As the temperature drops, thoughts turn from evening swims to evenings by the fire, and from beach towels to throw rugs — cashmere ones if you’re after the latest in luxurious blankets to cuddle under.
Interior designer Yvette Jay says now’s the time to put away the cotton cushions and linen throws of summer. “It’s easy to transform your light, beachy decor by bringing out accessories like a beautiful cashmere throw, a set of luxe candlesticks, a pair of opulent velvet cushions or a handsome hall runner. Use these lovely pieces over the winter months for cosiness, then put them away and bring out your lighter summer accessories again.”
One way of keeping costs down, says Jay, is to buy one beautiful winter accessory each year that will stand the test of time. “Avoid current trends and fashion colours, because they will date.”
She says winter is all about warm luxe, so include luxe fabrics and finishes in a variety of hues and tones that complement your interiors. “Think plums, dusky pinks, rich jewel tones, sophisticated greys and new neutrals. Accessories that are dark and moody and metallic highlights add a touch of subtle luxury. A variety of textures helps to add depth and contrast, creating a multi-dimensional room.”
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Jay says design style is all about how you mix and layer finishes and textures. This autumn and winter, opulent upholstery materials such as velvet juxtaposed with cosier wools and cashmeres can be enhanced with a mixture of accents from brass, iron and gold-plated metals.
“For those who prefer neutrals to colour, go for high-contrast neutrals. Pair dark and light neutrals together in multiple textures for a dramatic edge within a room.”
Wallpaper is still very much in vogue and current design patterns are influenced by African and Oriental art, landscapes, botanical images, antique fabrics and 70s pop culture, all of which look great in winter. “More often than not, each design will be available in a range of colours and neutrals, so there will be something to suit everybody’s colour preference and style,” says Jay.
In cooler weather, it’s all about cocooning, layers and tactility when it comes to bed linen and dressing the bed. Jay says the physical components of valances, bedheads, sheeting, bed coverings, blankets, throws, pillows and the occasional cushion all need to be considered in the composition of the perfect bedroom decor. “Textures are key to bedding as well. Think soft, rumpled linens or high thread-count cottons, embroideries, chunky weaves, deep piles, quilting and the occasional hint of shagginess or fringing. This season’s bedding is available in an array of plains, stripes, geometric and botanical patterns. Colours are warm and earthy with a rise in terracotta tones, beige, tans and saffron contrasting with tones of cream, caramels, tones of grey, soft taupey pinks, khaki, blues and chalky hues.”
For a welcoming winter look, Jay suggests adding cushions with piping, fringes, beading and the occasional tassel for texture, glamour and a sense of luxury. “Look for cushions that complement the size and shape of your furniture in a mix of shapes and sizes to add interest. Large square cushions, smaller rectangular cushions and round cushions are all popular.
When choosing colours, stick to your existing scheme and enhance what you have with richer, deeper tones of your accent colours.”
If you’re looking for just one item to add warmth and luxury, Jay says cashmere throws are divine and add a sense of understated glamour.
“Choose a perfect neutral to last you a lifetime, or a wonderful colour that makes your heart sing. If your look is more understated minimalism, then a heavily textured throw will be visually inviting.”
Large, luxe floor rugs are a must for creating a sense of intimacy and warmth on timber flooring at this time of year, says Jay. “Beautiful, hand-knotted wools are soft and sumptuous underfoot, and the gleam of silk or viscose in a rug adds a whole new level of sophistication and refinement to a room.”
To achieve an understated and elegant architectural look to heating a home, it’s hard to go past fixed radiators and their responsive and flexible heating, advises Jay.
“They look great in both contemporary and traditional homes due to the variety of designs, sizes and finishes available. They are quiet, unlike air conditioning units, and heat up and cool down quickly. There are options available in both pressed steel and the traditional cast iron. Their systems are fully programmable and thermostatically controlled.”
And when it comes to wintertime lighting, ambient lighting is key to creating cosiness in a room.
“Create pools of light around seating areas with floor and table lamps, wall lights and groups of candles. Low pendants over tables create a wonderful sense of intimacy and are so much more flattering than harsh, overhead lighting.”
- New Zealand Herald
