For us here in Queensland, winter is pretty short and sweet. But regardless, as somebody that is a huge fan of the cooler seasons, I really like to make the most of it when it comes to changing up my living room!!
Whether you’re like me and love a cosier living room as the temperature drops, or you are simply looking for an excuse to switch up the styling in your home, now is the perfect time! Achieving that warm and cosy feeling, doesn’t just come from what we see in the space, it also comes with with what we touch and smell – it’s about tapping into all the senses to change the overall aesthetic and mood of a space!
Whether it’s playing around with what you already have or adding and layering in some new elements, we’ve developed a list of ways to help make sure your living room is winter ready this season!
Re-orientate your furniture
This is a pretty common one, but visually makes a huge difference to the space. By reorienting your furniture you can change the focal point… often in summer our living room is focused on creating a flow between indoor and outdoor spaces, glimpses of the pool and backyard are high on the priority list. But as it cools down, re-orientating your furniture inwards particularly focusing the fireplace. If you don’t have a fireplace, repositioning your seating to face each other or even adding softer elements such as an upholstered ottoman will automatically make for a more inviting space!
Design by Pieter Vanrenterghem
Switch up your lighting
If you haven’t already introduced some low level lighting in the living room… now is the time! Floor lamps are great for filling sometimes empty corners of living rooms… or if you use your living room for other purposes such as reading, a desk lamp for your side table is the perfect practical addition.
TIP: Ensure your bulbs are a ‘warm white’ – this will make for a soft warm glow rather than stark bright lighting. Remember its all about creating that warmth!
Our Coorparoo Residence
Light a candle
Continuing on with lighting, the best low lit lighting has to be candles – the perfect way to bring that winter ambience if you don’t have a fireplace! Nothing beats a warm woody scent cents to instantly transport you to a cozy cabin in the woods!
Our Tennyson Residence
Layer and textiles
Layering cosy textiles and beautiful textures is key! Some of my favourite winter textiles that will really channel some warmth into the space have to be sheep’s skin, suedes, faux furs, boucle, wools (just to name a few).
In summer time it’s common for throws to be stored in a basket or closet away from the sofa – now’s the time to bring it into the space as I can assure you they’ll be used almost daily! Adding another layer to your sofa styling by tossing a throw over the arm rest or back rest in combination with plenty of cushions will make for perfect warm and cozy relaxation spot this winter.
Design by B.E Architecture
Warmer colours / tones
Colour palette is a huge one! Introducing warmer and richer colours and tones will make the biggest impact, that’s including your mustards, deep blues, green and berry colours which will compliment and enhance the varying textures being brought into the space… It’s even better when you can contrast against your existing colour palette… this will really help in defining a new design language for the winter season.
Design by Simone Haag
