Decorating
16 Winter Trends to Watch Out For
From moody hues to matt metallics, here are the decorating looks tipped to reign this season, chosen by those in the know
It might be all sunshine and blue skies at the moment, but it won’t be long until the temperature drops and sky blue makes way for gloomy grey. Ward off the winter blues by giving your interior a seasonal spruce up to transform your home into a cosy retreat you’ll be happy to hibernate in all winter long.
New-season trends are a great source of inspiration if you’re stumped for decorating ideas. To help get you up to speed on the latest must-try looks, we’ve enlisted the help of four Houzz experts to create a shortlist of the styles, finishes and decor that will define the cooler months ahead.
Expert tips from:
Anne Ellard of Anne Ellard Design
Lauren Keenan, founder of Find It. Style It.
Adam Scougall, director of AS you see it!
Jacinta Woods, director of Designers in the City
New-season trends are a great source of inspiration if you’re stumped for decorating ideas. To help get you up to speed on the latest must-try looks, we’ve enlisted the help of four Houzz experts to create a shortlist of the styles, finishes and decor that will define the cooler months ahead.
Expert tips from:
Anne Ellard of Anne Ellard Design
Lauren Keenan, founder of Find It. Style It.
Adam Scougall, director of AS you see it!
Jacinta Woods, director of Designers in the City
2. Faux fur rugs
Silky-soft faux fur rugs are a design staple that pop up in interiors every winter, and this year is no exception. However, you won’t just see them draped over sofas and artfully strewn across beds this time around, according to Adam Scougall, director of AS you see it! The Sydney designer predicts that faux fur will soon play a starring role in al fresco areas too.
“Try draping a faux fur throw/rug over each of your [outdoor] dining chairs,” advises Scougall. “This is a tactile option that allows guests to enjoy eating outside in the cooler months; it ensures the dining experience is comforting and visually interesting as well as cosy.”
Silky-soft faux fur rugs are a design staple that pop up in interiors every winter, and this year is no exception. However, you won’t just see them draped over sofas and artfully strewn across beds this time around, according to Adam Scougall, director of AS you see it! The Sydney designer predicts that faux fur will soon play a starring role in al fresco areas too.
“Try draping a faux fur throw/rug over each of your [outdoor] dining chairs,” advises Scougall. “This is a tactile option that allows guests to enjoy eating outside in the cooler months; it ensures the dining experience is comforting and visually interesting as well as cosy.”
3. Midnight blues and moody hues
Okay, the verdict is in and the decision is unanimous. Navy is the official colour of winter, 2016. “Think of it as black’s softer and more romantic cousin,” says Lauren Keenan, founder of Find It. Style It. “It also works amazingly well with winter’s other new favourite shades including lavender, dark green, taupe and milky whites.”
“Introducing this new colour palette into your home couldn’t be easier,” says the stylist. “I’ll be using textured cushions and throws in these luxe winter colours in my clients’ homes. It’s a great way to give a sofa a new lease on life without breaking the bank.”
Okay, the verdict is in and the decision is unanimous. Navy is the official colour of winter, 2016. “Think of it as black’s softer and more romantic cousin,” says Lauren Keenan, founder of Find It. Style It. “It also works amazingly well with winter’s other new favourite shades including lavender, dark green, taupe and milky whites.”
“Introducing this new colour palette into your home couldn’t be easier,” says the stylist. “I’ll be using textured cushions and throws in these luxe winter colours in my clients’ homes. It’s a great way to give a sofa a new lease on life without breaking the bank.”
If you absolutely love this inky hue and desire a look that’s a tad more daring, then take designer Jacinta Woods’ lead. “Try out a new paint colour on your walls,” suggests the director of Designers in the City. “Try a deep navy or bottle green and place with some nude or dusty pink cushions. Instantly, you will feel relaxed and ready for winter.”
What else is on the horizon colour-wise this season? As well as inky navy blue, dark and dusty hues like “olive greens, dirty mustards and soft mauves” will have their time in the spotlight too, according to Anne Ellard.
Moody jewel tones will also make an appearance during the cooler months ahead. Want to make a bold design statement? Ellard suggests applying a deep, decadent colour such as emerald to the walls of a darker room. Finish the look with sheer fabrics, and high-gloss and transparent accessories.
