The cool weather at this time of the year - combined with a festive air and mad shoppers everywhere - somehow makes the idea of simply curling up with a glass of wine at home even more enticing than usual.

But apart from dressing the Christmas tree and trying to soak in the glow from its fairy lights, what can you do to create a truly relaxing, chill-out style at home?

Look into having the correct lighting and furnishings, of course. '

The lighting is important in order to create the right ambience,' says Raymond Seow, principal designer of Free Space Intent.

'You will definitely need yellow lights that are not too bright but not so dim that they create a sleepy environment. So the right level is when you feel comfortable, but not drowsy.'

Table lamps and standing lamps are good lighting options as they emphasise different spots, angles and materials rather than simply lighting up the whole room.

Those who want to create a resort look should obviously go with furniture made of wood and add natural elements like plants and a water feature such as a small rock pool.

The walls should be painted in earthy colours and bamboo chicks and wooden blinds picked over heavy drapes and metallic or fabric blinds.

For a contemporary chill-out look, you will need a big sofa or day bed on which you can lounge comfortably.

Then add accent cushions in different colours. Wallpaper also gives texture and warmth to the room.

In addition, Mr Seow says it is important to dress the walls with nice paintings and style your chill-out area with ornaments and small decorative accessories that reflect your character and personal taste. These, in turn, help you relax in that space.

But if your home or cosy corner is too small for a large sofa, go for a platform and throw in lots of cushions to lounge around on, suggests Mr Seow.

In terms of furniture, Castilla Premium's Nieri, Gamma, Sofitalia, Incanto and JLC brands are suitable for your chill-out area.

'The combination of modern design, with the pieces' wood finishes and rich fabrics create a sophisticated and relaxing corner in modern homes,' says Raymond Tay, Castilla's brand manager.

Of course, what is a lounge area without lounge chairs?

For these, check out The Executive Home Store (XZQT), which carries a good Italian selection like the Berlin, Dragonfly and Line from Bonaldo or Kara and Lacoon from Desiree.

These come with ingenious mechanisms so a push, tug or even flip can convert a chair into a chaise lounge or relaxer. The sitting depth is also cleverly increased to ensure better comfort when the chair is extended.

'A plush carpet under the relaxer will also subtly set the mood, as it not only provides a luxurious look, but gives a soft, comfy cushioning effect when you step on it,' says Lim Chee Hwee, XZQT's chief executive officer.

'A side table to put your drinks and books as well as a magazine rack beside the relaxer are also important.'

Don't forget that the chill-out area should extend to the kitchen, where the correct aesthetics can enhance the overall ambience of the home.

One may opt for a black glass worktop with a stainless steel edge, for instance. 'This doubles up as a cosy spot to finish off some work from the office or just to chill-out with a cup of coffee,' says Lim Wee Li, chief executive officer and managing director of Kitchen Culture, a retailer of high-end kitchen systems.

German brand, Poggenpohl's award-winning Integration, for example, is a system that suits a contemporary home in which lounging around may be all you'd ever want to do.

This article was first published in The Business Times.