Scottish design duo Colin McAllister and Justin Ryan are in Canada filming their latest series, Colin & Justin's Home Heist on HGTV, and they want to offer you some advice. Don't give your home the cold shoulder this season; treat it to a new winter wardrobe.
Think about it: what's happening to your wardrobe at the moment? Are you still in summer's linen tops and cool-as-you-like sandals? Or have plunging temperatures pushed you to scan the stores for cashmere cardis and warm woollen skirts? Well, if it's time to wrap up the body, then it's time to wrap up the home!
1 Dress your home in winter fashions. Think cosy and swap your lightweight silk cushions and floaty window dressings for items with a fluffy or warm-to-the-touch nature. We love to snuggle up in chic bedding, like the British Plaid collection from Toronto-based bedding couturier Lee Wilder Bedwear (866-787-0080; Toronto, 416-203-9086 or leewilder.com to order).
2 Try out a new look. A simple rejig can give the impression of freshness and difference without costing any money whatsoever. Move furniture and accessories around until you find a new arrangement that you like. Group similar items together to create interest zones; for example, pair up lamps on a dull sideboard for an instant lift.
3 Accessorize! Update your home with fresh flowers, candles, cushions and throws. Accessories can change the mood and dynamic of a space. For colour, choose pieces in warm hues like rich red and deep orange, and you'll be sure to raise your room's temperature.
4 Slap on some makeup. Paint or wallpaper one accent or feature wall. Doing so can really smarten up your environment without the cost of redecorating your entire space.
5 Add warmth with light. Proper lighting can really cosy up a space. As the months roll forward, it's best to avoid harsh lighting. Instead, favour warm glows created by lights like the Mini Table Lamp in hot red from EQ3 (eq3.com for stores). Or invest in an affordable dimmer switch like Lutron's Maestro Preset 600W in white from The Home Depot (800-628-0525 or homedepot.ca for stores), and you'll be changing your mood on a whim. Even easier, opt for the simple, natural glow of flickering scented candles. Bliss!
Catch the boys on Colin & Justin's Home Heist; see hgtv.ca for local showtimes.
Image courtesy of HGTV
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2 Comments
where can I find out how to make that headboard...i love it.
none of this will get the heating cost down or warmer just look better...I was hoping for some tips to bring down the heating cost and make my 100 year old house warmer. Not just look warmer but actually warmer so that I don't need to wear a sweater and slippers inside and still have high heating costs.