How to style your home for winter: Industry experts reveal their decor predictions

Winter is coming; in fact, it feels like it’s already here. Shorter days and plunging temperatures mean more time cosying up on the couch and less time venturing into the outside world. 

Having recently embraced the Danish concept of “hygge” (pronounced “hue-guh”) in Australia, there’s even more reason to inject some comfort and style into your interiors. After all, it’s good for your wellbeing.

We spoke to three experts to find out the top five trends to warm up your home this winter.

Hollywood romance

Furniture trends for winter will feature heavy shadows, flat colour and exaggerated lines. Photo: Brosa

It’s time to ramp up the glamour as maximalism eclipses minimalism for a luxurious winter look.

“Hollywood romance is inspired by the Art Deco movement,” says Kelly King, lead buyer at Brosa. “Showcasing Hollywood Regency shapes, the trend will feature heavy shadows, flat colour and exaggerated lines. “

King suggests simple fixes such as wall art or a glam coffee table to incorporate the trend into your current aesthetic. “Products that are classic and reflect the trend at the same time, are always best,” she says.

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Jewel colours

Campaign for Ali McNabney-Stevens. Styling by Julia Green for Greenhouse Interiors. Photo: Armelle Habib.

There’s nothing like a change to your colour palette to make your interiors feel fresh and new. With the strong Scandi influence we’ve seen in recent years, pastels have certainly had their day in the sun. Now is the opportunity to try out some warmer colours and nocturnal shades.

“Warmer palettes, both in colours and materials, have arrived just in time for this winter,” says Julia Green, founder and stylist at Greenhouse Interiors. “Think deep emerald greens, luxurious rich velvets, terracottas and ambers with warmer metals like brass and coppers.”

“Dark colourways are here to stay,” says King. “We are seeing a growing trend for interiors embracing nocturnal shades.”

Florals

Swap out your plain-coloured bedcover for something more dramatic. Photo: Linen House

A simple and effective way to change up the look of your bedroom is by swapping out your plain-coloured bedcover for a moody print this winter.

“Florals are starting to make a comeback, especially on a dark ground,” says Sue Morris, textile design manager at Linen House. “A beautiful floral can add real drama to even a minimalist space.”

Velvet

Campaign for Sage and Clare. Styling by Julia Green for Greenhouse Interiors. Photo: Annette O’Brien.

Nothing is quite as important as material choice when it comes to decorating your home for the cooler months. While linen has been a popular choice for soft furnishings all summer and spring, velvet is about to step into the spotlight.

“Faux fur, luxe velvets, and rich colours will immediately turn up the heat in a room,” says Green

King also believes in welcoming, velvet furnishings in the home.

“People are drawn to the texture and creating warmth with it,” she says.

Layering and textures

Campaign for Society of Wanderers. Styling by Julia Green for Greenhouse Interiors. Photo: Cricket Studio.

If you want to be more environmentally conscious this winter, and save on your electricity bills at the same time, then layering and texture will be your home’s best friends.

“Layer up warm colours and materials in your bedding and you will be bang on trend,” says Green.

To achieve this look, Green recommends overlapping rugs in your living room and adding chunky knit throws to beds and couches.

When it comes to staying warm, there’s no place you need it more than in the bedroom. Morris suggests switching up your regular bedding choices for something more suitable for the season.

“If you really feel the cold, nothing beats flannelette or brushed cotton in winter; [it’s] so soft and cosy.”