Moody jewel tones will also make an appearance during the cooler months ahead. Want to make a bold design statement? Ellard suggests applying a deep, decadent colour such as emerald to the walls of a darker room. Finish the look with sheer fabrics, and high-gloss and transparent accessories.
4. Stones and crystals
“Nature has always been a great source of inspiration for interiors,” says Keenan. “The last few seasons it’s been all about botanics, but this winter we’re taking things underground with stones and crystals. Whether you go for actual crystals or stone-inspired homewares and decor, these goodies will create a very calm and peaceful atmosphere in your home.”
Pink rose quartz geode bookends and large rose quartz platter: Rock Ribbons Luxe Eco Gifts
“Nature has always been a great source of inspiration for interiors,” says Keenan. “The last few seasons it’s been all about botanics, but this winter we’re taking things underground with stones and crystals. Whether you go for actual crystals or stone-inspired homewares and decor, these goodies will create a very calm and peaceful atmosphere in your home.”
Pink rose quartz geode bookends and large rose quartz platter: Rock Ribbons Luxe Eco Gifts
5. Slender furniture
According to Woods, this season is all about slimming down and shedding excess weight – visual weight, that is. “Look at manipulating your interior this winter by freeing yourself of all your heavy and bulky furniture,” she advises. “Find relief in softer, more user-friendly pieces.”
One way to do this is to “do away with a single coffee table and bring smaller tables into clusters that can be freely used throughout the living area.”
According to Woods, this season is all about slimming down and shedding excess weight – visual weight, that is. “Look at manipulating your interior this winter by freeing yourself of all your heavy and bulky furniture,” she advises. “Find relief in softer, more user-friendly pieces.”
One way to do this is to “do away with a single coffee table and bring smaller tables into clusters that can be freely used throughout the living area.”
6. Bespoke lampshades
Creating custom lampshades is a fun trend that is on the up and up, says Scougall. There are endless techniques you can use to upcycle a plain or tired lampshade. Take a leaf out of this homeowner’s DIY playbook and paint an interesting pattern on the fabric shell. Alternatively, cover the lampshade with wallpaper; line the rim with tassels or pompoms; or create a personalised photo shade that features your favourite family, holiday or landscape snapshots.
Creating custom lampshades is a fun trend that is on the up and up, says Scougall. There are endless techniques you can use to upcycle a plain or tired lampshade. Take a leaf out of this homeowner’s DIY playbook and paint an interesting pattern on the fabric shell. Alternatively, cover the lampshade with wallpaper; line the rim with tassels or pompoms; or create a personalised photo shade that features your favourite family, holiday or landscape snapshots.
7. Perfectly imperfect ceramics
“Rustic-style ceramics are popping up in homewares stores everywhere,” reveals Keenan. “I love that this style is more earthy and handmade-looking than we’ve seen before, with speckled and mottled finishes and imperfect edges. It’s the ideal mix of casual and luxe, and a refreshing change from a few seasons of geometric-style vases, vessels and bowls.”
“Rustic-style ceramics are popping up in homewares stores everywhere,” reveals Keenan. “I love that this style is more earthy and handmade-looking than we’ve seen before, with speckled and mottled finishes and imperfect edges. It’s the ideal mix of casual and luxe, and a refreshing change from a few seasons of geometric-style vases, vessels and bowls.”
Keen to get in on the artisanal ceramic action? “Inject touches of this trend through a new vase on your sideboard or a bowl or tray for your coffee table,” says Keenan.
8. Mid-century style
Another prominent look that’s set to define winter 2016 is mid-century style, says Woods. “There is still a strong movement in furniture design that pays homage to the mid-century era,” she explains. “Shapes from ever-famous designers like Fritz Hansen, Arne Jacobsen and Le Corbusier, to name a few, are very much present this winter.”
5 key ingredients for mid-century style
Another prominent look that’s set to define winter 2016 is mid-century style, says Woods. “There is still a strong movement in furniture design that pays homage to the mid-century era,” she explains. “Shapes from ever-famous designers like Fritz Hansen, Arne Jacobsen and Le Corbusier, to name a few, are very much present this winter.”
