The first few weeks of winter are generally quite pleasant — the sound of rain is comforting if you are snuggled up in bed and you have an excuse to stay in and watch DVDs or read a book by the fire.

However, when these novelties wear off, and everything is cold and dark and always wet and you are suffering from cabin fever, you're in danger of becoming a little depressed. Here are some ideas for transforming your home into a cosy winter sanctuary...

Bedroom

If you're one of those people who wakes up on a cold, dark winter's morning and starts counting the hours before you'll be able to get back into bed again, then it's probably a good idea to make sure that your bed is as cosy as possible.

You could do this by adding an electric blanket (or hot water bottle) or simply layering up the blankets and quilts. A layered look is great for winter, so don't be afraid to pile on the pillows and throw a folded blanket over the bottom of your bed.

Don't stop at your bed. Cosy up the rest of your bedroom by adding a thick rug and loads of candles — not only do candles create a lovely warm glow, they can also be used to change the scent in your room.

Spicy scents will make the room feel snug and lavender will bring peaceful sleep. Interior designer Alex Pama suggests spicy fragrances from Crabtree and Evelynne — vanilla, coffee and spicy apple.

Dining room

Just because it's fantastic to spend time in bed in winter, it doesn't mean you should become a recluse. While you can't go outside and it seems like all social events come to a standstill in winter, it's actually the perfect time to entertain friends. An intimate sitting or dining room provides the perfect setting for drinks or small dinner parties.

The first step in achieving this snug, intimate environment, is rearranging your furniture. If you have a fireplace (which is a definite must for winter cosiness), arrange your furniture so that the fireplace is the focus of attention. Anchor the chairs or couches with a heavy (preferably Persian) rug. Whether you have tiles, carpets or wooden floors, rugs add warmth and texture.

Place throws or additional cushions on your couches, it's a good idea to go for fabrics that are particularly luxurious. Alex Pama suggests wools, felts, cashmere, chenille and velvet.

She also says that "jewel colours — mustard, gold, forest green, aubergines, browns and purples" are the perfect colours for winter décor.

If you have sheer summer curtains, replace them with heavy drapes — winter is all about texture, so don't be shy about using unusual or patterned fabric. If you are feeling adventurous, you can even repaint your walls.

Sometimes simply painting one wall, for instance the wall behind the fireplace, can change the atmosphere in the room. Choose colours that are either warm or rich, but be careful to tone down the rest of your room if the walls are making a very bold statement. Go for textured velvet or suede paint.

If painting your walls seems a bit extravagant, you could change the atmosphere of your room quite simply by adding a few strategically placed lampshades or replacing chilly glass ornaments or vases with brass or pottery ones.

Entrance hall

If you are having guests, they will probably be wearing coats and carrying umbrellas. Alex's advice on this point is to make sure you have a place in your entrance hall where you can hang your "winter parkas, wellies, scarves, hats and umbrellas".

Bathroom

If you're anything like me and don't handle the cold very well, you probably enjoy long, hot baths in winter.

Baths are also a fantastic way of relaxing, so stock up on your candles and an assortment of bath goodies. If you're looking at scented candles in this room, peppermint, citrus and spearmint are refreshing and cucumber-melon reduces anxiety.

Because it is always so difficult to get out of the bath, make sure you have a supply of big fluffy towels and if you really feel like spoiling yourself, install a heated towel rail.

Kitchen

The kitchen is the hardest room to cosy up because it is so functional — you don't want to trip over cushions and spill flour on the rug while you are busy cooking. However, in the spirit of a winter makeover, you can always fill it up with yummy winter goodies.