12 Ways to Decorate for Warmth This Winter
Keep your home more snug and stylish than ever this winter by following these decor suggestions
Erica Barlow
11 July 2017
Houzz Australia Contributor. I'm a freelance writer who is passionate about interiors, exteriors and pretty much anything in between. This becomes very interesting when furnishing somewhere with my two toddlers in the mix! They have taught me a lot about what you can do with limited space, time and/ or money.
Houzz Australia Contributor. I'm a freelance writer who is passionate about interiors,... More
It’s true: many Antipodean homes are built for summer. While this may be great for most of the year, these few chilly months can be a bit less enjoyable if you don’t have a cosy space. Yet with or without central heating or effective insulation, it is possible to create the perfect snug retreat. See if any of these ideas can work for you.
1. Rekindle love for an old flame
Few things come close to real flames when it comes to creating winter warmth. Pull up and kick back with the perfect me-time set-up: a deep, sprung chair and the ideal amount of light for reading. An ample cut-log pile adds a laid-back, rustic feel.
Few things come close to real flames when it comes to creating winter warmth. Pull up and kick back with the perfect me-time set-up: a deep, sprung chair and the ideal amount of light for reading. An ample cut-log pile adds a laid-back, rustic feel.
Alternatively, if you cannot use an existing fireplace, or prefer not to, the flickering of candles can create an atmosphere that’s almost as indulgent.
2. Work it with wood
The natural warmth of wood is visual and tactile, and while floorboards remain as popular as ever, timber-clad walls have found their feet in recent years. Winter is the perfect time to create a modern log-cabin feel and a herringbone panelling arrangement, rather than simple vertical or horizontal, can bring this look into the now.
The natural warmth of wood is visual and tactile, and while floorboards remain as popular as ever, timber-clad walls have found their feet in recent years. Winter is the perfect time to create a modern log-cabin feel and a herringbone panelling arrangement, rather than simple vertical or horizontal, can bring this look into the now.
3. Cosy up your bathroom underfoot
Treated wood is an alternative to tiles and stone and makes a welcome warmer for one place bare feet must always go: the bathroom. A cosy, seamless feel can be achieved by continuing the wood across the wet area, in practical slat form.
To achieve this look and avoid warping or expansion of wood, researching timbers and sealants is paramount. Solid timbers with a tight grain let in the least moisture, locally sourced bamboo makes for a fashionable choice, or try cedar, mahogany or teak. Next, ensure you consult an expert for the best sealant for your wood choice.
Why wood works so brilliantly in the bathroom
Treated wood is an alternative to tiles and stone and makes a welcome warmer for one place bare feet must always go: the bathroom. A cosy, seamless feel can be achieved by continuing the wood across the wet area, in practical slat form.
To achieve this look and avoid warping or expansion of wood, researching timbers and sealants is paramount. Solid timbers with a tight grain let in the least moisture, locally sourced bamboo makes for a fashionable choice, or try cedar, mahogany or teak. Next, ensure you consult an expert for the best sealant for your wood choice.
Why wood works so brilliantly in the bathroom
4. Combine wood with stone
Older houses built with stone look beautiful when it is allowed to show through. In a pared-back, alpine aesthetic such as this one, the natural finish of the walls is complemented by the untreated beams, tin roof and antler lighting detail.
Older houses built with stone look beautiful when it is allowed to show through. In a pared-back, alpine aesthetic such as this one, the natural finish of the walls is complemented by the untreated beams, tin roof and antler lighting detail.
5. Show the bones of your brickwork
Not just for loft conversions, exposed brick can also work its charms in just about any scheme. It is wonderfully suited to winter – a time when we are more cut off from the outdoors – since it brings the outside in. When reddish-brown in colour, brick brings an extra warmth that marries beautifully with wooden beams or floorboards. This, with the caramel tones of on-trend tan leather, creates a cosy, English-inn atmosphere: perfect for sipping on mulled wine.
Not just for loft conversions, exposed brick can also work its charms in just about any scheme. It is wonderfully suited to winter – a time when we are more cut off from the outdoors – since it brings the outside in. When reddish-brown in colour, brick brings an extra warmth that marries beautifully with wooden beams or floorboards. This, with the caramel tones of on-trend tan leather, creates a cosy, English-inn atmosphere: perfect for sipping on mulled wine.
That said, if you prefer a more modern setting, contemporary brickwork as seen here creates a lighter aesthetic that works perfectly with the large, bright windows of buildings from the 1960s onwards. This stone glistens in such light, reminiscent of snow and lending the space a boutique ski-chalet feel.
Using terracotta is another way to bring the natural, baked hues of fired earth to a space. Shrugging off its dated image, this material has become a contemporary way of warming up a paler scheme, while evoking welcome thoughts of sunbaked Mediterranean terraces on even the chilliest days. What’s more, if flooring is too much of a commitment to terracotta, it can instead be dotted about in the form of planters for your favourite indoor plants.
Browse Mediterranean-style living rooms
Browse Mediterranean-style living rooms
6. Warm metals are hotter than ever
The cosy tones of gold-to-pinkish metals can be employed in taps and hardware to thaw even the coolest contemporary scheme. And for those fearing that rose gold has peaked already, satin brass is tipped to be the warm metal of the moment. Just be sure that the brushed, satin sheen is what you plump for over its very dated, shiny counterpart to avoid the 1980s-beertap vibe.
