10 Options to upgrade your home for the season

HOME WINTER WARMERS

Tis the season to be cosy. With temperatures dropping and more of us both living and working in our homes more than ever before, there is no better time to burrow down and hibernate. We have some fabulous ways of making your homes feel luxurious and cosy, without breaking the bank. Remember simple guidelines, start introducing, layering or combining pattern, colour & texture to build a clear look and feel in your home.

1.

LIGHTING

Changing up the lighting can have a huge impact on the mood, look and feel of a room. If you don’t already have dimmer switches, one of the best ways of adding ambience would be to add side lamps, floor lamps and candles. This creates a softer glow and is generally more inviting than standard overhead lighting. Look at adding a variety of light sources with soft/ warm white globes to create different moods in a space.

2.

FAUX SHERPA (SHEARLING)

Though this trend is currently very “en vogue” at the moment, this has an endlessly timeless winter feel, This can be incorporated in a cushions, chairs, couches or throws. Whether using a single item in this material or adding multiples, it makes for a very plush and inviting space.

3.

SCATTER CUSHIONS

One of the quickest upgrades we make in all the seasons is changing out scatter cushions. Invest in the inner duck down feather cushions (which are incredibly accessible and affordable these days), then change out the covers depending on the season. Winter is a great time to invest in velvet, oriental, sherpa and wool covers.

4.

COSY SCENTS/ CANDLES

One of the more neglected elements in warming up any space is scent. Pick a signature wintery scent that will transport your senses and place it throughout the home. Weather you choose scented candles, incense or essential oil diffusers, there are great options for any home. If this isn’t an option for you and you may be negatively affected by any sinus issues, simple non scented candles work well, grouping a collection of 3 -5 votive or pillar candles together on dining room table, sideboard or coffee table creates a similar warming effect.

5.

THROWS

Seemingly one of the elements many people miss. Throws can completely transform any space from ‘furnished’ to homey. A textured, warm throw over a couch, the end of a bed, an armchair, an upholstered coffee table, or a few rolled up in a basket in a living room, instantly lift a room.

6.

PLANTS/ FLORALS

This is more of an all year round tip, but having living breathing plants/ flowers in the home creates both comfort and character. We tend to not wait for any special occasion, as we buy fresh flowers every other week purely to bring in our element of whimsical joy into the home. Alternatively or as an addition to flowers, plants are one of our favourite ways of livening up the home. Take the time to house them in a beautiful basket or large pot. Plants are natures way of bringing in calm and creating a lush environment.

7.

FLOOR CUSHIONS

Try floor cushions in a living room, these add both texture and visual interest. These are a less expensive solution to chairs and sofas. Think of textures in both the colourful Moroccan-style options or simpler woven muted tones in greys, creams and whites (if you’re brave enough). Getting closer to the ground is a lovely way of inviting those in the home into a cozier nook and bringing a more relaxed element into the room.

8.

LINENS

No need to spend exorbitant amounts on linens, many of our standard home stores now offer beautiful options in a range of price points. Everything from vintage linen to soft fleece bedding, just look at colours that are warm and inviting. Creams, blush, taupe and the range of grey tones are all great options. Stick to solid colours as apposed to patterned options as this will give you more range in changing the styling with throws, scatter cushions and quilts throughout the seasons.

9.

MIRRORS

An assortment of mirrors help create dimension and the illusion of more space in a room. Use mirrors above bedroom side tables, front entryways, large floor mirror for the living room or even home offices.

10.

RUGS

Bringing in rugs in wool or woven textures will add immediate warmth to any room. Weather it’s the primary floor treatment or being used as an additional layer, rugs help create balance to ground furnishings. Important note, all the frontal points of furniture should make contact with a rug if placed in a visible living/ dining space (i.e.: larger is generally always better). The right size rug will envelope the room and create a more seamless cocoon. Using unconventional rugs in kitchens and bathrooms adds warm and unexpected visual interest.

Written by Founder of @the_curated_life Ayanda Lisa