Posted by the trend stalker on 21st May 2012

Winter: when seeing red is a good thing

Writing this, as I am, at 4am in the dead of Durban’s winter – which necessitates only a robe over my shortie PJs – I’m thinking about my near-and-dears who actually feel the season. Who have to get up and get going when their weather app shows minus two degrees. Whose lawns frost over and gardens die down; and whose homes are icy just inches outside the radius of their heaters’ warmth. And I think … shame.

So this post is all about feeling warm inside when, baby, it’s cold out there.

Magnifico Residence contemporary living room

contemporary living room design by miami interior designer b+g design inc.

One of the quickest, easiest and most inexpensive ways to create a cosy vibe is to look at your lighting. Summer lighting is crisp and clear … so swap out your bulbs for ones that cast a warm yellow glow. I said it was simple!

tropical bathroom design by hawaii interior designer Philpotts Interiors

Your next step is adding actual warm tones. Stash your summer soft furnishings and build up a “winter wardrobe” for your home. Reds, oranges and golds go a long way towards a warm indoor atmosphere. Add extra cushions to snuggle up to. Invest in rugs to take the chill off your feet. Hang thick, voluptuous curtains to insulate the windows.

valencia residence, kuala lumpur by Allegro Design tropical living room

tropical living room design by other metros interior designer Allegro Design Kuala Lumpur

Throughout this process, check the texture. Cold-to-the-touch silks and satins are out. Knits, faux-furs, velvets … they’re in. If you find yourself “feeling it up” in the shop, it belongs in your home this winter.

Contemporary Urban Residence :: Fort Worth, TX contemporary bedroom

contemporary bedroom design by phoenix architect Wintercreative Interior Design : Maika Winter ASID

If you really don’t like red, turn a cold shoulder. Literally. Play up to the chill and go for all white. Echo nature. Simulate snow. Just be sure to include some sources of ambient heat or the frost might really bite …

contemporary bedroom design by other metros interior designer Leclair Decor

I’ll bet my Hello Kitty slippers that this bed is electric blanket-ed and down duvet-ed to the max!

And lastly, just because it’s winter doesn’t mean you can’t venture outdoors at all. We all have braai-areas – turn yours into a place worth cuddling up to. Or in. An evening in front of a fire pit warms the soul. (And having high-backed chairs with ample cushioning warms the back of the neck.)