Shorter days, longer nights. Cold feet and snuggling on the couch. Yes, winter is coming and there’s nothing you can do about it. Or is there?

While we don’t get blanketed by snow in Sydney, we definitely do get frosty mornings and chilly nights. So, is your house prepared? I’m not just talking about the practical side of things, but adding some winter style to your home is essential. Just like you pull out your winter coats and long boots for the colder months, your living space should reflect your style and also get some TLC. Below are some tips to give your home some winter loving.

Cover me up

In the warmer months, it’s lovely to walk around barefoot on timber floorboards or tiles. But as the temperature drops, it’s best to avoid frostbite. A thick, plush rug can not only keep your little piggies warm, but also add a splash of colour to your rooms. Instead of bringing out the old tired rug you keep stashed in the garage, go out and buy a new one in a bold, warm colour. It needn’t be expensive, rather an accessory for your home, even if only for one season.

Colour me up

If your home is styled in a neutral palette, it is easy to add some winter accents to bring warmth and an interesting dynamic to your living areas. You needn’t crack open the paint cans, but you can buy a wall hanging, add some indoor plants and flowers (coloured orchids are my favourites), new cushions or even a new tablecloth. You will soon create a cosy space to hibernate during the cold nights.

Layer me up

There’s nothing I like more than adding layers during winter. Scarves, hats, gloves, coats. Use this same principle in your home. If you’ve already got a rug, add another in a contrasting colour. You have cushions? Add a few more in  different sizes or shapes. Also consider layering textures – different materials and fabrics to build up an interesting and inviting atmosphere.

Heat me up

Have you got an old fireplace that you’ve never used? Now is the time to get a professional in to give it the once-over and help get it fired up! Or maybe you need to invest in a gas fireplace or heater. Nothing beats staring into a flame, listing to some tunes while sipping on some mulled wine.

Light me up

As the nights get longer, you’ll need to create more light in your home, there are a plethora of lamps to choose from. Look for stylish and easily portable lamps in bright colours. If you have enough lighting, maybe hang some more mirrors. Candles are always a beautiful addition, but remember – safety first.

Winter need not be dull and dreary. A few simple changes can brighten up your home and create an inviting, cosy living space.

Here are five easy tips on getting the lighting perfect in your home…

You think you know the people in your life pretty well, right? Their likes, dislikes and even favourite colours. But, sometimes that perception of a friend can be completely blasted into oblivion the moment you walk into their homes.

Here’s an example: your work colleague is having a little party and has invited all staff to their home. Now, you know this person, let’s call him Fred, loves his car ­– the V8 Holden Commodore. You know Fred collects memorabilia and treats his car like it’s made from gold. However, nothing could have prepared you for the onslaught of Holden paraphernalia on entering his home. From framed posters posing as ‘art’ on the wall, model cars, kitschy ashtrays, tea towels and EVEN the linen, it was as if Holden had vomited all over the house. Where did Fred go wrong?

When it goes completely wrong

Image Source

Now, the example might be a little extreme, but sometimes, people’s hobbies dominate or rather completely overtake the styling of a home. I have seen this phenomenon in many homes, and sometimes it is subtle. Often it extends from a favourite colour (think everything purple!) or a favourite city (we’ve all been in a Francophile’s home and seen the Eiffel tower invade every nook and cranny). Usually, it starts off on a small scale, but slowly creeps in over the years and then one day you wake up on the set of Star Wars. When you wake up to a life-sized cardboard cut-out of wookie in your bedroom, you know you’ve gone too far!

Scale it back

Style, they say, is a second-cousin to class. So the message here is to keep it classy! I’m not saying you need to hock all your collectibles on Ebay, but to scale back. Here’s an example of getting it right. A friend of mine is a cocktail aficionado and loves vintage liquor posters. We all know how alluring bottles of alcohol can be (the colours, the shapes, the sizes) but instead of displaying bottles in an out-dated cabinet, she has decorated her home with beautifully framed posters of her favourite spirits. Her passion for creating cocktails is tastefully expressed without it being forced down your throat. Not only are these posters works of art, but she has stayed true to her hobby.

Striking the right balance

Image Source

The most important thing about styling your home is to be completely comfortable in your space. There’s no point in buying and placing pieces in your house ‘for show’. Homes are meant to be lived in ­– so if your precious, priceless objet d’art could be shattered by a roaming toddler, then pack it away. Incorporating a hobby into your home can be achieved by balancing this passion with regular items (or pieces your partner likes). If you’re lucky enough to share the hobby with your partner, then set a limit and stick to it. For instance, ONE porcelain poodle figurine, not a litter! The other option is to create a room or space devoted to your hobby. For example, if you are a mad Elvis Presley fan, maybe you can create a music room and keep your records, posters and movies in that space to enjoy at your leisure.

However, if you want to be in the Guinness World Records for the biggest number of throw pillows shaped as Persian Cats, then open a museum and charge entry!

Men have always insisted they need their space for Private Men’s Business. The Den, the Man Cave, the Pool Room, the garage ­– with women and children relegated to the rest of the house!

Well, not anymore. Introducing the ‘She Shed’

Sweeping the nation

Image Source: Lighter Side of Real Estate

No longer the domain of the hairy ones, women can now have THEIR own space (complete with lockable door) to pursue their interests. I’m not talking about a little nook in the lounge room for their porcelain ornaments or the kitchen but a four-walled structure in the back yard. I’m talking about She Sheds.

A She Shed can be anything you want it to be. A music studio, writing den, sewing room, pottery barn, spa retreat, painting studio, ANYTHING your imagination can come up with. The beauty of a She Shed is you can have as many art works or fragrant candles burning and no-one can tell you the house smells like the perfume counter at David Jones. It can be your relaxation retreat without having to leave the house. Yes, the She Shed is great.

On a more serious note, She Sheds are practical. With more women working from home, (the study is already packed with the kids’ computers and homework) a She Shed is the perfect home office – one you don’t have to share. But here’s the bonus: it can be so much more than just a practical office space.

The marriage saver

I have an associate who runs her own business from home. A great move as she is constantly ferrying kids from school and sport and being at home she can keep an eye on the kids after school. Sounds perfect right? Home/life balance achieved. However, her husband also works from home. While they are a great couple, their businesses couldn’t be more different. She loves to listen to music while she works, he has cables and computers littering the floor. On top of that clash, they SHARED a desk. It was creating tension and both businesses were suffering. So, they decided to wear a business cost and save their work/life balance. After researching the costs and measuring out the backyard, they hired a professional to construct the framework and then rolled up their sleeves and set about creating a small yet perfect space, complete with electricals, window and even a little verandah.  A few weeks later, the cabin was up and a marriage harmonious once more.

You’re only limited by your imagination

Image Source: Oddee.com

Here are some creative ideas from women around the world.

As you can see, you can personalise it to suit your space, budget and needs.

Value added

From a real estate point of view, She Sheds are a sound investment. For example, spending $10,000 on a top-notch space can add a LOT more when your property is on the market. A wider demographic will be attracted and your property could sell for more.

And once business is done for the day….

Image Source: Lighter Side of Real Estate

I forgot to mention, She Sheds also make a great after-hours relaxing retreat (sitting on the verandah with a cold glass of wine) once the kids are tucked in bed…