10 Festive Design Updates for Winter

Winter is well and truly here, which means we are turning our attention to creating a cosy feel at home. Whether you’re looking for winter design inspiration for your latest professional project, or you just want to add a touch of festive charm to your own home, these design tricks and tips will provide all the inspiration you need this season…

1) Add greenery

Nothing feels more festive than foliage, and lots of it. If you want to avoid making more permanent updates, instead create a festive feel in your home with pine garlands. Add foliage to the rooms that you spend the most time in. Try adding it to the top of the mantlepiece, to the staircase to create an impact when your guests first arrive, and to the top of your headboard. As Christmas approaches, you can add an even more festive flourish, with a scattering of baubles in gold and white and a subtle spritz of fake snow.

2) Embrace Hygge

The Danish tradition of Hygge is all about creating that cosy feel. Up the cosy factor by introducing lots of candles around the home. The mantlepiece, coffee table, dining table and bedside tables can all be adorned with candles. Display them in groups of three at varying heights, and don’t be afraid to light them in the evenings.

3) Update your dining table

The dining table is the centrepiece in many homes on Christmas day. In the lead up to Christmas, it plays an important role in social gatherings and family get-togethers. If your dining table is a little worn and tired, or if it isn’t quite fit for purpose, consider investing in a new table this season.

Go for something that will accommodate all of your guests comfortably, while working as a space for family dining too. The dining table is often the largest piece of furniture in the room, so choose something that will add a little wow factor.

4) Create a festive centrepiece

Add a little festivity to your coffee table or dining table with this simple update. Try taking a round display tray and top with green foliage, nestle in a few baubles and pine cones and group together three candles in the middle.

5) Introduce a little velvet

Velvet is a great way to add a luxe yet cosy feel to your home. Consider investing in an accent armchair, upholstered in velvet in a rich tone such as deep forest green or a dusky pink. For a festive update that you can simply switch out come spring, add a few simple velvet cushions to your sofa.

6) Add a feature wall

Create a cosy feel in your living room or master bedroom by adding a feature wall in a dark and warm tone. If you’re looking for something that will work all year round, avoid traditionally festive colours such as red. Instead try a warm dark grey, deep green or blue.

7) Swap cushions and throws

Winter calls for chunky cosy cushions and blankets, and lots of them. Swap any linen cushions for woven and tactile options. Lots of texture is key, with tassels and pompoms and chunky knits to add a cosy finish. Layer up cushions on sofas and armchairs, and drape a blanket over the arm of your sofa or on the back. Finally, add a couple of blankets to a basket to finish the look.

8) Layer lighting

Lighting plays a huge role in how we feel and it’s possible to influence your mood and transform a room simply with lighting. Layer lighting in your home so that the light level can be adjusted to suit your mood. Ceiling lights are a must, along with floor lamps and table lamps. For cosy evenings, you can just put on your table lamps to create a warm glow. Consider swapping your light bulbs for the winter too, opting for bulbs that add a warm light instead of a white light.

9) Add a festive fragrance

Much like lighting, scent can play a strong role in influencing your mood. To compliment your festive décor updates, introduce a festive fragrance to the home. A diffuser or oil burner is a great way to add a continuous scent. Try cinnamon and bergamot, or invest in a festive spice essential oil blend.

10) Go for gold

We often connect metallics with Christmas, specifically gold. Add a touch of decadence to your home by investing in a gold statement piece. A sideboard or bar cart in gold will do just the trick.

Winter is a joyful season, with more excuses to stay home and have cosy nights in. Our 10 interior updates provide the perfect way to add a little more festivity. Whether you’ve been tasked with updating your clients home for the season, or you want to add a festive feel to your own home, our showroom can provide even more inspiration.