The winter season brings with it long, cozy nights in by the fire, snuggling up with a good book or the latest Netflix show under a blanket, and fresh, crisp walks. Now we're spending more time indoors, we can make the most of our space with new season updates so that we look forward to kicking off our shoes at the end of the day, slurping on warming stews, and retreating to our cozy sanctuary!
1. DEEP CLEAN & DECLUTTER YOUR SPACE
The new season is the perfect opportunity to deep clean, clear out, and declutter your space. Start by clearing out your cupboards, wardrobes, and skincare. Donate any unwanted, unworn, or unused items to charity – good for you, and the planet.
Give everywhere a good scrub, including the fridge, cupboards, and the junk drawer you’ve been avoiding opening! Opt for natural eco-friendly cleaning products to reduce toxins and chemicals in the air, which can wreak havoc on your skin. Let's do as nature intends, and feng shui principles suggest; shed the old to make way for the new – that's in terms of belongings and energy!
You can even detoxify your space by adding on-trend air-purifying plants like aloe vera, snake plant, or dracaena. Playing with different shapes and heights makes for an interesting display.
2. SWITCH YOUR TEXTILES
You don’t have to redecorate to amp up the atmosphere. For an easy update, switch your cushions, curtains, blankets, or rugs for a relaxed, luxurious vibe. This is the time to add heavier, luxurious materials like faux fur, shaggy and fleecy fabrics to the mix. Drape extra throws over sofas and armchairs and keep heating costs down with the extra layers. Decide on a color scheme or theme to bring it all together – neutrals like beiges, greys, blacks, and earthy tones are modern and create a calming vibe. “To avoid getting too 'clinical', work in rustic elements such as raw stone tiles or wooden table legs that balance out the industrial feel,” suggests interior designer Sylvia James.
You could even refresh your framed wall prints to add a new focal point on the walls and transform the space. Where spring and summer are all about that light, airy feeling, winter is about layering, luxury, and textures to make those blissful nights on the sofa even more snuggly!
3. LAYER LIGHTING & SCENTS
Take a leaf out of Denmark’s cozy lifestyle, Hygge, and bring all your senses into play with the warming ambiance of your favorite scented candle, incense, essential oils, or diffuser.
Use aromatherapy in your home strategically to raise vibrations, mood, and energy. If you’re feeling a little blue, try some uplifting orange blossom. To unwind at night, spritz some calming lavender sleep mist.
Experiment with lighting in your room. Warm, dim lighting adds an intimate, cozy feel to the space. Layer lighting – choose wall, floor, and table lights with warm-hued lightbulbs at different heights to create a relaxed atmosphere.
4. TABLESCAPING IS THE NEW GALLERY WALL!
As lockdown restrictions put a stop to social gatherings, our homes took center stage as we hosted dinner parties and get-togethers, and tablescaping (intricately and indulgently styling your dining table) has become a favorite pastime – even when we’re not expecting guests!
Search Pinterest or Instagram for a theme or color scheme (like winter wonderland or art-deco glam), then pick out candle holders, dinner candles, table runners, table cloths, tableware, foliage, and cutlery accessories that will bring the look together. Add interest with different heights.
If you’re feeling creative, you could even create a DIY centerpiece for the table or a statement lighting fixture (look at Leanne Lim Walker Home for inspiration.)
5. BRING NATURE INDOORS
One of the best things about winter is the beautiful landscapes – crunchy leaves underfoot, crisp mornings, and misty skylines. Feel closer to the great outdoors without catching a chill by bringing it indoors with natural accessories. Twigs, dried flowers, dried grass, and winter bouquets can all add excitement, texture, and color to a space – the bonus with the dried options being that the water doesn’t need changing, and they won’t droop!
Otherwise, bring some artificial foliage (or forage for real foliage – “pretty twigs covered in lichen” or “prickly sweet chestnut cases” suggests interior designer Rachel Dupere) onto your tablescape or to style in vases. Choose natural wick, wood, and rattan for your furniture and accessories. It feels warming, is often very durable and is better for the planet too!
6. GET GREEN FINGERED
Autumn is a great time to get green-fingered and start pruning and planting for a showstopping display come spring. “Now is the time to plant your bulbs for late winter, and spring-blooming, plants such as snowdrops (first of the flowering bulbs to emerge showing the first signs that winter is almost over.) You should also plant daffodils, tulips, and crocus now,” says Michael Alves at Hello Gardening. Cut down perennials, grow cilantro, plant bulbs, and root vegetables (for your warming stews and soups). Plus, growing your own veggies is a great way to become more sustainable and give your mental health a boost!
7. REFRESH YOUR OUTDOOR SPACE
Although alfresco dining is a thing of the past, many of us still like to spend time enjoying our outdoor space during winter too. “You can keep things cozy while admiring your winter garden with a patio heater,” says Alves. Add a seating area with warm, cozy touches like rugs, soft blankets, and cushions. You could even add outdoor heaters, chimineas, or log burners for extra warmth and a romantic ambiance. Burning fires, firepits, candles, or outdoor lighting add a calming feel to the space.
“In addition to providing much-needed warmth, a fire pit allows us to enjoy the fresh air early in the morning and late into the evening and is a fantastic focal point for outdoor living. Additionally, they are fun for the entire family – gathering wood to make the fire, toasting marshmallows – something that won't be dominated by screens post-pandemic,” says Alves – ideal for a digital detox evening!
NESTING SEASON!
Make like a bird and create your perfect sanctuary to nestle in this winter. Set the scene with warming lighting, cozy textures, and nourishing scents to level up your R&R time with more self-care evenings, captivating books, and addictive TV series. Hibernating never felt so good!
