Photography: Armelle Habib / Styling: Heather Nette King
The leaves are falling, the temperature is dropping and the sun is setting oh so early. Whether you miss the warmth or you’re looking forward to a blustering burst, winter is officially here. With most of us retreating indoors, there’s no better time to focus on decorating your home.
But how do you make your interiors feel warm when the outside world is so cold? The answer is all about building a palette that’s layered, colourful and, most importantly, feels comfortable. After all, this is the best time of year to snuggle up (perhaps under an electric throw blanket?), in the living room or bedroom.
If you’re still unsure where to start, why not figure out what to avoid? Our five step guide to the most common winter decorating mistakes will put you on the right course. Better yet, we’ve included some of our favourite wintry products to help you set the scene. All that’s left to do is get cosy!
1. Keeping your interiors minimalist
Layers of textiles are a key element in winter decorating. Sarah McPhee, principal interior designer at Sarah McPhee Interiors, decorated this 1930s home in East Melbourne, where she lives with husband Oscar and their son George, six. “The fabrics and artworks are integral in bringing warmth and personality to the room,” says Sarah.
In the living room, cushions in Inge Holst ‘Worn Paisley’ fabric and GP & J Baker ‘Persian Pomegranate’ fabric contrast against the blue sofas. The pops of red and pinks are reflected in some of the art decorating the walls. The ottoman, in Mulberry Home ‘Racing Stripe’ fabric, doubles as a coffee table. Transforming an ottoman into a coffee table is a wonderful way to introduce another layer of fabric to your space. And don’t forget a sizable rug underneath!
Contrary to popular opinion, the thickness of a material is what helps to trap the air against your skin and create warmth – not the type of fabric. However, certain materials certainly feel more luxurious and cosy than others so here are our picks for the warmest fabric for winter:
Warmest fabric for winter
- Wool (blankets and clothes made from this material tend to be thicker too, which is ideal)
- Flannel (this is made from cotton fibres)
- Velvet (especially thicker versions of velvet)
- Cashmere (this has wonderful insulation properties)
- Polyester (yes, it’s synthetic but it is durable and more budget-friendly)
2. Underestimating the beauty of bookshelves
There’s no better time than winter to snuggle up with a good book and a hot drink. Whether you have a full home library, book nook or a bookshelf placed in a room that serves a different purpose, restyling this area can create a sense of warmth. After all, it’s no secret that books, especially well-loved books, add soul to any home. Combine your beloved curation of books with treasures from travels and small decorative items for a bookshelf that beckons you to stay indoors.
One of the first things Sarah McPhee did in her dining room was install joinery above the original stained glass wall cabinet. “It has added beautiful layers to the room,” she says. “While the room functions as a dining room, it resembles the charm of an English library room, which I love. We designed the bookcases to be tall, drawing the eye upward to the highly decorative ceilings.” Thonet chairs painted in Dulux Holly Bush bring a pop of brightness. “They add a playful touch when painted in a colour,” shares Sarah.
3. Keeping the same summery colour palette
Best colours for winter decorating
- Cool blues (from icy tones to deep, midnight hues)
- Jewel tones (sapphire, ruby and emerald are wonderful examples)
- Red wine shades (burgundy and mulberry are eye-catching)
- Earthy tones (chocolate, mocha mousse and taupe are grounding and comforting)
Instead of succumbing to the winter blues, try decorating with blue. In fact, why not colour drench a room in blue? That’s exactly what Sarah did in this bedroom, using a custom mixed wall colour (for similar, try Dulux Happy Days). She created a colourful and cosy tableau on top of a chest of drawers, featuring a bespoke lamp shade by Sarah McPhee Interiors in Chelsea Textiles ‘Cupid’ fabric. The lamp base is a vibrant green, which perfectly complements the vase of fresh daisies positioned beside it.
If you’d prefer to make smaller, simpler seasonal updates in your home, simply switch out a few decorative pieces. Try wintry-toned cushion covers, different table settings and fresh towels.
4. Only decorating with brand new furniture
Homewares brands are releasing gorgeous pieces all the time. But a home that’s only decorated with brand, spanking new furniture can often feel… well, cold. Antique decor is a conversation starter. Having lived a life before it settles in your home, each antique piece brings a sense of grandeur but also comfort. There’s a warmth inherent in pieces that have been loved before.
“The antique pieces in our home have been sourced and collected over the years, with a few holding the special significance of being family heirlooms,” says Sarah. In her bedroom, an antique French chair fills a corner near an heirloom Victorian chest of drawers. An antique artwork in a gilded frame is positioned above this, with a modern piece by Roslyn Mary above the antique armchair.
5. Only using the big light
Overhead lighting serves a practical purpose and certainly has its place in every home. But nothing can transform your interiors into a cosy space quite like moody, ambient lighting. Table lamps, floor lamps and even beautifully scented candles instantly create a feeling like a warm embrace. (For help choosing the right lamp for you home, click here).
Amy Spargo’s living room features a fireplace with a marble surround but the space is still flooded with warmth due to the plentiful light sources she has included. Try decorating any open shelves (or mantles) with candles, then ensure you add a floor lamp beside prominent seating and a table lamp atop a side table for good measure. Always opt for a warm light bulb.
The Edit: Our favourite cosy pieces for winter decorating
‘Botany’ embroidered cushion in Blue/Multi
$89.95, Bed Bath N’ Table
‘Nina’ candlestick holder in Brass
$19.95/23cm (H), Freedom
Santa Maria Novella ‘Pot Pourri’ scented candle
$159/250g, Myer
‘Torino’ square ottoman in Alexandra Linen Stripe
$149, Early Settler
Chunky tassel throw in Pine
$69.95, Bed Bath N’ Table
Watercolour landscape framed canvas
$400, Freedom
‘Wanda’ table lamp
$229, Freedom
Spode ‘Blue Italian’ ginger jar in Floral
$955/46cm (H), David Jones
‘Owen’ 3-seater sofa in Indigo Blue
$2,069, Castlery
‘Bramble’ jute rug in Natural
$1,400/170 cm x 240 cm, Armadillo
‘Armand’ 4-door library shelving unit in White,
$3299, Early Settler
‘Moments to Remember’ canvas by Sheree Smith with timber frame
$799/76 cm x 102 cm, Freedom
‘Ancora’ fine bone china teapot in Black
$98, T2
‘Misaki’ fabric armchair in Blue and White Stripes
$939, Freedom
Artiss dining chairs in Green Velvet
$217.95 (was $232.99)/set of 2, Myer
‘Rainy Country Road 3 Ed’ digital canvas by Elie Bittoun
$1,290, Blue Thumb
