Even though we are in the depth of winter doesn’t mean we can’t boost our mood and have happy thoughts. Sometimes just a walk in nature can help improve your spirits. A promenade along the sea front costs you nothing, stroll the pathways of a nature reserve and feel the earth and fallen leaves beneath your feet, or take a hike up the top of the hill and get inspired by the long distant views. “By discovering nature, you discover yourself” — Maxime Lagacé
Nature is inspiring our decor and textile designers as well; nature and sustainability underpins their creativity. For the next 12 months watch out as we head towards more sustainable materials and earthy, natural colours. I love the names too; they fire up my imagination: hazel, living coral, chilli pepper, summer fig, cranberry, merlot, caramel, butterscotch. You will see more products which have texture and created from natural fibres with the colours of greens, blues, brown hues and darker reds.
Dulux Colour Palette
You will always feels refreshed and invigorated after a winter walk in nature. The breakfast nook below is reminiscent of winter, don’t you think? The winter colours of caramel, Merlot, cream, and moody blue soft fabrics, combined with the rich textures of faux fur, wool, leather, wood and ceramics add a touch of warmth to this home in the UK.
Photo : Dan Duchars for Idealhome.co.uk
You can invent your own colour combinations too. I have found blue and caramel hues is my current favourite combination.
Below is a living room which Rachel Chulew, Founder and Principal at DesignHaus24 helped the owners decorate. Chulew explains. “This style includes lots of color, cement tile, marine blues that aren’t so traditional, modern lines and an overall sense of playfulness. Here, the geometry and colors on the throw pillows, the caramel-colored midcentury modern-style chairs and the eclectic coffee table bring in the look.”
I love the look above. Blues and caramel go well together and any room a quick boost of colour and warmth.
Of course I can’t afford to purchase a new couch each time I want to try out new styles, so I used my old Sofa Bed with its neutral cover and dressed it up. Cool icy-blue faux fur compliments the caramel and cinnamon cushions and give the sofa a cosy but jazzed up look for winter.
Or mix it up with powder blue cushions, the caramel throw and round pillows. Both have that winter feel with a pop of colour.
Colours can boost your morale as this article from Homes To Love explains “You’re a better person when you’re calm and happy, so why not turn your home into a feel-good space with a mood-altering coat of paint……Natural colours found in the environment help make you feel more relaxed. Green is associated with balance, harmony and growth, whilst blue helps achieve a calm, peaceful or productive space. These work best blended with neutrals – white, greys, browns and black. These palettes work well in bathrooms, bedrooms and home offices.”
Homes To Love
Here are some more examples. The warm earthy tones of the wood complement the blue and caramel furniture. It can be cold, foggy and wintry outside but inside this home, you feel peaceful and warm (Check out that textured rug too, I love it.)
My friend Sarah’s couch contrasts creams and caramels on a natural brown raffia couch. Her beautiful winter table display pays homage to the season.
This guest bedroom from the Valencia Lounge Hostel where the designers at Masquespacio have transformed the hotel. It demonstrates how textured wall hangings, earthy colours of cream and caramel and pops of colour from the powder-blue lamps give warmth and personality in what could easily be just another impersonal hotel room.
Photo : Masquespacio.com
This bedroom below uses the same tones of Merlot, blacks and caramel and plenty of raffia/rattan to bring out the warmth of this bedroom below. It has a playfulness about it, especially with the faux flower by the bed!
photo : Zanui.com.au
Get the look: These products are available from Zanui and many are on sale until 22nd July.