5 key ingredients for mid-century style
9. Artful twig arrangements
According to Scougall, there’s one trend you should definitely branch out and try this season: decorating with freshly cut twigs.
“Although winter is predominantly a leaf-less society, why not use a few graphic branches direct from your garden as architecturally interesting table decor?” the designer suggests.
How to branch out around the house
According to Scougall, there’s one trend you should definitely branch out and try this season: decorating with freshly cut twigs.
“Although winter is predominantly a leaf-less society, why not use a few graphic branches direct from your garden as architecturally interesting table decor?” the designer suggests.
How to branch out around the house
10. Chunky knits
Chunky knits aren’t just for your wardrobe; over the past few years, they’ve been weaving their way into interiors too.
“While furniture designs are more brutal in design execution, there is a looser and more familiar feminine softness to soft furnishings,” says Woods. “We are trending lots of over-dyed and knitted fabrics with scrumptious chunky weaves. Equally, these heavier weaves are pared back with lush cut velvets and silky floor rugs.”
Chunky knits aren’t just for your wardrobe; over the past few years, they’ve been weaving their way into interiors too.
“While furniture designs are more brutal in design execution, there is a looser and more familiar feminine softness to soft furnishings,” says Woods. “We are trending lots of over-dyed and knitted fabrics with scrumptious chunky weaves. Equally, these heavier weaves are pared back with lush cut velvets and silky floor rugs.”
Are you all wrapped up in this trend? Here’s one way you can work it into your space. “Select a gorgeous knitted fabric and find a fabulous chair/retro find to re-cover and bring the piece back to life,” Woods says.
11. Organic shapes
“I think we’re going to see a lot more organic forms creeping back into our interiors,” predicts Ellard. “The hard angles of geometric will still be popular; however, they will soon give way to smooth and soft gently curved (but not quite round) shapes.”
Tap into two trends at once by working mid-century furniture – which is characterised by “clean yet softly rounded lines” – into your interior.
“I think we’re going to see a lot more organic forms creeping back into our interiors,” predicts Ellard. “The hard angles of geometric will still be popular; however, they will soon give way to smooth and soft gently curved (but not quite round) shapes.”
Tap into two trends at once by working mid-century furniture – which is characterised by “clean yet softly rounded lines” – into your interior.
12. Natural beauty
Nature has been a driving force behind interior trends for the past few years, and its reign isn’t likely to end anytime soon. According to Ellard, natural materials like leather, weathered wood and rattan are staples that should make an appearance in every home. Meanwhile, terracotta and cork are two newcomers to the party that you should expect to see more of this season.
Express your love of nature
Nature has been a driving force behind interior trends for the past few years, and its reign isn’t likely to end anytime soon. According to Ellard, natural materials like leather, weathered wood and rattan are staples that should make an appearance in every home. Meanwhile, terracotta and cork are two newcomers to the party that you should expect to see more of this season.
Express your love of nature
Soft furnishings have been strongly influenced by this trend too. “This winter I’m seeing a real trend towards natural fabrics with a luxurious edge,” says Keenan. “Think chunky knits paired alongside textured natural linens and plush velvets. It’s all about comfort, without sacrificing style.”
What’s the key to pulling off a richly textured look like a pro?“Use a riot of textures but stick with neutral tones to pull-off chic winter warmth,” says Scougall.
What’s the key to pulling off a richly textured look like a pro?“Use a riot of textures but stick with neutral tones to pull-off chic winter warmth,” says Scougall.
13. Soft lighting
“There is a relaxed, casual elegance in the air as we prepare to brace ourselves for winter,” says Woods, whose company is responsible for the cosy bedroom above. As a result, the designer anticipates a move towards fixtures that throw soft light overhead, and away from harsh “heavy architectural or task-focused” lighting plans this season.
“There is a relaxed, casual elegance in the air as we prepare to brace ourselves for winter,” says Woods, whose company is responsible for the cosy bedroom above. As a result, the designer anticipates a move towards fixtures that throw soft light overhead, and away from harsh “heavy architectural or task-focused” lighting plans this season.
“What better way to inject soft lighting than to purchase a gorgeous table lamp or install a wall sconce in an unusual corner in the home,” Woods says. These fixtures will “attract the eye to a once-dead corner and bring life and energy to the space.”
