Having visited Cornwall many times over the years, it has become a place of warmth and comfort for me and my family. When Unique Homestays asked me to help transform their property, The Meadows, into a cosy winter sanctuary, it was the dream combination of my loves; the Cornish coast and home interiors.
This collaboration is the perfect marriage between the contemporary architecture of The Meadows and the unique designs of French Connection’s homeware collection. The Meadows is a stunning example of modern architecture merged within the traditional structure of a rustic barn. Its poured concrete surfaces, cedarwood walls, hidden detailing and simple clean lines help it to naturally blur into the Cornish landscape.
From natural accents, ambient lighting and sparkling decorations, I share tips on how to make your home cosy for winter and feel that bit more special this Christmas, with the help of some of my favourite pieces from our French Connection home collection, all set in the beautiful backdrop of The Meadows in Cornwall.
The Kitchen
With food set to be a big focus of this year’s Christmas for all, myself included, the kitchen will become a hub for all hosting activity and its warmth will echo throughout. For an added sense of cosiness, I added natural accents like our rattan cane vase, wooden serving boards and carved bowl, to add a warming textural finishing touch. I recommend showcasing your festive nibbles on wooden serving boards or in antique copper bowls, to create a warm welcome for any hungry family members. To add festive charm to The Meadows' open plan kitchen space, I brought the outside in and hung a tree branch above the kitchen island. I then intertwined various metallic decorations amongst the branches to help create this artful statement centrepiece.
The Bedroom
Embrace textiles into your bedroom this winter to add a cosy layer to your cold early mornings. To enhance the property’s warming charm, I layered naturally inspired textures and throws over the bed, adding both comfort and style. I adore the property’s rustic exposed wooden beans, they’re perfect for hanging shimmering heart ornaments and fir tree branches from, adding romance to the room. When hanging ornaments, I recommend using fishing wire, as its clear tone creates an illusion, as if your decorations are magically floating.
The Bathroom
The Meadow’s bath is quite breathtaking, to say the least. The only styling I did in this space was to swap out the classic bath matt for a modern alternative and add a large sprig of evergreen to a simple vase. When looking to soften your wooden floors, I recommend reaching for jute rugs, like this Aztec printed style to add warmth and texture. I feel this style fits perfectly in the property’s modern minimal interior, adding a warm layer for bare feet after a long soak in its floating egg bath.
The Living Space
This season, your living space becomes the heart of your family festive celebrations and the perfect setting to spend dark winter evenings cuddled up with a steaming hot chocolate, and what a better focal point to gather than The Meadow’s living room woodburner. For an extra touch of warmth, I styled an array of sumptuous throws, grey tipped cashmere pelts and plush cushions, scattered around the burner to create a luxurious winter sanctuary you won't want to leave. I always reach for glamorous ornaments and metallic hues to define my festive decor. For The Meadows' living space, I delicately hung star ornaments and placed mirrored decorations amongst seasonal foliage and flickering candlelight to create festive warmth all season long.
Let’s go outside
With socialising outside being on the majority of everyone’s agenda this Christmas, there’s no better time to create that perfect cosy space outdoors. I added soft touch throws, cashmere pelts and ambient lighting, all set around a burning fit pit. I reached for soft lighting like this lantern duo, styled together on the patio’s ledge to bring a winter glow; the perfect finishing touch to my transformation.
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