Feeling chilly? Justine Wilson, Director and Principal Stylist at Vault Interiors shares her tips on turning your home into a Winter haven. So grab your faux fur and let’s get snug!
By Justine Wilson
Since we tend to spend a lot more time curled up indoors during Winter, than any other season, your home needs to feel extra inviting and comforting.
Making a few changes around the home can also help with your energy bill, so try bringing in large rugs, runner rugs for cold floor hallways, introduce thick curtains and bring out the winter doonas to feel warmer without turning up the air con.
“WINTER IS ALL ABOUT COMFORT, SO CHOOSE A VARIETY OF DIFFERENT TEXTURES AND FABRICS TO TRAP HEAT INSIDE.”
1. Bring the outside in
Fight off the housebound feeling by bringing in fresh flowers, succulents or floor standing plants that will breathe life into your home. This can assist in filtrating the air and they look amazing! By bringing the outdoors in, you are also less likely to open windows so less likely to feel the cold chill.
2. Layer to create a cocoon-like space
Winter is all about comfort, so choose a variety of different textures and fabrics to trap heat inside. Heavy thick curtains will also help contain warmth. Layering throws, blankets and cushions on your bed and sofa will instantly warm up your rooms and help you get cosy. For a plush looking sofa, mix fabrics such as wool, faux fur and velvet for a really glam winter look. Ensure you have enough storage solutions (such as baskets) to store extra throws and blankets, it’s good to have them at the ready in your bedroom or living room and they can still present well if placed in the right basket.
3. Add warmth to your interiors
Adding warm coloured tones to your décor is a great way to bring warmth to your interior. Select rich tones, which are also on trend and lux, such as copper, burnt orange and mustard, and maroon. These deep tones are great for Winter styling and in contrast to Summer months; these changes alone can completely freshen up your interiors! This is also a good time to introduce the depth of colour to feature walls to make your home feel more intimate and dramatic. Having a visually warm palette will enrich all the senses.
4. Accessorising with colour pops
If you prefer not to paint or wallpaper something permanent, you can introduce colour through accessories, blinds, cushions and rugs. Metallic pops like gold, copper and brass will also add a hint of drama and a feeling of richness. Think about accessories, vessels, candles or small occasional furniture like side tables.
5. Brighten up your mood with lighting and beautiful scents
Soft lighting will help to make your home feel brighter in the cooler months and in turn, lift your mood too! Table lamps and floor lamps are essential as the light is murkier and darker in winter, so you will need the warm glow of a statement table lamp. Candles are also essential to resist the urge to turn on every light in the house. Candles also assist in masking damp or unpleasant smells that come with having a house shut up tight during the gloomy weather.
6. Rearrange your layout for a fresh mind
Orient items in a way that maximises the heat from fireplaces or heaters. As you won’t be opening doors or windows as much, you can place sofas, armchairs or consoles in front of these otherwise dead spaces. This may double your feeling of space as you wouldn’t normally opt for blocking access, but in Winter is not such an issue. It will allow you to get creative and refresh your living and bedroom spaces. A fresh mind and a happier, warmer home!