Sconces: Jonathan Adler
Sconces: Jonathan Adler
14. Matt metallics
Glam high-shine metal finishes have been in favour for the past few years. While our love affair with all things metallic isn’t over just yet, bright metallics have had their moment in the sun – for now anyway.
“This winter there’s a new kid in town,” says Keenan. “Brass has definitely taken over copper as the metallic of choice. I’m not talking shiny brass though, but rather a softer matt finish that acts as a complement to textured fabrics and rustic ceramics.”
Glam high-shine metal finishes have been in favour for the past few years. While our love affair with all things metallic isn’t over just yet, bright metallics have had their moment in the sun – for now anyway.
“This winter there’s a new kid in town,” says Keenan. “Brass has definitely taken over copper as the metallic of choice. I’m not talking shiny brass though, but rather a softer matt finish that acts as a complement to textured fabrics and rustic ceramics.”
Matt brass isn’t the only metal that will shine this winter, according to Ellard. “Perfectly polished metal will lose its shine and in its place we will see more industrial metals such as burnished bronze, oxidised copper and black steel,” she says. “Introduce these raw metals into your home in the form of accessories such as lamp bases, vases, plant pots and coffee table bases.”
15. Marble and metallics
Speaking of metallics, Woods says pairing marble or other natural stones with metal – in particular, brass and copper accents – is a look that will prove particularly popular this winter.
The key to pulling off this trending look is to not be shy about mixing up and combining your metals. An easy way to work this look into your interior is to “layer your coffee and side tables with marble candle holders and metallic objects to give an instant hit,” says Woods.
Speaking of metallics, Woods says pairing marble or other natural stones with metal – in particular, brass and copper accents – is a look that will prove particularly popular this winter.
The key to pulling off this trending look is to not be shy about mixing up and combining your metals. An easy way to work this look into your interior is to “layer your coffee and side tables with marble candle holders and metallic objects to give an instant hit,” says Woods.
16. Snuggle-worthy linen
Move over flannelette, there’s a new winter bedfellow in town. According to Scougall, linen sheets will be a popular bedding choice this season. “Winter is about feeling warm and comfortable, so why not choose this luxurious and tactile option for your winter bedding?” the designer says. “Typically considered an ideal summer bedding option, linen sheets are equally ideal for winter due to their ability to breathe and contour to your body as you sleep. Combine this with a luxurious woollen throw blanket and you will have a naturally warm and comfortable sleep all winter round.”
Move over flannelette, there’s a new winter bedfellow in town. According to Scougall, linen sheets will be a popular bedding choice this season. “Winter is about feeling warm and comfortable, so why not choose this luxurious and tactile option for your winter bedding?” the designer says. “Typically considered an ideal summer bedding option, linen sheets are equally ideal for winter due to their ability to breathe and contour to your body as you sleep. Combine this with a luxurious woollen throw blanket and you will have a naturally warm and comfortable sleep all winter round.”
TELL US
What trends are you keen to get all wrapped up in this winter? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
MORE
How to Hibernate: Hot Tips for a Warm as Toast Winter
10 Things You Can Do Today to Beat the Winter Blues
Colour Splash: The Coolest Shades for Winter
What trends are you keen to get all wrapped up in this winter? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
MORE
How to Hibernate: Hot Tips for a Warm as Toast Winter
10 Things You Can Do Today to Beat the Winter Blues
Colour Splash: The Coolest Shades for Winter
Forget about cushions, curtains and upholstery with linear, symmetrical patterns – this season is all about soft furnishings dressed in painterly prints, according to Brisbane designer Anne Ellard. “Freehand illustrations on soft furnishings such as watercolour tropical florals, abstract brushstrokes and tribal designs are a great way to add some subtle patterns into your interiors and are a relief from the harsh geometrics that have dominated interior decor recently,” she says.
Take cues from this living space and cluster several freehand illustrated cushions together on your sofa for a punchy, personality-packed look. Alternatively, prop a single patterned cushion on your lounge and pair it with one or two neutral block-coloured pillows to create a scheme that’s more restrained in style.
Clashing colours and patterns that just work