TURN UP HEAT ON A BUDGET Decorating to add warmth to your home for winter does not have to break the bank

WINTER is almost upon us, so it is time to invite warm decor ideas into the home, and they don’t need to cost a fortune. You might just need to reconfigure furniture to make spaces cosier, especially with a fireplace for chilly evenings. Bring out the plush couch throws you put away during summer. A rule of thumb for creating cosiness is to dress windows, says interior designer Bailey Basson of Blue Capricorn.

“Bare windows leave a room feeling unfinished, so layer your window dressings. A blind with a soft voile curtain, double-track curtains with a soft voile behind or a voile in front with a block-out on the back track. Run curtains along the length and height of the room.”

Also layer fabrics and textures within the room. “Mixing textures adds visual warmth. Think wood, velvet, woven fabric and something fluffy to add cuddly comfort,” says Basson.

Interior designers offer tips to warm up each living space:

SITTING ROOM

Adding colour is the easiest and most efficient way to warm any space. Basson suggests you use deep

Adding colour is the easiest way to warm any space

reds, oranges and black.

“If these bold colours are too much for you, add a mix of metallic or jewel tones, with fittings and accessories such as cushions or art. Pairing jewel tones with warm textures, such as leather and velvet, also works wonders,” he says.

Lighting is equally important. “Use warm white bulbs and make

PICTURE: THE HALL COLLECTIONS Add texture in the bedroom for winter with blankets and cosy throws.

PICTURE: JEEVES If your budget allows, you can’t go wrong with a heated towel rail.