Warm shades for chilly days
GET RED, ORANGE AND GOLD FOR HOMES
WINTER is making confident inroads into our balmy autumn days and the chilly weather is an irresistible lure to make our homes warm and cosy.
Winter ranges in decor and fashion have been out for a while, giving some gorgeous inspiration in colours, textures and fabrics, accessories and designs.
There are a number of broad themes that have emerged for winter, but four have been the most prominent.
Organic – In an overwhelming global movement, people are turning to nature for inspiration.
For the winter season, we are seeing natural materials making their way into our homes: natural fabrics and thick weaves, textural knits, mohair and chunky knitted wool on furniture – all giving a feeling of cosiness and comfort.
Micro-fibre has become very popular as an alternative to genuine leather. It looks like the real thing, is soft and gentle to the touch and also more affordable.
References to bio-mimicry can be seen in furniture ergonomics, for example a round love seat – perfect to curl up on with a warm faux fur throw or a hanging cocoon chair, flush with soft velvet cushions. Ideal for an afternoon of reading in a sunny corner.
Iron maiden – Given the right shade and pairing with other furnishings or accessories, metallic can be very warm as well as adding a touch of glamour to an interior.
However, for winter, look out for metallic with warm undertones. Silver for example, can be light and cool, but select silver with brown undertones and you have an instant warm glow.
Metallic can be seen as sharp and stark, often intimating an industrial feel, but can be softened when paired with some shimmery silks that add a soft, feminine touch.
Autumn leaves – The most common associations of warm hues for winter are autumn colours. There are so many variations of brown, orange and red that one finds in this palette.
Burnt caramel, burgundy, hot chocolate, golden beige are all colours that can be added to accessories, furniture fabrics or other decor to bring warmth into your home.
This theme also embraces rustic and earthy textures which complement the organic theme, such as using warm wood (either a warm brown or dark wood with plush upholstery, with highlights of rich red and orange or jewel tones in scatters or throws).
Royalty revival – Going back in time, we are seeing vintage materials arising such as Turkish vintage heavyweight velvets, elegant chenilles, luxurious fur (but in a faux version) and gorgeous bright jewel tones infusing luxury, comfort and warmth into a home. And let’s not forget the richness of gold and bronze, which are both warm and opulent at the same time.
Warmth is not just a practical application, but a state of mind as well. Surround yourself with things that “feel” warm – from colours to textures – and you will find your home transformed to a warm and welcoming escape from winter’s wiles.
Hayes is the editor of SA Home Owner, a sister publication of Sowetan