SURVIVING THE CANBERRA COLD – TIPS FOR ADDING WARMTH TO YOUR INTERIORS THIS WINTER
- Contributed by Lauren Oneill, LO Design Studio Canberra
It’s that time of year again, the days are shorter, and the cold is well and truly starting to settle in here in Canberra. Chances are you are spending more evenings and weekends indoors, so what better time than now to make a few updates and make your home as cosy as can be for winter.
Image – Brunswick West House by Taylor Knights Architects. Image source
ADD WARM LAYERS & TEXTURES
An easy way to update your living spaces for the colder months is by changing up your soft furnishings. Layer up your space with rugs, cushions and throws. Earthy or deep colour tones work well for creating warmth and using a variety of textures in your soft elements adds interest and ups the cosy factor – think about chunky wool knits, velvet or even a sheepskin rug over your favourite armchair if you’re so inclined.
If you are looking to invest in a good throw for your loungeroom look for quality, natural materials such as wool, cotton or linen. Not only will they keep you toasty but look after them and they will see you through multiple winters. A personal favourite of mine is the Seljak recycled merino wool blankets which are made from using wool factory offcuts, so not only are they gorgeous, but they are easy on the environment as well. Win-win!
COSY LIGHTING
Consider incorporating some ambient lighting to your living spaces. Lamps or interesting feature wall lighting are great options for achieving a soft warm light during those dark, cold evenings. Make sure you are using warm coloured lightbulbs, however, using cool coloured bulbs are going to defeat the purpose! Look for lamps with fabric or paper shades (like the gorgeous Mayu lamp by Australian designer Coco Flip as seen in the image above), or frosted glass – they diffuse the light and give that perfect soft glow.
DON’T FORGET THE GREENERY
Although most of the outdoor plants have shed their foliage, it doesn’t mean you need to steer clear of the indoor greenery. Plants are really good for your health and wellbeing and can give your home a much-needed injection of life over the colder months. Just be aware of the care requirements of your plant babies during winter, make sure they are getting enough sun, keep them away from any cold draughts and if you plan on having your indoor heating on a lot, make sure they aren’t drying out.
Contributed by Lauren Oneill
