There are many benefits to seasonal living, which encourages us to live in harmony with nature as we mark the passing of the year. Each chapter of A Home for All Seasons is dedicated to one of the four seasons. Seasonal colour palettes, natural materials and biophilic elements are key to this style of decorating, which uses the changing hues of the natural world to create a considered, comforting home.
Spring: a season of growth, optimism and colour. A time to let in as much of the increasing daylight as possible by cleaning windows, swapping heavy winter textiles for lighter linens and moving from inward-facing, cosy spaces to rooms that look to the outdoors.
After the high energy of spring, summer brings a slower, more languid pace of life with sun-bleached materials, lightweight fabrics and soft, light interiors. Days are at their longest: the solstice, also known as Litha, celebrates the abundance of nature and the lure of lakes, rivers and oceans.
The autumn home is warm and inviting, somewhere to cosy up after bracing walks through the falling leaves. Candles offer a mesmerizing glow as the evenings start to draw in. You may want to try making your own out of beeswax or soy and scenting them with essential oils, using vintage cups and old stoneware as vessels.
As the winter solstice (also known as Yule) approaches, the cold days and long nights draw us into our homes, seeking warmth, shelter and a place to rest. As we spend less time outdoors, the need to surround ourselves with the colours, patterns and materials of nature becomes ever more important for our wellbeing.
This extract is from A Home for All Seasons by Kay Prestney & Becca Cherry. To get more great blog posts like this one - direct to your inbox – be sure to sign up to our mailing list here.