Did you know today marks the start of Imbolc? Based on Celtic tradition, Imbolc is a celebration that marks the mid-way point between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox.

Which means we’re already halfway through the winter months! Which feels good, doesn’t it?

Whilst we may be enjoying more hours of daylight as we advance towards spring, there’s no getting away from it; it’s still cold in our part of the world. And we certainly won’t be packing away our woollen jumpers and fluffy socks anytime soon!

So, in this newsletter, we’d love to share some of our favourite ways to keep your home cosy and warm this winter.

Ready to create that ultimate cosy vibe? Hunker down, curl up and delve in!

Snuggle up with some oh-so-soft scatter cushions!

Scatter cushions with piping and button detail

We’re a massive fan of super soft scatter cushions here at Niki’s Soft Furnishings. In fact, as part of our current project for KVIST Interior Design at The Cube in London, we’re making 41 of them!

Gold fabric scatter cushions

Why do we love luxurious scatter cushions so much? Because they’re one of the quickest ways to revamp and refresh any living space. Your lounge, your bedroom, your study… you name it!

And the great news is you don’t have to spend too much at all to create a huge impact.

Silver and grey scatter cushions

But with so many trends to jump on and colours to choose from, it can take time to figure out where to start.

So, with the help of the trusty colour wheel, we’ve pulled together a few top tips for you.

  • As a general guide, it’s best to keep most of your room in shades and variations of one singular colour.
  • Then, choose several items in a harmonious colour (this is the colour next to your main colour on the colour wheel)
  • ·Finally, pick a few items in an accent colour (this is the colour opposite your main colour on the colour wheel).
Fabric colour wheel

If you would like some more useful information on how to use a colour wheel, follow this link  https://www.homesandgardens.com/spaces/decorating/color-wheel-223700

Cocoon yourself in cosiness with a new set of curtains

Investing in a set of good quality bespoke curtains is one of the easiest ways to keep the warmth in and create a gorgeous, cosy vibe at the same time.

Curtains have come a long way over the past few years, and there are so many different varieties to choose from, including eyelet, goblet, puffball, pencil pleat, ruffle top, pinch pleat, and more!

There are plenty of lining options to choose from too, such as thermal, interlined, and blackout. The great thing about these linings is they’re not just for the winter months. They’re also fabulous at blocking the heat out during the summer too.

Flop top curtain

You can have flop top curtains too. We fitted this into Langdon Court Manor before Christmas,  visit our Instagram or Facebook pages if you would like to find out more about this curtain.

If curtains aren’t your cup of tea, another sleek and stylish way to keep your room cosy is with a set of Roman blinds.

Made-to-measure Roman blinds are the ideal choice if you’ve got limited space surrounding your window. Plus, because blinds don’t need as much fabric as curtains, they’re more cost-effective too. So, if you’ve been eyeing up some gorgeous fabric that’s a tad on the lavish side, a set of beautiful custom-made Roman blinds could well be your answer!

Velvet roman blind

We installed this beautiful velvet blind in a stairwell just before Christmas.  Blinds are great in stairwell situations. Again find out more about this blind on our Instagram or Facebook pages.

If you’re considering replacing your curtains or blinds but are unsure which is the best option for you and your home, talk to us for some advice. Our friendly team are here to help in any way we can.

Hunker down and relax against your very own tailor-made headboard

If a bedroom refresh is on the cards, but you’re not quite ready to update the whole room, how about giving your headboard some TLC?

Historically, headboards were used to protect the sleeper from cold draughts. But, nowadays, they offer so much more than a warm sleeping space!

Made to measure upholstered green velvet headboard

A bespoke, upholstered headboard adds comfort, detail and personality to your bedroom. In fact, it will give your room a whole new lease of life!

As with your curtains, whatever colour, style and material you’re looking for, we can tailor your made-to-measure headboard to your specifications, so you can get precisely the result you’re looking for.

The world really is your oyster when it comes to headboard upholstery, so get in touch with us and let’s see what we can create!

Bespoke shaped headboard upholstered in grey stripe fabric with piping detail

Swimming for Diabetes UK

In March, our lovely Tessa is taking part in the Swim for Diabetes UK. Tessa’s father and brother both have Type 1 Diabetes, so it’s a charity close to her heart.

The challenge is to swim 22 miles (the distance of the English Channel) in 12 weeks. But Tessa is planning to do her virtual swim in just 6 weeks!

Tessa joined our team in September last year and is learning to fit and install our curtains and blinds. In fact, if you’ve had your curtains or blinds fitted recently, you might have met her!

If you’d like to join us in sponsoring Tessa, you can do so using the link below.

If you think you have what it takes, or know anyone who might be interested in the role, then please get in touch.

What is your favourite winter warmer?

We have a range here at Niki’s Soft Furnishings. From super long hot water bottles (a Niki’s Soft Furnishings Secret Santa to our Finance Lady, Viki) to a yummy hot chocolate loaded with marshmallows (not so great for the waistline though!).

It’s always wonderful to see messages from our clients and followers popping into our inbox.

So, hit reply and tell us all about your favourite ways to stay cosy during the winter months.

We’d love to hear from you!

In the meantime get cosy, enjoy your pancakes this month (don’t forget it’s the 21st of February this year), and we’ll be in touch again to find out your favourite filling next month.

Luxury scatter cushions with beaded and fringe trims