Living With the Seasons: How to Make the Most of Britain’s Natural Landscape

Everything we do is delivered with care and respect because we understand your home is a place that truly matters. With this in mind, our next collection of blogs will focus on how you can get things just right with your new home; right from the top of the list like picking a location down to the little details like choosing cushions. There might be a big difference, but both matter when it comes to making a home your own. Britain’s landscapes change beautifully throughout the year, bringing golden autumns, crisp winters, and long, light-filled summer evenings. The best homes work with these natural shifts, capturing light, staying cosy when it’s cold, and making the most of outdoor space. At Vivly, we think a home should feel comfortable and connected to its surroundings, no matter the season. Whether it is positioning your furniture to catch the best light, planting a garden that thrives all year round, or keeping your home naturally warm, these small choices can make a big difference.

1. Maximise Natural Light All Year Round

Nothing transforms a home like natural light. It makes rooms feel bigger, lifts the mood, and, when harnessed properly,can even help cut energy bills. But with British daylight hours varying from 16 hours in summer to just 8 in winter, making the most of it takes a bit of thought.

How to Work With the Light, Not Against It

• Think about where you spend time – In winter, having a favourite armchair near a window makes the most of short daylight hours. In summer, a reading nook tucked away from the brightest afternoon sun might be more comfortable.

• Use mirrors as light multipliers – A well-placed mirror opposite a window can reflect daylight deeper into a room, brightening up those north-facing corners.

• Layer your window dressings– Heavy curtains help with warmth in winter, while sheer voiles let in more light in summer without losing privacy.

If you’re planning upgrades, consider a skylight in a hallway or larger windows in main living areas to increase natural brightness year-round.

2. Plant with the Seasons in Mind

A well-designed garden never looks bare, even in winter. The secret? Choosing plants that peak at different times of the year, so there is always something in bloom.

A Garden That Changes With the Seasons

• Spring – The first pops of colour come from daffodils, crocuses, and tulips, making even the smallest garden feel alive.

• Summer – Lavender and foxgloves attract bees, while climbing roses add bursts of colour.

• Autumn – Japanese maples turn deep red, and ornamental grasses add texture.

• Winter – Evergreens like holly and ivy keep things looking lush, while winter jasmine adds a bright splash of yellow.

If space is tight, container gardens can work just as well. A mix of pots with seasonal plants can make a balcony or patio feel just as connected to the landscape.

3. Design for Seasonal Comfort

A home should feel cool in summer and warm in winter without relying too much on artificial heating or cooling. Small adjustments can make all the difference.

Simple Ways to Stay Comfortable Year-Round

In summer:

Leave windows open in the evening to let in cool air and close blinds during the day to keep heat out. Plant climbing vines like wisteria on a south-facing wall to provide natural shade. Use lighter bedding, swapping a duvet for linen sheets makes sleeping in hot weather far more comfortable.

In winter:

Instead of turning the heating up, layer textures, a wool throw on the sofa, a thick rug underfoot, and lined curtains to trap warmth. Rearrange furniture, pushing a sofa away from a cold external wall or placing a reading chair in a sunlit spot makes a surprising difference.

Use draft excluders and thermal blinds to keep heat inside, a simple, old-fashioned trick that cuts heating bills without much effort. By working with the seasons instead of against them, homes stay naturally warmer in winter and cooler in summer, reducing energy use at the same time.

4. Make the Most of Outdoor Spaces

British weather may be unpredictable, but an outdoor space can still be enjoyable all year round with a little planning.

How to Use Your Outdoor Space in Any Season

• Create shelter for rainy days – A pergola with climbing plants provides summer shade, while an awning or covered seating area means you can sit outside even in a drizzle.

• Add outdoor heating – A fire pit or outdoor stove can turn a patio into a cosy autumn gathering spot.

• Choose adaptable furniture – Folding chairs, stackable tables, and waterproof cushions mean your outdoor space can be adjusted to suit the weather.

Even a small balcony or courtyard can feel like a year-round retreat with the right touches.

5. Live More Sustainably with the Seasons

Simple seasonal habits can cut energy use, reduce waste, and help the environment while making life feel more in sync with nature.

Easy Ways to Work With the Seasons

In winter: Instead of immediately turning up the heating, wear thick socks and use wool throws, small changes that reduce energy use without sacrificing comfort.

In summer: Dry clothes outside on a washing line or balcony rather than using a tumble dryer. It saves electricity and gives laundry that fresh-air scent.

In autumn: Don’t waste windfall apples, make homemade chutney or crumbles. Preserving seasonal food reduces waste and tastes far better than anything in a jar.

In spring: Start collecting rainwater in a water butt, ideal for watering plants when dry spells hit in summer.

By making simple, seasonal swaps, it’s possible to live in a way that respects both nature and the home.

A Home That Changes With the Seasons

At Vivly, we build homes that feel connected to their surroundings, where natural light, outdoor space, and seasonal living come together to create a home that works in every season.

By making thoughtful choices, homeowners can embrace Britain’s changing landscape and create a home that feels comfortable, natural, and sustainable all year round.

Looking for more ways to make the most of your home, why not follow us on Instagram for some inspiration.