Warm up your living room without burning your budget
In every issue of BNZ GoodHome, I’ll be taking a look at a different room in the house and showing you simple ways to enhance and improve the space. Kicking off today with the living room, and some warming winter style.
During the colder months we spend a lot more time indoors. Whether you’re watching TV, snuggled up with a good book, hanging out with the family or entertaining friends, the living room is a place to relax and unwind. Aside from turning up the heat in your home, there are plenty of ways to make your living area more cosy. Here are some of my top tips for creating a space that is both warm and inviting.
1. THROWS
Throws draped over the sofa, chair or ottoman will instantly make the room feel more cosy. Choose heavier cottons and wools for added warmth, and have fun with colours, textures and patterns. Right now I’m loving the Forestry range of 100% NZ wool blankets from Paper Plane and the Kate & Kate cotton throws from LET LIV.
2. FURNITURE
In large or open-plan living rooms, pay attention to how you configure your furniture. Create functional seating areas alongside easy to reach coffee or side tables, and cosy corner nooks for reading.
3. RUGS
Rugs are ideal for adding warmth underfoot, especially on hard wooden floors. I recommend getting one big enough to go under the legs of your sofa. Don’t be afraid to use them on carpeted floors as well, as they really help to anchor a room and define the space. For a beautiful range of neutral styles I recommend the Armidillo&Co Earth Collection from Ivy House. For bright colours and graphic designs, take a look at Collected.
4. SHEEPSKINS
Sheepskins inject both warmth and texture into living rooms, and can be used either as a rug or a throw. Great for layering, there are many different varieties to choose from including the more exotic long-haired Icelandic sheepskins or popular Reindeer hides. Check out Superette Home for a range of sheepskins as well as throws and rugs.
5. CANDLES
Perfect for grey weather and shorter days, candles create a cosy ambiance when placed throughout the room on the mantel, coffee table or side tables. Scented candles provide further warmth and a little bit of luxury, thanks to their beautiful aromas. I always choose pure, soy wax candles and I love trying out new fragrances each season. This winter I’m enjoying heavier scents like fig and vanilla.
6. LIGHTING
The right lighting can help create warmth. Rather than just turning on the overhead light, add one or two floor lamps to create a more intimate glow.
7. CURTAINS
If you’re able to, change sheer curtains, linen and cottons for heavier fabrics in winter, ensuring that they hang all the way to the floor. An added bonus is this will also help you save considerably on your heating bill. Make sure you open the curtains during the day to let in the light. Giving your windows a clean will help maximise this. We’ve just cleaned all of our windows in the living area and it’s made a big difference!
8. GREENERY & FLOWERS
Bring the outdoors in. Greenery and fresh flowers instantly liven up your space. Flowers provide a great way of bringing in some pops of bright colour, while house plants actually help to improve the air quality inside the home. Look out for market stalls in your area for affordable flowers or pick them fresh from the garden. I aim to buy a bunch every other week from a local lady who sets up shop early weekday mornings at one of our local parks. Even a few foraged leaves and branches from outside will add a nice, natural touch.
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This article is intended as a general discussion only. BNZ recommends the recipient get independent advice. The views expressed are the writer’s own and do not necessarily represent those of BNZ or its related entities.
