Winter Warm-Up
Story Phyllis Lui & Aleem Kassam | Photography Provoke Studios
The crisp air and early evenings of winter lure us indoors to hibernate – if not for an extended period through these cold months, then at least for some quality time to cosy up after a long day braving the freezing temperatures. We like to approach the task of seasonal décor as we would a wardrobe. Just as the weather defines the clothes you wear, so too should it play into what you have in your home. By layering some key elements into your décor, your space will be cosy as can be, regardless of the temperatures outside. Here are some of our favourite ways to crank up the heat, without ever touching the thermostat.
ACCESSORIZE IN LAYERS
Combine colours, patterns and various textures to lend your home a warmer overall visual impact. An area rug layered over a larger rug or wall-to-wall carpet creates a luxurious, plush effect. By the same logic, double-up on your cushions and throws, too. Sofas, loveseats, chairs and even a corner of the room can instantly become that coveted cocoon we all so desperately need in winter.
HEAVY FABRICS
Heavier textiles are a great addition to the home when temperatures fall. Think velvet, thickset corduroy, faux fur, wool and chunky cable-knit designs. Swap out your lighter bedding and use richer, heavier, textural and weighted sheets, blankets, bedspreads and accent pillows. Consider swapping out your window coverings with the change in seasons, too. While a second set of heavier-fabric drapes is a bit of an additional investment, it’ll be worth the spend and the benefits are twofold. You’ll create a warmer, cosier look overall in your home, and heavier window coverings can actually help naturally regulate your home’s internal temperature, giving your utility bills a break.
WARM LIGHT
Believe it or not, the type of light bulbs you choose has a huge impact on the visual temperature of your space. The neutral option, bright white, is not quite yellow (on the warm side) nor blue (on the cool side). If you wish to warm up the look of your home, simply replace your bright white bulbs with soft white ones, which are a slightly warmer shade and a very popular choice in living rooms and bedrooms, where a cosy ambience is typically preferred. With any kind of light, use dimmer switches – we can’t stress this enough! In fact, we recommend putting a dimmer on every light. They’re a great way to customize your home’s lighting, depending on the season, the occasion or your mood.
In addition to these no-fail solutions to winter’s darkness, one of the easiest and cheapest ways to warm up your home is with good old-fashioned candlelight. When the temperatures drop, line your mantels, windowsills, shelves and tabletops with arrangements of glowing pillars and tealights. Place your candles in view of a mirror to double the light and warmth. Let’s not forget the obligatory PSA: Be careful to never leave burning candles unattended, or consider high-quality faux battery candles.
With Canada’s drastic swings in temperature throughout the year, it only makes sense that our homes adapt in order to provide us with comfort and style. If your objective is to warm up your home, play a word association game for inspiration. To you, warm might be something physical, such as a fireplace stacked with wood, or a woolly blanket rolled up at the foot of the bed. Perhaps warm is something more abstract, like a colour or a particular scent. Think cinnamon. With the right seasonal switch-ups, your home will be perfectly toasty, all year round. OH
Phyllis Lui and Aleem Kassam are partners at Kalu Interiors.