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Comfort tones Embrace rich paint colours and texture for a cosy home
Decorate with cosy hues
Comfort tones
Harness the power of colour and texture to cocoon at home this winter
Just as perky brights evoke energy and optimism going into the warmer months, a winter-inspired palette of comforting colours can turn your home into a hibernation haven. Trend watchers are seeing rich, complex hues embraced throughout the home, and with the power of bold colour to imbue a room with warmth, winter is a perfect time to try this interior design look on for size.
Safety tip Always have your wood heater professionally installed to ensure regulations and correct clearances are met
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Keep styling sparse on open shelves to let the colour shine
From previous page: Rear wall, for similar colour, try Dulux Tokomaru Bay paint. Wall behind heater painted in PPG Paints Shoe Leather paint. Wood heater, for similar, try Kent ‘Haast’ wood heater, $1,998, I/N: 0177879†. Firewood, for similar, try Solid Energy premium NZ split firewood, $14.98/9.5kg, I/N: 0401829. Table lamp, for similar try Verve Design ‘Samara’ table lamp, $25, I/N: 0123748 (globe sold separately). Verve Design medium linen tapered shade in Navy, $21.60, I/N: 0132086. Vases and cushions, Adairs, adairs.co.nz. Tray, West Elm, westelm.com. Linen sheets on seat and throw, Kip & Co, kipandco.com.au. All other products, stylist’s own. Top: Wall, for similar colour, try PPG Paints Renegade paint. Shelves, for similar colour, try Dulux Rotorua paint. Syngonium ‘White Butterfly’ plant. Mustard, white with handle and striped vases and basket, Adairs. Chair and tray, West Elm. All other products, stylist’s own. Below: Tray, West Elm. All other products, stylist’s own. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.
Achieve a cohesive scheme by sticking to a limited palette Start with colour When creating a cosy, comfortable space, colour is key. “Colour and emotions are closely linked, with colour playing a substantial role in influencing how we feel in a space,” explains Jane Wright, Bunnings trend and design manager. “The ‘cosy living’ trend accelerated during COVID as people yearned for reassurance and comfort. Earthy terracottas and ochres, and cosy shades of elderberry and clay evoke feelings that support our physical and emotional wellbeing. The warmth of these shades plays into our need to feel cocooned,” she says.
Warm reds and yellows are not the only choices; it’s all about undertones, richness of pigment and, of course, how the colour speaks to you on a personal level. Melanie Stevenson of Porter’s Paints, says, “Cosy up your space with colours you love, whether that is a restful blue, deep emerald green, a classic navy or a rich turmeric – as long as the colour is complex and moody, it will work well.”
Pastels can create a super cosy feeling
Go-to cosy hues There are certain colours that say ‘cosy’ in anyone’s language. “Warm and earth-based colours can create a sense of security and comfort, which is why these colours are perfect for cooler seasons,” says Davina Harper, Dulux colour specialist. For a restful scheme, steer away from vivid and fiery tones, and instead opt for soft sunset shades of blush and coral, or earthy shades of tobacco, rust, ochre and mustard.
Deeper tones tend to be more cocooning, but ultimately it’s about personal preference. “You can achieve a cosy feeling with pastel shades – for instance, PPG Paints Watchful Heart, a pinky pastel; Soft Look, a mellow pastel green; or Glad Grace, a soft mauve,” says PPG Paints chief coloursmith Rachel Lacy. These lighter shades might be an easier choice for the colour-shy, and can be layered with deeper-toned accessories.
You can also promote warmth with dark hues. Jane says, “My preference to create a cosy atmosphere is to use darker, moodier colours such as charcoals and deep olives. Visual depth is then added through a considered assortment of textures and surfaces. Assuming the room has plenty of natural light, these tones bring a sense of stillness into spaces.”
Keep out the cold If you prefer a cooler palette, you can still create a cosy space – it’s all about the paint colours you choose and how you match them. Melanie says, “If you love cooler tones like greys, blues and greens, look for ones that are complex with some warm element to the undertones.” For example, choose a grey with undertones of ochre over one with a straight black tint, which will be cold and soulless. “The human eye can see tens of thousands of colours and a complex colour is actually softer on the eye and easier to live with than a simple one,” she says. Complete the paint scheme with a warm neutral for trims and any other walls.
Next, dress the room with cosy coloured and textured accessories. Davina suggests, “To balance these cooler hues, you can add texture with beautiful warm layers of textiles in rich browns, caramels and terracottas.” Finally, consider lighting, choosing warm white bulbs over cooler tones.
Add texture with beautiful warm layers
Top tip The energy of a space is affected by the colours you choose. Cool colours, such as blues and greys, are a good choice for bedrooms and office spaces, where a calming ambience is appropriate
Light and dark shades on the same colour spectrum can create a sense of depth and substance
Wall, for similar colour, try Porter’s Paints Dark Newport Blue paint. Headboard, for similar colour, try Dulux Parakai paint. Pillowcases, rust velvet cushion, sheet and throw, Adairs. Round and striped cushions and duvet cover, Kip & Co. All other products, stylist’s own.
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Find out how to select the right shades of paint for your interiors: bunnings.co.nz/choosing-anindoor-paint-colour
PPG Paints Tampico Brown
Rich hues on feature walls, cushions and tactile throws evoke warmth and create intimacy
Diverse textures add tactile depth
Flattering glow Beautiful lighting can instantly make or break a comforting mood. Colour is essential – swap out bright, blue-toned LEDs for warm white bulbs and add accent lights. “Think layered illumination; every room should have a mix of lighting, including overhead, accent and task lights,” says Jane. “The interplay between light and dark created by multiple light sources creates darker, quieter moments. If only one light source is used everything is flat and boring.” Plug-in wall lights, table lamps and floor lamps allow you to upgrade your lighting without calling in an electrician. Dimmers on lights will give you an additional level of control over the mood of the room. And if all else fails, nothing says cosy like candlelight. Dress up warm A plush rug or artfully draped throw can take an interior scheme from summer to winter. It’s all about adding softness and balancing hard materials, says Melanie Stevenson. “If you have roller blinds, soften
Lamps can turn a dark corner into a welcoming nook the effect with sheer curtains. Leather sofas? Add throws and textured cushions to counter the hard texture.”
“Diverse textures in a room bring much greater visual and tactile depth. It always takes a couple of different textures to achieve a beautifully balanced room,” says Jane Wright. “The key is to avoid finishes and materials with the same surface – for example, if you have a wooden floor and a leather sofa, add fluffy, woollen or quilted cushions and a throw to break up the smoothness.”
Pick furniture with rounded forms over hard angles, and choose natural materials that invite touch – especially those in rich colours. “Incorporating wood into a room with cool colours is a great way to create cosiness as its rich tones visually warm a space. A timeless leather armchair has the same effect,” says Jane. ◆
WALK IN WITH YOUR WARDROBE, SORTED
