It's that time of the year when butter-soft mornings and cracker-crisp nights make life feel like a lovable hug. Moods are filled with richer hues and emotions are textured more deeply. Physically too, colours, fabrics and objects with heightened colours and contours begin to appeal to you. You want that cushion on your favourite sofa to be draped in a deep jewel tone to shine against the mellow sun streaming into the room. You want the cool, pastel tones in your home to be replaced with splashes of vibrant shades. You want to sink your feet into deep-pile throw rugs over the cool parquet that offered solace in summer.
Winter usually brings about these cravings. The best thing to do is give in to them. Decide your budget, consider the space available and indulge your imagination.
Living room
- The natural feel of the brown leather upholstery forms the room's focus and gives a cosy aura.
- The cream carpet builds on this; its rich texture and colour provide a warm foundation for the whole room.
- Offsetting the rich look of the sofa are the lighter browns of the timber tables (reclaimed from old barn doors in the Punjab.)
- The red lamp and accessories add the right splash of colour.
- Cushions and textiles in textured creams and greys stand out against the dark brown upholstery; the grey artwork does a similar job.
- Silver accessories adding an additional glint.
Tips by Joe Hepworth, General Manager- Middle East, Indigo Living, Dubai.
Expert says...
This is a straightforward palette - there are really no more than four colours (brown, grey/silver, white/cream and red). Depth and richness is achieved by marrying complementary tones and avoiding too many colours. Blues, greens, purples and yellows would not add to the scene, so don't be tempted to overdo things.
The room is based on warm brown tones and the accessories complement the colour scheme. The lighter hue of the natural wood tables accentuates both the richness of the fabrics and hides and its plainness, while at the same time drawing attention to the eclectic accessories. Splashes of primary colour come from accessories and lighting in red.
Select different tones, shades and textures of existing colours to update or improve your look; don't just throw in new colours as they probably won't match and you'll end up with a mess.
- Info courtesy: Joe Hepworth
Master bedroom
What colours were used and how:
- Cool, serene, neutral hues such as whites, off-whites to contrast with the dark brown in the foreground and greens in the background. The result is a comfortable, tranquil yet cosy environment.
- Focus is on shades of cream and pastels because light colours evoke calmness.
- Add a touch of light grey or purple through accessories like candles or coffee mugs.
- Heighten the neutral effect through tints and tones of white
- Introduce a warm shade of brown to add colour to an otherwise monochromatic palette.
- Keep colours in the bedroom neutral by using basic shades such as cream and beige. It makes it easy to play with the surroundings in terms of colour.
- You can create a cosy environment with a touches of greys, browns and creams in the accessories, linen or pillows.
n Contrasting earth colours in greens or dark browns in pillows or bed throws can work as a focal point.
– Tips by Farida S.Nagarwala, Interior Designer, Western Furniture, Dubai, Shaikh Zayed Road.
Expert says...
Don’t be afraid to experiment with colours, accessories and most of all, in adding artistic features to your space. The winter palette this year consists of shades in blue, grey, purple, maroon and even pastels such as cream, beige and light brown. Embracing a new design and bringing changes to an already designed space is always challenging and you can meet this challenge with flair if you pick the right colours and use them judiciously in the right places.
– Info courtesy: Farida S. Nagarwala
Kids’ room
What colours were used and how:
- The bedroom furniture is simple ivory white, so to achieve colours and impact elsewhere in the room we use a combination of accessories and fabrics.
- Bedlinen is based on the traditional blue for boys and pink for girls, but in relatively muted tones in soft cotton, adding to the furniture’s classic look.
- Walls are in deep purples and plums to add warmth and offer a grand contrast against the furniture’s white.
- Brightness also comes from the striking curtains which bring colour to the room night and day.
- More colour – and some fun – is added by the wall decals of animals and plants; these can be changed with the season or as your child grows up.
- A Christmas theme is brought into play with the snowy white tree and red and silver decorations and accessories.
– Tips by Joe Hepworth
Expert says...
With white as the room’s core colour, you can have fun with the rest of the room: textiles and linen should be colourful.
Walls in rich monotone look great set against the white furniture (and the white floors most homes have in this region.)
Being a kids’ room, it favours single colours and blocks rather than patterns as this allows for the children to add to the room’s decor with their own paintings and creations.
It is important however not to go ‘crazy’. Pick three or four bright colours to work with keeping in mind your children’s favourite colours, clothes, toys and personalities.
Remember, children grow up fast so picking tones that will still work as they move through different stages and interests is important or you’ll have to redecorate every six months.
– Info courtesy: Joe Hepworth
Guest bedroom
What colours were used and how:
- Variations of different shades of brown, such as beige and dark brown.
- Contrast this with a bright orange. Keep the space lively and energetic.
- Create a lively look with candles and bright reading material.
- Keep the furniture theme earthy using shades of dark green and easy brown. This lends a soft warmth to the room that works well for winter.
- Use contrasting shades in curtains, rugs and even bedlinen.
- Add a personal touch to the room by displaying your favourite books or photo frames.
– Tips by Farida S.Nagarwalaexpert says
Winter is the perfect time to ramp up the cosy quotient in your home. Introducing seasonal design touches that capture the many facets of winter turns into a delightful task now. Warm browns and reds that reflect a roaring fire or the setting sun; soft, buttery leathers and salt-and-pepper woollen textiles that turn your home into a cocoon... Accentuate design with cool greys, silvers and whites that evoke the snow and ice. Natural woods should also feature in your design – evoking images of stacks of firewood and bare winter branches! This can be easily achieved in most homes through careful selection of the right accessories. Monochromatic cushion covers and throws with fine detailing are great ways to bring in greys, creams and whites; solid-brass table art makes for dramatic dining and adds a hefty winter warmth whilst being a statement piece in its own right.
Reflective surfaces such as nickel and silver add a touch of glamour and complement the season’s overall mood.
– Info courtesy: Farida S. Nagarwala
