The cooler months are coming – which means staying home, snuggling up and streaming shows. While we’re all staying closer to home, it’s the perfect chance to give the place a seasonal spruce-up. But it doesn’t have to send an icy chill through your budget – we’ve made winter styling as simple as watching Netflix (choosing a film is a different story).
Ikea’s latest ‘Life at Home’ report found 78% of people globally say their home became a sanctuary throughout the COVID pandemic. That’s set to continue as the mercury drops, and at a time when many of us are keeping a close eye on household budgets, there are plenty of affordable ways to give your home seasonal flair.
Bold colours spark joy.
After a tough 12 months, Rachel Lacy, Chief Coloursmith at Taubmans Australia, says we’re all feeling the need for joy, happiness and connection. And that means bold colours are in, whether you’re repainting, refurnishing or just accessorising.
Lacy explains, ‘We see the pared back, bright white spaces of minimalist design making way for comforting and joyful colour, acknowledging the vital role colour plays in creating emotionally nourishing spaces.’
If you looking for inspo around colour schemes, Shutterstock’s 2021 Colour Trends Report names the top three colours for the year – champagne, gold, and tidewater green, a deep teal with touches of yellow and blue. According to Flo Lau, Creative Director at Shutterstock, these are ‘optimistic colours that inspire a sense of hope – a sense that positive change is coming.’
Swap new releases for classic looks.
Sustainability is a strong theme for home styling this winter, and it’s possible to save money, reduce waste and enjoy the inner glow of DIY success by giving pre-loved furniture a new lease of life.
Jade Thompson, founder of homewares start-up The Treasure Trove, explains. ‘Modern design has taken a shift, and we are now looking for unique and different pieces that tell a story.’
Vintage and antique furniture has become hugely popular to upcycle and add a personal touch to. It lets us appreciate the art of the piece, and the rewards of the hard work we put into restoring it.
‘Save yourself big dollars and upcycle an old piece of furniture. Get to those garage sales or op shops and find yourself a bargain to transform!’
What’s trending in 2021?
‘Texture is a big design element for winter 2021,’ Thompson explains. ‘It’s a quick fix, it's affordable, and texture adds warmth and a cosy vibe to any space.’
‘Bring in a jute rug, a few baskets, a throw – and voila! Your space is automatically transformed.’
The trend to natural textures extends to furniture too. Thompson says, ‘Timber, cane and rattan all add character and avoid that clinical feel.’
More of a parks and recreation area.
Indoor plants are growing in popularity faster than devil’s ivy. A recent Plant Life Balance (PLB) report found 18 million Australians befriended a new house plant in the last 12 months. There’s even a budding online community called Crazy Indoor Plant People Australia.
Thompson explains our new love of indoor greenery saying, ‘The pandemic has changed our perspective. Caring for plants during lockdowns gave us a sense of purpose – we were nurturing something and witnessing it grow. I guess it also kept us in touch with the earth.’
PLB says five plants is the sweet spot that can make us feel healthier and happier, and species in the colour red – leaves or flowers - are predicted to be hugely popular in 2021. By clustering different varieties together it’s easy to create a living, breathing visual statement.
Interior stylist Suzy Coassin says impressive plant styling can be achieved on a shoe-string budget. Try using common household items such as books, or plant stands to raise one or more plants off the ground, giving the eye different levels to be drawn around the room.
Go on a cheaper plan.
Even with the leanest budget, a few simple accessories can give your home seasonal flair. ‘I love an oversized rug,’ says Thompson. ‘It immediately creates a sense of warmth. And you can never have too many cushions.’
A low-cost throw is another must have. ‘There is nothing nicer then coming home to a warm drink, snuggling into a knitted throw, and enjoying one of your favourite books on the coffee table,’ Thompson adds. ‘It’s a budget-friendly way to celebrate your home in winter.’
If you’re going to spend so much time at home, why not give your place a quick winter makeover with a bit more chill.
This article is prepared based on general information. It does not take into account individual financial objectives or needs and is not financial product advice.