Fall Prep for Winter Décor

November is off to an amazing start in terms of warm weather but there’s something to be said for cooler days that force us to hibernate and relax indoors.

Here are a few ways to ensure you and your home are ready for winter:

Colour

Rich, saturated colours are extremely popular this year and fall is the perfect time to embrace them indoors. Think burgundy, sage green, sapphire blue, deep purple, brassy copper and dark brown.

Novembers colour of the month is “Equestrian” – a warm, rich caramel colour that’s often used for leather or upholstery and is a great compliment to temper the bold jewel tones above.

If you’re willing to commit, repaint your walls or cabinetry one of these rich hues but consider a shiny lacquered finish to reflect light. If you’d rather play it safe, incorporate touches of colour with toss cushions, a higher pile area rug, wool or knit throws and accessories.

Jewel tones add a richness and warmth to your décor that you’ll appreciate once the snow falls and little colour remains outdoors. They may also inspire a fresh take on your holiday décor.

Texture

Texture equals warmth and who doesn’t need that once we reach subzero temperatures. Contrast cool leather chairs with warm wool carpets, cable knit pillows and heavy throws. Add faux fur beside mixed metals, glass or marble.

The options are truly endless when it comes to warm textiles and fabrics like velvet or wool. Wallpaper is another popular trend that’s sure to add texture, especially if done in a flocked finish. For a timeless yet bold touch incorporate a bit of animal print in a bright or neutral palette to add richness and warmth.

Texture makes your home more inviting by giving it depth and creating visual interest. The end result is a cozy retreat you and your guests will enjoy no matter how cold it gets beyond your front door.

Fireplace

A fireplace is a terrible thing to waste if you’re lucky enough to have one – whether it’s operational or not. Rearrange your furniture so it’s truly the primary focal point and change up your mantel display to reflect the season. Simple, inexpensive changes like fall foliage, twigs and branches are a natural way to bring warmth and colour indoors.

Inspect your gas or wood-burning fireplace to ensure it’s functioning for when you’ll need it most. If your fireplace isn’t functional, add logs, tea lights, candles or string lights to replicate the warm ambience of fire.

This is also a great time of year to consider remodeling your fireplace surround just in time for the holidays.

Layer

More is more when it comes to decorating for winter and ensuring comfort indoors. Dig into your linen closet for thicker throws, blankets and pillows. You may want to invest in a few new pieces as well.

Every year I swap my lightweight pillows for cable knit or wool. I also dig out my neutral Hudson’s Bay blanket – a great investment piece for any room. Changing your linens to something warmer like flannel or bamboo is a great way to add warmth and/or colour to your bedroom. When in doubt picture yourself curled up on a cold day with a good book to ensure you have everything you’ll need.

Velvet curtains are great way to warm up drafty windows. Most restaurants in New York use them as temporary second entrances for this reason as well. Use this as inspiration to prevent cold drafts from getting indoors, especially if you lack a true foyer or your main entrance opens directly into an open concept living area.

Accessorize

This is the perfect time to de-clutter and/or swap out summer accessories for warmer alternatives. Think rustic, vintage and organic in terms of finish, shape and style. Wood is always a great option to warm even the coolest of spaces. Most natural elements add warmth through colour and texture as do mercury glass, brass and silver when done in an antique, patina finish. Reflective finishes also help bounce light around your room – something we can all use more of during the dark winter months ahead.