Sara’s column in the Times this weekend was all about getting your bedroom ready for winter…

Creating a beautiful bedroom is all about layering. From texture and colour to scent and sounds, by using every layer of the design to create depth and warmth you create a serene sanctuary. Start from the bottom up with the flooring and opt for a deep pile carpet, or a matt texture wooden floor covered in flat weave rugs, it is about getting that sensorial experience under barefoot and switching into relaxation mode when possible.

Next up walls – opt for wallcovering if you can- textured wallpapers add warmth, and if you are looking to transform your space, I promise you wallcoverings brings the most bang for your buck. For extra luxury you can fabric cover your walls, you could use fine wool blend fabrics, velvet or cotton. Fabric covered walls are also brilliant in improving acoustics. Another element to consider is lighting – low watt bulbs or a dimmer switch are a must to create a wonderful ambient pre sleep atmosphere. Fabric covered shades with diffuser bases give a lovely glow, or if you are looking for a bit more glamour without losing the texture you could add a decorative lighting pendant in glass.

Overall, I prefer warmer tones in a bedroom scheme, bedheads, upholstery or wardrobes – natural shades from neutral tones of cream and grey to pale green, blues, peaches and pinks. I then tend to mix these with darker tones in the other pieces such as side tables in darker woods, mirrors, lamps and picture frames. To add louder colour, I focus on accessories such as cushions, throws, art or coloured glass and ceramic vases.

The next and most important item in the room – the bed! For this I would always say buy the best and biggest bed you can – you will spend 1/3 of your life in it and it is fundamental to a great night’s sleep. I love King Coil, Vispring and Hastens. Make it as comfortable as you can, a topper will go a long way in doing this. When dressing the bed aim for main pillows, 2 continental and 2 square and a 10 tog multi season duvet with a throw or eiderdown for winter. You can then add on some decorative cushions for colour and comfort. When it comes to sheets satin cotton is best, there are some fantastic quality sets at good prices, I love Foxford Woollen Mills, White and Green, and Meadows and Byrne for beautiful basics.

When it comes to scents, I like to change it up as the year progresses – I burn the woody notes of Cire Trudon – empire scented candles in autumn and winter and Cloonkeen Etain in spring. In summer I use my own candle Mulgrave Street. By balancing all the senses in a bedroom space, it becomes the ultimate retreat.

It must be acknowledged that over the last six months bedrooms are also having to double up as workspaces. In this instance I would recommend you try to zone a space that can be easily cleared after work or even investing in a screen so as the space transitions to night you can at least visually switch off from work. I love this wood and cane one from hk living

You can read the article on The Times website through this link