As we fast approach the middle of the year, you’ve no doubt felt the mercury drop and found yourself reaching for those old favourites that have been neglected since last winter…or you’ve rightfully decided to surround yourself with a few new ‘must haves’.

Whether it’s clothing (I love winter for jackets and boots), winter bedding, a hot water bottle or the wood fire heater, winter is a time for snuggling and sometimes retreating to those special places that warm the heart.

Creating a space you can claim as your own is something we all need, to restore some balance and recharge the batteries. Finding the time is never a simple task, but finding the space can be easier than we think.

When you take a good look around your home, quite space sits patiently in every corner. It's waiting for you as soon as you wake up in the morning, you walk past it on the way to the kitchen, you ignore it when you're busy trying to get out the door each day and when you get home at night, it would like nothing more than for you to stop, sit down and join it for a long, slender glass of tranquillity.

So what can turn a quite space into a 'Cosy Retreat' you ask...a pinch of time, a dash of imagination, some simple accessories, plus a blend of light and colours that evoke warmth.

This week the BedNest team have selected a number of their favourite ‘Cosy Retreats’ to share. The criteria was simple, images that ooze 'cosy' and spaces in the home where we love to spend time relaxing.

 

Layers of soft colour. Oh so cosy linen from Cultiver...

We couldn't go past this styled shot of our Florence Bedhead (photography Chris Warnes). Nothing says 'cosy' like an upholstered bedhead. And let's not leave out our Trinity Occasional Chair near the window and Otto Storage Ottoman at the foot of the bed. This image is one of our absolute favourites...

From the bedroom to the living area. Natural light can cast a calm spell over any room...

 

I could happily be swallowed up by this chair, with a book, for hours...

A built in fire place, simple earthy tones, a woollen rug and over sized pillows....where's my red wine?

I love maximising under utilised space and this very special reading nook takes it to a new level. Magic...

Cosy retreats inside and outside of the home. What better place to 'hang out' than on the back deck or patio...

My dream is to create a creative space/ office/ pool house/ guest cottage in our back yard. What an inspirational shot...

Whether your creating a cosy retreat on a grand scale, adding a bit of style and colour to your favourite reading nook, or turning a bedroom into your dream BedNest...the end result can nourish the soul...

All images, unless otherwise stated, via Pinterest.