Interior design choices for the winter months
During the colder months we spend more time indoors, which is a good reason for looking at our winter interiors. There are changes that can be made to alter our experience of rooms, shifting our perception in subtle ways that affect our moods.
Cosy colours
To inject warmth and cosiness into home interiors, focus first on colour. The palette should be rich and earthy – try using hot spicy shades to pep things up. Mustard, paprika, cinnamon and fiery reds are all colours that complement and combine well, creating the perfect backdrop to cosy nights by the fire. Whether you paint or paper the walls, or simply opt for accessories to turn up the temperature, take inspiration from the hot spots on the colour spectrum. Don’t under-estimate the power of an old chair or desk painted in glossy, sunshine yellow – such high wattage colours can breathe energy into a room.
Lovely light
The positive effects of natural light in winter are well documented. Sunshine boosts our mood enormously, so any opportunities for maximising the solar effect indoors should be taken. Those seeking adjustable window treatments that allow in all the available daylight whilst keeping the cold out at night, choose stylish interior wooden shutters. With their warm wood tones and solid insulating properties, shutters keep heat in cool spaces when it’s most needed.
With the sun rising later and setting sooner, winter rooms need an extra boost with ambient lighting from lamps and overhead task lighting for reading in the evenings. Swapping over lightbulbs to tinted warmer hues, bathing the room in a soft orange light, beams instant cheer into a room.
Don’t forget the joy of candlelight. On cold winter evenings nothing beats a softly flickering flame for creating cosiness and atmosphere. Place night-lights or votive candles in a line or arrange groupings of winter jasmine scented pillar candles, allowing them to fill the room with a calm, peaceful glow to make you forget the chill outside.
Surface matters
Hard, cold floor surfaces are all very well in summer, but when the mercury drops we need alternatives. Roll out warming rugs under dining tables, by the sofa, in front of the fireplace – anywhere people are likely to spend time with parts of their body in contact with the floor!
Add textured throws, soft pure wool blankets, chunky knits and faux fur cushion covers onto sofas, armchairs and seating areas to encourage relaxation and indulgent loitering. Placing a large basket close by with extra warming blankets, cushions, sheepskin slippers and other toasty warm treats, turns simply sitting on the sofa into a blissful event.
Crafty and cosy
Interiors featuring Nordic folklore influences and Eskimo crafts are very on trend and creating handicrafts that reflect this is a pleasant winter pastime. Why not stitch a useful draught excluder out of up-cycled jumpers or embroider a heavy drape to hang across the front door to banish draughts? The folkloric theme extends across all areas including bedding, table linen and textiles, so if you are looking for the perfect way to while away wintry evenings, dig out your sewing box.
The interior design choices we make during winter should focus on the sensual side of life. If a winter room design makes us feel comfortable, safe, indulged, inspired and cherished, then it’s a top-performing, successful interior.
Collaborative Editorial Piece