With many of us cocooning at home and the cooler weather swiftly arriving, property stylist and interior designer, Justine Wilson, shares her insider tips to create a cosy and comfortable space to see out winter and the iso blues.
“It’s been a very different lead up to winter this year, with Australians in insolation over the past month or two. Many are looking to take advantage of the down time and tidy, clear out and spruce up their homes. I have five simple tricks with items that can be ordered online, delivered to your door, and set up (hopefully) without the risk of a hospital visit from falling off the roof!”
Justine’s top five winter warmer styling tips include:
- Rich colour tones in lush fabrics: Think textural fabrics like wool, velvet and faux fur. Hot colours this winter are olive, emerald, plum, mustard, burnt orange and deep magenta. To update your home, think
about investing in new scatter cushions, thick bed or sofa throws or even a colourful plush rug underfoot. You can also just use decorative vases or flowers in these tones to bring a cherry pop of colour.
- Change your bedding: Winter is a good time to change out your bedding to thicker weight duvets and new linen. The summer trend was lots of simple white or cream light weight linen, but in winter try a textured spread like a waffle or tufted linen design. Opt for deeper colour tones for the ultimate cosy feel and really layer your bedding with a coverlet and a throw for maximum impact.
- Candles are my winter go-to: It’s easy for a home to feel musty and dark with windows and doors often shut to keep in the warmth, so using pretty scented candles will help lift your mood. This year candles en masse will be a big trend. All you need is a round platter, or tray and 5-to-8 candles, light them all and you have a beautiful centrepiece for your dining or coffee table that will smell great and provide an ambient glow.
- Mirrors are a great tool: Use them in winter, as they will reflect any available light and make your interior less gloomy. They can also bring the outdoors in. Hang them in hallways, dark rooms and anywhere you can reflect a nice outlook. The more the merrier in winter, and if you can reflect a nice lamp or floor lamp – even better.
- Create an outdoor room: This would be my top tip this winter. We may not be able to travel or go camping, so why not bring the experience into your backyard? Invest in an outdoor firepit
(most councils allow them if you burn only dry wood), get some nice outdoor comfy chairs and string some outdoor solar fairy lights for the full effect! There is nothing like toasting a marshmallow or playing some tunes under a starry sky. I think more than
ever we need to create experience at home.
