Global warming sure packed a punch this summer, with 20C-plus temperatures lasting well into March. Those of us who aren’t of the beach-bum variety were cursing the hydrocarbons; longing for an excuse to stay inside and watch TV.

Well, fellow homebodies, winter is nearly with us. And though the temperatures may be milder than when we were kids, it still provides us with an opportunity to “cocoon” in comfort with good books or endless hours of Netflix.

Humans’ predisposition to “cocoon” was identified by futurist and trend forecaster Faith Popcorn (not her real name) in the mid 1980s. In a consumer survey conducted by a marketing company she ran, it was identified that an ever-growing number of people were choosing to stay at home among exquisite soft furnishings than ever before.

This, she said in the Los Angeles Times, was due to an impulse to try to eke out a semblance of comfort in our strange and often terrifying world.

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“Individuals make purchases that provide control, comfort and security against what they perceive as a harsh outside world. Anything you can make that is easy and secure, warm and available, you can market to their cocoon.”

Fast-forward to 2019 and the instinct to cocoon is even more apparent. Technology has developed apace, alongside environmental degradation and sociopolitical upheaval, and we are using this technology as an excuse to never leave the house.

There’s evidence to prove it. A recent American Time Use Survey conducted by the US Department of Labor Statistics revealed that Millennials spent 70 per cent less time outside of the house than those of the same age 10 years ago. Food delivery, online entertainment, dating apps and online shopping allow us to engage with the world at the touch of a few keys.

The desire to stay put is even stronger in winter. And there are so many luxurious ways to batten down the hatches and amp up the comfort levels. Beth Redmond from homeware company Nood has some advice for creating a haven indoors away from the midwinter weather.

“Try layering cushions, throws and floor coverings in your living areas. Softly textured fabrics are great for creating cocoons inside the home. Wooden furnishings are nice as they increase the warm tones.”

She says that it’s good to bring some aspects of the outside world into the home over winter. “I like to use elements of nature help connect with the outdoors during the winter months when we can’t spend as much time outside.”

Items such as attractive driftwood, pretty shells, or smooth stones can be brought into your living spaces to provide a sense of the exterior spaces that aren’t accessible in wet weather.

Another way in which you can create a “cocoon” is by use of ambient lighting.

“Lighting plays a key role in making the room feel warm and inviting,” says Redmond.

Yellow-toned light bulbs can create a visual warmth in the living spaces that help to take the chill off when you’re nestled under throws.

Some of the key colours this winter include plum, deep greens and blues, soft greys, blush pink tones, and metallics — especially gold and silver. Geometric art-deco style patterns, and natural textures and patterns are also playing leading roles.

Winter also offers the opportunity to invest in cocoon-worthy bedding. Duvet fillings range from bamboo and wool, to microfibre and cotton, with weights anything from 175gsm to 600gsm (grams per square metre). The higher the gsm the warmer the duvet, so for winter-weight duvets it pays to choose something over 400gsm for snuggle factor.

For extra luxe, add a faux-fur throw — these are extremely comforting in the winter months and great to hide behind when watching scary movies on stormy nights.

Fireplaces are the ultimate winter cocooning accessory but if you don’t have one, electric fireplaces are another great option. These are heaters with theatrical “fire” displays, and although somewhat gauche, even fake flickering flames can warm the heart. Some models even come with a smoke effect (which wouldn’t be pleasant in the lounge if it was real) but adds to the ambience.

With so many accessories available, winter is the perfect excuse for decking out the house in snuggly style. All you need is a computer with a streaming service, Uber Eats as a favourite on your phone, and a comfy couch or bed, and you’re set for a winter of blissful cocooning.

It’s just a pity there isn’t a wine-delivery app; that way you’d really never need to leave the house after work, or when it’s dark outside.


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