How to make your short-term rental feel cosier during the colder months

Whether you’re styling a city apartment or seaside cottage, there are plenty of ways to switch up your space as the seasons change by introducing cosier features to your holiday home. Take a look at some of our top tips below.

Understand your space

As the seasons change, so do guests’ holiday requirements, with many opting to stay indoors, rather than braving bitter British temperatures. Before adding extra furnishings, it’s important to understand the space you’re dressing. Consider the location and style of your holiday home as it is – for example, a modern city centre apartment may need to retain its contemporary feel, whilst a countryside cottage can afford to feature more traditional elements.

This process should help you shape the way you want your guests to feel during their stay in autumn & winter, as opposed to spring & summer – which is key when rethinking interiors.

Introduce soft textures

From a plush new rug to stylish throws and cushions, adding different textures to a room is an easy way to add depth and create an effortlessly inviting environment. Softer textures can immediately evoke feelings of comfort amongst guests to help them feel truly relaxed in your home.

Consider ambient lighting

The right lighting can really transform a living space, especially if you’re looking to appeal to couples. Where possible, ensure rooms have smaller lamps to create ambience and a calm atmosphere, and opt for warm-toned lampshades and light bulbs, or dimmable options, as this will cast a soft light throughout your space.

Embrace the Scandinavian tradition of ‘hygge’

Made popular a few years back after being shortlisted as the Oxford Dictionaries’ 2016 “word of the year”, the notion of hygge refers to “a quality of cosiness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being (regarded as a defining characteristic of Danish culture)”. In essence, this implies that if your holiday home has warm, cosy pieces dotted around, this will impact the general mood of the space and, in turn, your guests will feel more positive and relaxed. This can include adding books and candles to your rooms, adding natural textures, or creating a dedicated space for guests to recline with a hot drink.

Make your bathroom a spa-like haven

After a busy day of exploring a new location, many guests like the idea of rejuvenating or relaxing with a bath or shower. Because of this, the bathroom is an important part of the home – especially when it comes to ensuring guests feel well-rested. According to Homes & Gardens, creating a cosier, tranquil space is ‘all about using key design details that add that luxurious look and choosing ‘spa’ type materials like wood, stone, bamboo and marble’ with no clutter. In this case, less is more, but ensure you’ve paid attention to preparing the small details, as they don’t go unnoticed – including providing fresh towels and products.

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