We show you how to transition your lounge into a hibernation hub that’s perfect for winter snuggles in six easy, stylish steps
This neutral living space is warm and welcoming, but with its palette of linen, cotton, white and light wood, it needs a cosiness makeover for chilly evenings.
1. Foliage & flowers
A quick and inexpensive way to change out a look is to play with foliage and flowers. Tropical palm leaves and pampas grass create a summery feel, whereas dried branches, pussy willow and stems of berries instantly make the space feel more wintry.
2. Throws & sheepskins
Even during summer, a cool breeze can blow through in the evening so it’s nice to have a linen or cotton throw handy. In winter, opt for a soft throw made from a material such as wool or faux fur that is heavier in weight, adds texture and will keep you toasty warm. A sheepskin is another great option to add to your favourite armchair or even on the seat of the sofa itself for an extra-soft snuggle sesh.
3. Accessories
During these short winter days, you may want to add another floor lamp or table lamp for extra lighting. In terms of decorative elements, the key is swapping out light items for heavier, darker objects that are more textured. If you love candles, create clusters of them for a little mood lighting. Select scents that have a more woody, winter fragrance, rather than fruity or fresh ones. Baskets are another way to add texture and are great for storing magazines, firewood, toys, throws and more.
4. Rugs
If you have hard floors, the chances are good you already have a large rug under your sofa. If budget allows and you have enough storage space, change out your lighter-coloured and lighter-weight summer rug for a heavier, more textural version that creates a cosier feeling.
5. Cushions
We all know cushions are one of the easiest ways to change the look of a room. Therefore winter is the perfect time to give your sofa a refresh. Pack away your lightweight summer cushions in linen and cotton and replace them with ones of faux fur, chunky knit, velvet and wool. These will not only create a whole new look, they’ll add more visual warmth and interest. Play with shape and size and, if you like, mix in some of your linen and cotton to keep the costs down.
6. Art
The art on your walls is another element that can be changed out from season to season. Even moving pieces from one space to another can make a big difference. In our first living room look, the atmospheric toetoe print creates a soft, light feeling. In our cosy lounge setting, this print has been swapped for a moodier image in a black frame, to create a more inward-looking atmosphere. The colours in this print also tie in with our winter-ready cushions and accessories.
Key tips for a layered lounge
This warm, cosy living space uses deeper colours, heavier weights of fabric and snuggly textures to make it perfect for hunkering down with loved ones for long winter nights.
Play with the combination of colours and textures until it feels right.
Shop the look
Key Pieces
+ Essex pouf, $199.
+ Docklands sofa, $1399.
+ Kunis pale grey linen cushion, $64.95.
+ Bubble vessel in mustard, $37.95.
+ Boley lamp, $159.
+ Terrazzo coasters, $22.95 for 4.
+ Rushdi rug, from $499.
+ Nelson black fleck cushion, $54.95.
+ Akori knitted cushion, $54.95.
+ Haven hurricane (metal base), $26.95.
+ Tall bubble vessel, $42.95 all from Freedom.
Cosy additions
+ Aura glass coffee table, $599.
+ Avaro knit throw, $239, both from Nood.
+ Indria natural throw (in buffet), $199.99.
+ Robert Gordon Pebble bowl, $49.99.
+ Dotty vase, $49.99.
+ Dotty box, $39.99.
+ Genette white vase, $79.99.
+ Sicilian carafe, $89.99.
+ Slate coasters, $12.99 each, all from A&C Homestore.
+ Fable oak chair, $890.
+ Heavy linen cushion covers, $79.90 each.
+ Fenris rug, $1990.
+ Illuminado gold lantern, $74.90.
+ Veranda soy candles (in buffet), $44.90 and $54.90.
+ Marble serving board, $49.90.
+ Chocolate velvet cushion cover, $54.90, from all Citta.
+ Toetoe print, $499.
+ Kobo linen rectangle cushion, $119,
+ Tibetan lamb fur round cushion, $139, all from Shut The Front Door.
+ Baksana throw, $225.
+ Robert Gordon Landscape mug, $37.90.
+ Nel Lusso smoky votive, $18.90.
+ Bianca Lorenne Tibetan round cushion, $235, from Allium.
+ Living & Co brown vase, $5.
+ Living & Co sheepskin, $69.
+ Living & Co glazed mug, $4.
+ Reactive speckle grey vase (on coffee table), $15, all from The Warehouse.
+ Wall painted in Resene ‘Double Concrete’.
+ Flooring is Malmo Scandia vinyl tile in Copenhagen, $59 per sqm, from Carpet Court.
Other items stylist’s own.
Words & Styling by: Vanessa Nouwens. Photography by: Wendy Fenwick.
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