This is how to get your home ready for winter

Queen’s Birthday weekend traditionally heralds the start of winter. We’re only a week or two away from the shortest day, and we know the temperature is about to plummet even further.

Most of us will be spending more time indoors, and we’ve probably sorted the heating, but what about the other stuff?

Just as we change our wardrobe to suit the season, so we can change our living environment. Nothing major, but a little accessorising can go a long way.

This is the time to bring out the winter woollies, the chunky, textural throw, the hand-knitted blanket, and maybe even the sheepskin beanbag. Yes, there is such a thing, and it’s probably the ultimate touch of hedonism on a cold winter’s day.

Interior designer Alex Fulton of Blenheim suggests starting with a clean-up.

“Forget spring clean,” she says. “Do a winter clean. Replacing cushion inners when the last ones have squished and sagged, refreshing linen, updating tea towels or changing the artworks in your home are simple ways to head into winter with a refreshed sense of order and comfort.”

Fulton also swears by good lighting. “It’s the easiest way to instantly set the mood and reinforce your design story. Light enhances its environment, and with the shortened days we need all the light we can get.”

Lamps are especially good for creating the right ambience – and don’t be afraid to think big.

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A change of colour accent is another way to “cosy up” the living room or bedroom. And it’s easy to introduce such an accent through new cushion covers or throws.

Vanessa Bramley of French Country Collections says the look this winter is all about faded glamour, textural elements, smoky glass and filigree mirrors.

“The colour palette for the season is a combination of tones, such as claret, rust and mustard, balanced by neutrals ranging from tan to soft grey.”

Bramley specifically mentions yellow as a fresh highlight, be it a bright pop, a warm gold tone, or the deep mustard of a textural throw. A “dusky blush” is also on the agenda. Fulton says it pays to be aware that the winter light means we perceive colours a little differently. “What looked flash-as in summer might look a little stark or cold in the winter light.”

Sheepskin is undergoing a renaissance in popularity this winter. And it’s not just beanbags, but ottomans, or “stones”, cushions and rugs. Although the modern versions are likely to be large, rectangular or circular rugs made from sheepskin – these feel very luxurious underfoot.

Faux fur is still hugely popular, and an easy way to “warm up” a room. Once summer returns, simply fold it up and pop it in the cupboard.

How to use it? Try throwing a fur throw over an armchair, or across the end of the bed. There’s no wrong way to drape a fur.

Of course, velvet is also a perfect texture for winter. While we are seeing beautiful velvet sofas in design stores, it’s a lot more practical as a cushion cover. Many of the new collections feature trims, often in black.

Another “accessory” to consider is flowers, says Fulton. The designer says staying with seasonal flowers may limit what’s available, so she suggests trying some of the “amazing artificial flora” in stores.

“Don’t stop at flowers; there’s a plethora of fake plants that will help to keep your room from feeling barren,” Fulton says. “Maybe mix and match these with ‘realies’, so that you get all those health benefits from greenery.”

Creating your own family tradition at home is another good idea for winter. Maybe it’s a jaffle iron toastie cooked on the open fire, or a special soup on a Sunday night. Or maybe it’s large, woolly blankets, onesies all round, and marshmallows dipped in hot chocolate…

– This story originally appeared on stuff.co.nz