The Opening Note
As Digital Editor at Homes & Gardens, I’ve spent over a decade immersed in the world of interiors – exploring remarkable homes, curating seasonal projects, and uncovering the details that make a space feel truly lived-in. Over time, I’ve come to appreciate that British homes are uniquely attuned to the changing seasons. Our rooms shift with the weather, and we, of course, never stop talking about it. From crisp autumn mornings to chilly winter evenings, there’s something wonderfully comforting about watching our homes respond to the world outside.
For this issue of The Very British Edit, the third in the series, I’m turning my attention to one of the coziest, most intimate aspects of home design: creating a cozy living room retreat that feels warm, inviting, and perfectly British. Fireside style is more than just a look; it’s a mood, a feeling of comfort layered with style. Think soft throws, glowing candlelight, tactile fabrics, and small, considered details that make every corner feel cocooned. It’s about curating spaces that encourage you to pause, to relax, and to enjoy the simple pleasure of being at home.
What I adore about English decorating is how it embraces comfort without sacrificing elegance. Layering textures, lighting, and thoughtful accessories transforms rooms into spaces that are simultaneously stylish and nurturing. A corner by the fire becomes a haven; a well-chosen rug or cushion can lift a room’s mood in an instant. These are the small touches that make a house feel loved, lived-in, and authentically you.
Creating a cozy, fireside-ready home is, for me, one of the most satisfying seasonal rituals. There’s something very British about arranging a space to reflect the mood outside while inviting warmth and charm inside. Whether it’s a flickering candle on a mantel, a carefully layered throw on a chair, or the glow of a winter-hued lamp, it’s these considered details that make our homes feel magical.
This edition celebrates exactly that: the joy of turning a house into a retreat, of creating corners that cocoon you from the cold, and of embracing the uniquely British delight in how our interiors respond to each season. It’s a reminder that home isn’t just a place – it’s a feeling, a ritual, and, in true British style, a refuge that changes beautifully with the weather.
The Edit: Fireside Style
Spotlight: Soho Home
Few brands have become as central to my seasonal styling as Soho Home, the modern interiors brand designed for relaxed, sociable living. With more than 25 years of design heritage, Soho Home was born when guests began asking if they could buy their favorite pieces from around the Soho Houses around the world. I’ve been drawn to the brand for years, particularly their glassware, which perfectly captures the effortless, fireside style I love every fall and winter.
The collection began in 2016 with their iconic Barwell crystal glasses, and it has since evolved into a full range of tableware that combines contemporary design with timeless elegance. Their hand-finished glasses, subtly tinted tumblers, and sculptural decanters aren’t just functional; they transform ordinary drinks into quietly celebratory moments.
For me, fireside style isn’t just about throws and candles – it’s about the details that make a space feel complete. Soho Home glassware is the finishing touch that turns a cozy living room corner into a retreat, a gathering into a ritual, and an evening into something to savor. Every season, I reach for their collections to make winter at home feel stylish, warm, and unmistakably inviting.
In the Queue
Next week on The Very British Edit, I’ll be turning my attention to Thanksgiving table decor – from dinnerware and flatware to candlesticks that set the mood for a festive gathering. Having celebrated Thanksgiving for years with my partner, who lived in the US, we’ve brought this American tradition to the UK, and it’s become one of my favorite occasions to style a table with warmth, personality, and seasonal charm.
I’ll be spotlighting Royal Doulton, a brand synonymous with classic British tableware that also has a big presence in the US. Their collections blend timeless elegance with enduring quality, offering plates, cutlery, and candlesticks that elevate a meal into a proper occasion. Every piece feels considered, from polished flatware to statement dinner plates, helping to create a table that is both welcoming and sophisticated.
Whether hosting a full Thanksgiving feast or a more intimate gathering, the right tableware becomes part of the rituals that make a house feel like home. True to Royal Doulton’s ethos, these pieces are designed to last, becoming more treasured with each meal shared and every memory made around the table.
The Very British Edit is a shoppable guide to beautiful living with a distinctly British twist. From heritage patterns to timeless decor inspirations, each edition blends personal insight, design expertise, and a love of craftsmanship. It is stylish, trustworthy, and endlessly inspiring.
