together. The contrast in textures and colour will give you a decorative and polished look, with no need for decorative pillows to finish it off.

“We love adding soft lighting, wallpaper and rugs or carpets to bedrooms, as these elements aren’t standalone items that clutter a room. They are the perfect addition to any tranquil room, as they don’t visually count as a decorative item or object.” – Cathrin Bolt, owner at Nowadays Interiors

Window treatments

“Curtains and window treatments make a big difference in the overall mood and temperature in a room. Window treatments like curtains physically block out harsh (or any) light, insulate your windows, add privacy and absorb sound. A good quality blockout lining will make the world’s difference in creating the perfect evening retreat. There are excellent woven blockout linings on the market, that double up as a mid-level acoustic lining when making curtains.” – Cathrin Bolt, owner at Nowadays Interiors

An upholstered bed

“Consider opting for an upholstered bed to enhance a warm and cosy atmosphere. Upholstered beds offer a soft and inviting look, adding extra comfort to your space. Choose a bed frame with plush, textured upholstery in warm tones like deep browns, rich greys, or soft creams. These colours evoke a sense of warmth and cosiness.” – Johann De Waal, marketing manager at KARE Johannesburg

Ambient lighting

“Lighting plays an important role in setting the mood and creating a cosy ambience. Incorporate various layers of lighting to achieve a warm and inviting atmosphere. Start with a soft, warm-toned overhead light as your primary light source. Then, add table lamps or floor lamps with warm, dimmable bulbs to provide a softer and more intimate glow.

“Consider placing the lamps strategically near seating areas or bedside tables to create cosy reading nooks or relaxation spots. Lastly, don’t forget the cosiness of a fire flame. Candles or a fire add a flickering, warm glow that instantly creates a cosy and romantic atmosphere. Place scented candles throughout the room to further enhance the sensory experience and make it feel like a winter sanctuary.” – Leanne Van Niekerk, owner and designer at LVN Interiors

Winter bedding

“During our cold months, winter bedding is essential to ensure you are warm and comfortable throughout the night, not only by adding layers to your bedding but ensuring your choice of cotton is correct. Thus, we recommend winter brushed cotton as a starting point in creating that perfect winter sanctuary.

“Brushed cotton is warm and incredibly soft to the touch and provides just the right amount of warmth during the chilly nights and are specifically designed just for that. At Volpes, you are spoilt for choice with brushed cotton duvet cover sets in beautiful designs and more, for example, Chester Blue Premium Winter Cotton, Grace Duck Egg Premium Winter Cotton and Pippa Sage Premium Winter Cotton.” – Kelly Hummel, marketing administrator at Volpes