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Where does your mind go when you picture the perfect place to spend the holidays? Mine travels straight to a small town in the English countryside, where I’m surrounded by cozy nooks, fragrant seasonal greenery, and moody lighting—in other words, Lois Connors’ (@colourfulleopard) homestead. Here, the designer and vintage lover shows us around her charming space and shares her favorite ways to make any home feel cozier with antique finds, nature-inspired touches, and plenty of seasonal decor.

What are three words that describe your design philosophy at home?

Evolving, eclectic, balanced.

What’s the oldest thing in your home? Newest?

We have a beautiful antique Victorian pine chest which houses blankets and spare cushions in the dining room. Our newest is my son’s desk for his newly decorated teen bedroom.

I love all your vintage finds! How long have you been shopping vintage and what are your top tips for finding quality pieces?

Thank you! I have been a secondhand/vintage lover for a long time. I started shopping vintage for financial reasons originally and also love finding unique, interesting pieces. My number one tip (if budget allows) is if you love something in the first instance, get it! It won’t be there when you go back. Also, vary where you shop don’t just visit the same places. If I’m visiting a new town, I always make time to pop into thrift/charity shops. They can be a totally different vibe wherever you are!

Have you always had a more maximalist aesthetic or is it something you’ve developed over time?

“Maximalism” feels like it’s become a familiar interior style over the past two years, but previous to that, I had never heard of it! I would have described myself as a collector with eclectic taste. I’ve always been drawn to pattern and texture, and it’s nice to have the terminology to describe this style now. However, there are many variations and niches within maximalism—some lean more towards color; some are dark and moody. Variety is the spice of life!

What noises can be heard in your home? What smells?

My home is very quiet in the daytime when the children are at school. I work from home, and it’s peaceful. However, it’s full of noise, arguing, and laughter when the family is home. We are mid-terrace so we have the normal noise of life coming through the walls from our neighbours! I like to fragrance my home with diffusers and scented candles—I’m a fan of rich, perfumed scents.

What’s the most sentimental thing in your home and what’s the story behind it?

Probably my youngest son’s bedroom; it’s where we took part in a TV show in the UK for a room-swap makeover last year! His Japanese-inspired bedroom is a big hit with us all, and the wallpaper is signed by the designer its very special.

Does your home change at all from one season to another? If so, what changes are you making as we head into fall?

I’m a big fan of seasonal decor and embracing seasonal change, particularly during the darker months. My favorite months are September through December, and my home is a great backdrop for beautiful festive scenes. I love traditional Christmas colors and also lots of natural nature-inspired decor. I’m an avid fan of fireplace styling, so most of my seasonal decor centers around ours.

How does your home promote your health and wellness?

Our home is our sanctuary and safe place, and I’m a huge believer its design should reflect this. We have lots of cozy, comfy areas (at least one in every room) and low lighting/lamps to aid in relaxation in the evening. My decor is inspired by nature, and my favorite colour is green, so we have lots of floral patterns, forest wallpaper and green walls to add calm and balance to the business of the decor!

What does the word “home” mean to you?

Home to me means a place to escape back to at the end of a busy day. It’s where comfort and relaxation are guaranteed—where my family and cats are. It is a reflection of my life and everything that I love and somewhere I can express myself freely.

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This interview has been lightly edited for clarity.