Bright colours and playful patterns: The hottest interior trends for the cooler months ahead

A change in season always inspires a change in scenery, and after our most lively summer in years, we’re beginning to retreat indoors again as the winter chill sets in.

“The change in seasons really shifts the mood – we’re inside more and looking for our homes to reflect that sense of hibernation and quiet,” says Hayley Pannekoecke, co-founder and creative director of Kip & Co.

“The cooler months automatically inspire the need for warmth, tactility, and a sense of comfort in our homes,” adds Keti Lytras, head of creative at GlobeWest. “This sense of relaxed styling continues to be a key aesthetic for Australian living.” 

Here are some expert tips to get your home feeling cosy and comfortable, as well as looking chic and stylish.

Colour burst

We’re in for a colourful winter according to the experts’ forecast, with autumnal tones hanging around a little longer. Burnt orange, chocolate, rose, lilac, and khaki are on the top of the list for Pannekoecke. “They’re colours that feel rich and a little decadent,” she says.

Our outdoor obsession will also influence how we decorate inside. “Our love in Australia for those indoor-outdoor spaces has continued to impact our choice of colour palette,” says Lytras. “Warmer hues of merlot, turmeric, soft clay and the natural green tones of olive and thyme are important features of the 2022 winter palette.”

Pattern play

In the quest to bring the outdoors in when it’s too cold to actually enjoy the outdoors, floral prints will flourish. “We’re loving a twist on traditional fresh floral prints,” says Pannekoecke, with more lively designs and unexpected colours.

There’s always a place for winter favourites such as stripes and checks, but this year you’ll see them in a brighter palette. “The great thing about a check is it really does work with most prints, it’s a fabulous alternative to a plain fabric in that way and I also love that this trend has some longevity – the simple check is never going to go out of fashion, so lean in.”

A tactile touch

“Texture has become key to how we layer our spaces as our homes have become a place of refuge and renewal, says Lytras. “This can be achieved by incorporating natural timbers, linens, textured weaves and boucle to help bring a sense of warmth to our homes,” she adds.

This could be as simple as a rustic timber side table, a boucle statement chair or new throw cushions.

“We also start to see more beautiful layering happening – my favourite trend,” says Pannekoecke. “Expect to see more textures mixed together – velvets with European linens, weighty woven blankets, tassels and embroidered details.

Shape sensations

Soft, sweeping curves are here to stay. “The curved furniture trend has dominated the interior design world as it creates welcoming spaces, and the time spent in our own homes over the past few years has encouraged us to prioritise comfort and create calming spaces,” explains Lytras. “I believe rounded corners, subtle edges, and arched shapes are here to stay for a while longer.” 

However, expect to see the return of more geometric silhouettes, too. “They’ll be returning alongside these curves adding a further sense of presence to our spaces,” says Lytras.

Statement pieces

Time for a new sofa? A bold statement piece can encapsulate all of these looks at once. “Statement sofas incorporating this restorative palette of nature, such as olive and soft clay are one of the best ways to bring a sense of relaxation into the home,” says Lytras. 

Easy additions

Soft furnishing and decor such as blankets and throws are an immediate and affordable way to bring new life into your interiors, especially for winter.

“Bedding really is the most impactful way to make a big difference in your bedroom, particularly if the room isn’t huge,” says Pannekoecke. “Invest in a winter-weight fabric like velvet – a game-changer in the cooler months – and in the rest of the home, look at a new rug to really shake up your lounge room.”