Given that timeless interior design plays a central role in our work, it may not come as a surprise that many of the tips we shared in our “How to Style Your Home for Autumn” blog apply to winter, too. For that reason, when it comes to wintry colour palettes, fabric choices, lighting, and storage solutions, we definitely recommend starting there if you haven’t read that blog already.
That being said, winter is associated with festive opulence and charm, so here are a few additional tips and tricks to keep in mind this season – especially if you’re looking to create your very own version of a winter wonderland indoors.
Embrace Winters Shades
Look outside your window at this very moment. The colours you see in nature are the colours of the season. With that in mind, while traditional cranberry, rich evergreen, and opulent metallics have their place, try not to fall into the trap of thinking that winter colours equal only traditional Christmas colours. Instead, get inspired by the shades of burnt orange and taupe you see on fallen leaves, the moss green on bare bark, or the variety of reds and browns on berries and fallen leaves. There are so many warm, earthy shades that feel cozy at this time of year – we’re forever taking inspiration from winter’s palette.
Turn Your Fireplace and Mantelpiece into a Focal Point
Aside from being able to cozy up in front of a roaring fire, one of the perks of having a fireplace in any room is that it creates a stunning focal point, whether decorated or not! At this time of year, we love a natural garland created from foraged pine and eucalyptus draped over the mantelpiece for added drama. While you can add more Christmas decorations if you choose, prioritising something natural allows you to keep it up longer. A few pillar candles lit in an empty fireplace look stunning as dusk falls, too. If you don’t have a fireplace, these ideas can apply to side tables, Agas, bookshelves, or any nook and cranny you want to highlight. With that in mind, embrace your creativity and think about what you want to draw attention to in each room.
Update Accessories to Match the Mood of the Season
Styling your home for winter doesn’t have to be costly or time-consuming. Whether it’s the artwork on your walls or the cushions on your bed, one of the easiest ways to update your home for winter is by changing accessories to match the mood of the season. For example, if you have a light and bright piece of art hanging on your walls, consider replacing it with something richer and darker – perhaps an antique piece? Try a tartan or herringbone fabric for instant festive feels. Updating your bed linen, lampshades, or table runners with more opulent shades, such as mulberry or forest green, can add warmth, too. The best bit? Traditional wintry fabrics never go out of style, so once you’ve invested in them, you can store them in vacuum bags and bring them out year after year to get your money’s worth!
Invest in Suitable Storage Solutions
We couldn’t leave out a practical design tip, could we? Handy storage doesn’t just come into play for seasonal cleaning. At this time of year, everything tends to be heavier and bulkier, so thinking about storage early on can make the difference between cluttered chaos and organised elegance. Whether it’s storing heavyweight casserole dishes, baking equipment, and roasting tins in the kitchen; thick jackets and muddy boots in the hallway or boot room; or the various decorations and accessories we’ve suggested above, we’re always designing bespoke storage in our projects to ensure that everything has its place in a home. Something as simple as a beautiful woven log basket placed next to the fireplace, traditional hooks lined up in a hallway, or wicker baskets for extra blankets and bedding are easy ways to combine practicality with style.
And Finally… Embrace ‘More is More’
Long gone are the days of simply “decking the halls”! At Wells and Maguire, we’re very much about “decking every room”! With that in mind, when it comes to decorating for the festive season, we love going all out. Layer foliage, decorations, candle sticks and tea lights to create a stunning wintry table scape in your dining room. Layer blankets and scatter cushions in a variety of sizes and fabrics to create cosy cocoons in bedrooms and sitting rooms. And try not to overthink your Christmas decorations. Though we personally prefer sticking to complimentary colours when choosing our festive themes, one of the best parts about this time of year is getting to see how everyones tastes differ so choose whichever colours, shapes and styles bring you joy and go all out! As long as your decorations make you and your family happy, that’s all that matters!
Ultimately, it’s the season for slowing down, hibernating, and spending time with loved ones.
With the tips we shared in our autumn blog and above in mind, we hope you can do so from the comfort of a beautifully styled home!
Until next month,
Emily and Danielle
