Although most of us dream about enjoying an endless summer, there is something magical about the changeover in seasons throughout the year, winter included. The change in seasons triggers a highly emotive state in some of us. During summer, we are filled with happiness and holiday vibes, bright colours and crisp white linens, but during winter, some of us can lose the spring in our step and want to shy away and hibernate due to the cool winter air outside.
As the temperature drops, we look at some tips and rituals you can introduce into your home to help you get through the colder months in style and beat the winter blues.
- Invest in functional window treatments that will look good and capture the warmth…
Once you have the heater running and doors closed up, you will want to do your best to keep the heat inside. You can do this with functional window treatments. The look of sheers are fabulous during those warm summer months as we invite in the fresh sea breezes and natural light, however during winter you can utilise window treatments to restrict heat loss from your home. Do your homework to find a solution such as thermal honeycomb blinds that allow for air to pass through and become trapped. The d-shaped design in honeycomb blinds allows you to trap heat in winter and repel heat in summer, while reducing your household heating and cooling costs. Shutters will create a similar impact however you can also achieve a similar result on a budget with roman or roller blinds that are fitted snug to your window frame. By cleverly dressing your windows, you can be sure to have a stylish home that holds heat to keep you toasty this winter. - Embrace luxe fabrics, finishes and textures…
There is nothing better to do on a winters day than curl up on the couch with a rug and read a good book, or binge watch the latest series on Netflix. Whatever you enjoy, you can find a way to use style to create a warm and comfortable place to relax this winter. Think faux fur, sherpa rugs and shaggy throws, all of which will bring a wintery look in contrast to your light and bright earthy textures during summer while also creating an inviting space to snuggle in and switch off. You can use cushions on the couch, throws on the beds and rugs in living zones, teamed with a comfy pair of slippers, a glass or red and your heater set to your desired temperature, there will be no need to leave the house this winter. - Make your kitchen a warm winter social hub…
Summer seasons leave us open to fresh fruit platters, olives and stunning grazing tables, while winter invites another way of eating and living. Use your kitchen this winter to warm the home. Get that oven going and give the stove top a run for its money with apple pies, hearty stews and slow cooked decadence to not only fulfill your taste buds, but make your kitchen a winter warm zone for the family to enjoy. Imagine the fun you can have without leaving the home, trialing new recipes, challenging your culinary capabilities, telling stories and laughing across your island benchtop, sipping on hot herbal teas all while enjoying the warmth being created in your kitchen. This opportunity to share time with family and friends and keep nice and warm while indulging on your own kitchen delights is what winter is all about. - Take a long hot bath…
What could be more relaxing than a long hot bath while the kids are watching a movie or playing their favourite video game. While we don’t always want them to be stuck on screen time, it is important to find time this winter for self-care and a hot bath is an ideal way to stay warm, unwind and treat yourself. The weather is too cool to head to the beach or local pool, but being immersed in water is such a calming feeling and we can’t let winter make us miss out on that sensation. For ultimate indulgence use a plush floor mat, a heated towel rack, take a few of your favourite snacks and play some of your favourite tunes as your bath bomb and scented candle create a day spa aroma and unbeatable relaxation zone this winter. - Find a spot in the sunshine…
You might have a spot in the study that welcomes the sun, or even on the back alfresco. Wherever your sunny spot might be, use it as a chance to escape the cool and recharge your vitamin D levels. During summer we get plenty of natural light and sunshine on our day to day activities but in winter we often find ourselves getting home from our daily commute after the sun has set leading to a reduction in vitamin D, impacting our energy levels, our mood and overall wellbeing. Taking the time on days off or weekends to find your sunny oasis will pay great dividends to ensuring your cope this winter without encountering the blues. Take a board game out to the alfresco area, sit on the front lawn with a hot cuppa or even curl up by the window that welcomes the sun and take the time to enjoy the winter warmth.