The cosy tones of gold-to-pinkish metals can be employed in taps and hardware to thaw even the coolest contemporary scheme. And for those fearing that rose gold has peaked already, satin brass is tipped to be the warm metal of the moment. Just be sure that the brushed, satin sheen is what you plump for over its very dated, shiny counterpart to avoid the 1980s-beertap vibe.
Again, long-term commitments need not be made if you’d rather accessorise instead. And as a traditional chef’s favourite, these beautiful copper pots have a look that is always current. Display them for a welcome rosy glow in any kitchen.
Why not hang your pots and pans?
Why not hang your pots and pans?
7. Rug up
There’s nothing like a soft rug to both look and feel the part when it comes to keeping toes toasty. If you’re going to invest in any, the Moroccan Beni Ourain is a great choice to start with. It has timeless good looks, with its distinctive black and white pattern work, as well as a thick natural pile made from sheep and goats’ wool that renders it as cool in summer as it is warm in winter.
There’s nothing like a soft rug to both look and feel the part when it comes to keeping toes toasty. If you’re going to invest in any, the Moroccan Beni Ourain is a great choice to start with. It has timeless good looks, with its distinctive black and white pattern work, as well as a thick natural pile made from sheep and goats’ wool that renders it as cool in summer as it is warm in winter.
Or who said that only floors deserved rugging up? Beautiful Tibetan rugs such this one help insulate walls while adding to the cocoon-like feeling of a bedroom clad in deep red.
We all know that layers of clothing trap heat, and with floors the rule is just the same. The variety of textures also adds visual interest, so try a coarser base rug beneath a smoother animal hide, as seen here.
Hot tips for a warm-as-toast winter
Hot tips for a warm-as-toast winter
8. Hats off
Juju hats are hot right now as they bring a woolly snugness to any space. As insulation works by trapping air, the fluffier the textile, the better.
Juju hats are hot right now as they bring a woolly snugness to any space. As insulation works by trapping air, the fluffier the textile, the better.
9. Vote for velvet
For furniture worth snuggling into, the smooth fuzz of velvet always brings with it a touch of luxury. It is deliciously tactile – with much of its heat-retaining properties coming from its downy quality – and it also looks rich and beautiful. Sleeker velvets produce a gentle satin sheen, as above, reflecting much-needed light on greyer days.
For furniture worth snuggling into, the smooth fuzz of velvet always brings with it a touch of luxury. It is deliciously tactile – with much of its heat-retaining properties coming from its downy quality – and it also looks rich and beautiful. Sleeker velvets produce a gentle satin sheen, as above, reflecting much-needed light on greyer days.
And for anyone not keen on overdoing velvet, limiting its use to a few cushions – especially in rich jewel colours – can still be pure decadence. Or use it as a bedhead covering, as above, to make those doona days complete.
10. Dabble in darkness
Jewel tones also make the best wall colours in a warm winter den. Just look to countries with famously cold climates – especially Russia and Eastern Europe – and you’ll see why these colours adorn the inner walls of buildings everywhere. Not only do darker colours retain heat better, they visually envelop you, creating an intimate space that offers a sense of escapism from the pallid, icy outdoors. Now’s the perfect time to employ on-trend indigo, which contains the warmth of purple tones that cooler blues do not possess.
Jewel tones also make the best wall colours in a warm winter den. Just look to countries with famously cold climates – especially Russia and Eastern Europe – and you’ll see why these colours adorn the inner walls of buildings everywhere. Not only do darker colours retain heat better, they visually envelop you, creating an intimate space that offers a sense of escapism from the pallid, icy outdoors. Now’s the perfect time to employ on-trend indigo, which contains the warmth of purple tones that cooler blues do not possess.
And that’s not to say that dark need be dull; dark surrounds look fantastic when contrasted with white detailing and brightly coloured accessories.
11. Go for Scandi paleness
Another look born of famously chilly climes, the Scandi aesthetic embraces the other extreme, opening up a space by celebrating the use of light wherever possible. Here, a pale palette and blond woods do not contrast with the white outdoors but rather reflect it, creating an indoor winter wonderland. To keep this look cosy rather than austere, however, go the full Scandi route and double down on thick, chunky throws, blankets and shaggy rugs for texture wherever possible.
Another look born of famously chilly climes, the Scandi aesthetic embraces the other extreme, opening up a space by celebrating the use of light wherever possible. Here, a pale palette and blond woods do not contrast with the white outdoors but rather reflect it, creating an indoor winter wonderland. To keep this look cosy rather than austere, however, go the full Scandi route and double down on thick, chunky throws, blankets and shaggy rugs for texture wherever possible.
12. invite the outside In
Ever heard the wind howling outside and actually felt all the more snug and wrapped-up for it? There’s something about a winter woodland scene indoors that makes you feel cosy by sheer contrast. Plus, its paleness also manages to be refreshing come the return of warmer weather.
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Ever heard the wind howling outside and actually felt all the more snug and wrapped-up for it? There’s something about a winter woodland scene indoors that makes you feel cosy by sheer contrast. Plus, its paleness also manages to be refreshing come the return of warmer weather.
Tell us
Did you enjoy this story? Like, share, bookmark or tell us in the Comments below.
More
Browse more beautiful local homes
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So beautiful and welcoming! :)