The expert’s guide on how to winter

A combination of post-Christmas come down, dark evenings and weeks until payday tends to sap any fun out of the start of the year.

Whether you spend more time at home out of necessity or design this month it doesn’t have to be all bad. Look at things from a different angle and consider it “wintering”. It’s a time to get cosy and relax, listen to good music, read good books and eat good food. A time to nourish your soul, head out for invigorating walks – whatever the weather – then wrap up when you get home.

THE SPACE

The Danes have had this sussed for a long time with their comforting “hygge” concept, so who better to offer some pointers on doing it properly than Helle Moyna, Danish native and creative director and founder of Nordic Elements in Blackrock, Co Dublin (nordicelements.com).

If you were planning to hunker down for cosy winter evenings what would be your essentials?

Candles, good food and great company. In Denmark we embrace the dark winter evenings and will always light candles. There’s a big focus on home cooking and baking and general hygge, which is a feeling and not something that can be bought but created.

Do you think more of us are embracing this idea of comfort in our homes?

Yes for sure, since Covid we have been ‘forced’ to spend more time at home and comfort has become even more important. We have seen an increase in clients looking for new sofas as they have been meaning to replace theirs for ages but have been too busy. Now they’re spending more time at home it has become more important. We will always encourage clients to think of pieces as being flexible as well as comfortable, so a lounge chair could be used either in the bedroom or sitting room without looking out of place.

Another piece of key advice is to mix different textures and materials, creating layers and comfort. A sofa upholstered in textured wool could be paired with a lounge chair in either sheepskin or a heavy linen in a tonal colour to complement the sofa.

What’s worth investing in?

I would always advise clients to invest in a good sofa, dining table, chairs and bed. These are the pieces that get the most wear and tear. Also, good lighting is essential but does not have to be expensive.

Are there colour palettes to keep in mind?

Always try and select timeless colours and good quality wood which can be easily maintained. We often work with jewel colours as these are classic and can be used in a contemporary way such as deep emerald wool on a contemporary lounge chair. It adds a pop of colour which will not date but is also more flexible than a large piece such as a sofa. I would always suggest a fairly ‘safe’ tone for a sofa, either neutral or toned colour and go easy on patterns as these are more likely to be trend-based and date easily.

Use colour either in individual pieces such as a rug, armchair or lights within a neutral base for flooring and walls, or the other way around i.e. a colour on the walls and neutral furniture pieces using different textures of materials to layer the space.

What do you most enjoy doing at this time of year?

I love that we live in a part of the world where we have proper seasons. Autumn and winter are my favourites, I love the textures and colours both in nature, interiors and fashion. The early evening light is amazing – and I love lighting candles and the fire and just cosying up on the sofa with a tea or a glass of wine.

THE MUSIC

Each season needs a soundtrack, and as with most things hygge, the Scandinavians excel in winter warming music. Norway’s Kings of Convenience are the perfect accompaniment to a snowy introverted landscape, almost like the songwriting equivalent of one of Sarah Lund’s (The Killing) knitted jumpers. Start with their first album Quiet is the New Loud, after which you can amble through the rest of their equally good back catalogue up to their latest release this year, Peace or Love – with song titles like Comb My Hair and Washing Machine, this is nesting music at its best.

Equally warming are Seattle’s Fleet Foxes, who were hygge-ing music before it was a thing. Anything this indie-folk group do somehow sounds like it was made in a wood cabin in Montreal, and that is always a good thing. And slightly newer to the fold is Sweden’s Maja Lena, whose first album The Keeper was released this year. A flawless debut, it is gentle, beguiling and endlessly endearing – the perfect music for nurturing and restorative repose.

THE COBWEB-SWEEPER

To winter correctly one must also brave the outdoors occasionally. A 2019 study published in the International Journal of Environmental Health Research reported that just 20 minutes in a park — even if you don’t exercise while you’re there — can improve well-being. At this time of year it’s all a matter of wrapping up for those park walks and hillside treks or, when it comes to sea swimming, stripping off and promising yourself a mug of something hot afterwards. If you’re short on motivation, Wicklow seascape photographer Niall Meehan’s beautiful Sea Studio Calendar will remind you just how special the Irish Sea can be. It features evocative images from his daily swims in spots such as Brittas, Greystones, Vico (Dalkey), Seapoint and Poolbeg printed on paper made from seaweed. If you’re fond of a dip, the array of swimmer’s-view shots could persuade you to dive in no matter how chilly the morning.

THE MOOD BOOSTERS

This time of year can be harsh and cold so it’s essential to bring warmth and softness into your surroundings. Candles are, of course, a given to fill living spaces with a cosy glow – all the better if they are beautifully fragranced with essential oils to calm or invigorate the mind. Don’t forget about your body too, as oils and balms can encourage us to take a moment of real self-care, and focus on ourselves. Irish brand Ground Wellbeing offers a whole range of wellness gift boxes designed to do just that, or as the brand likes to say, “tóg go bog é” (take it easy). What could be more deliciously wintering than that?

THE COMFORT FOOD

Cold weather calls for hearty dishes and this cuttlefish, chorizo, chilli and tomato cazuelita from Cava Bodega Tapas: A Taste of Spain in Ireland by JP McMahon (4th edition, €30, cavarestaurant.ie) is the perfect thing for this time of year. It’s full of warmth and flavour.

(Serves 4)

1 onion, finely chopped; 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped; 2 chorizo sausages, cut into small cubes; 50ml Oloroso sherry; 3 cuttlefish, body, tentacles and wings separated, body and wings finely sliced into thin strips; 400g tinned tomatoes, chopped; pinch of chilli flakes; flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped; olive oil; sea salt; fresh cracked black pepper

In a large pot, fry the onion and the garlic in some oil. Add the chorizo and fry for a further few minutes. Add the sherry and cook off the alcohol. Add the cuttlefish and cook for 5 minutes on a medium heat.

Add the chopped tomatoes and the chilli flakes. Simmer the cazuelita for 20–30 minutes or until the cuttlefish is tender. Before serving add in the flat-leaf parsley and season to taste with some salt and pepper.