2018 Winter trends
Just when I thought summer was never going to end, winter came along and smacked us into reality with her icy fingers. !
As soon as those crisp frosty mornings start rolling in and the last of those gorgeous ruby red leaves drop off, the great winter hibernation begins.
On the bright side, along with the beauty of winter comes time for our homes to really shine.
You spend much more time at home in the cooler months, snuggled up on the couch, cooking hot dinners and enjoying the warm pleasures that a masterfully built house brings.
Not so keen to brave the elements, we often opt for a relaxing day at home and to indulge ourselves in the bounties winter brings us.
Whether you prefer to lounge by the the fire or enjoy long hot soaks in a bath, your home is where you want to be, in the winter months.
So it is important to love it and all that it has to offer.
That being said I thought we could take a look at what is trending this season and see what else can we fall in love with in these cooler months.
Floral
Floral designs and patterns are big this season.
Before you discount this as too feminine or "Nana-ish"
There are lots of different and stunning ways you can add a bit of floral to your home without overwhelming the space.
A simple print for instance. This can be subtle yet effective and add a touch of romance and colour to an otherwise sterile or bland space.
Or a stylish, feature cushion, like this one pictured from Citta. This not only has the trending floral pattern but also this seasons "in" colours. Easily tucked into a corner on your couch, adding character to any living space.
Or for those of you not afraid of going all the way with this seasons flora, you can create a stunning feature wall like this one below from Miss Lolo. This makes for a home to remember and adds a level of rich luxury to your home.
Vintage rugs
This can be a bit tricky to incorporate into a home but if you happen to have wood, concrete or tiled floors, this can be a real winner as well as a delightful winter warmer.
The beauty in these intricate rugs is second to none and they're truly worth the investment.
Most often found in deep reds, blues and greens, they can also be sourced in soft pastel colours, antique and luxurious.
These rugs are rich in colour and texture, so will really lift any space that feels a bit cold and bare.
They are a true focal point in any room and although careful planning needs to be used, so as not to clash with other colours used in the home. They are just as beautiful as they are practical.
Rich colours
Sometimes we can get a bit lost in white, with a hint of grey and a touch of black.
There is nothing wrong with these colours, they're a safe and practical choice.
But this season calls for a touch of courage in colours as well as prints.
Think luxurious dark emerald greens, smokey deep blush pinks, velvet navy blues, burnt ruby reds and full rich mustards.
Colours to warm your soul as well as your home.
Be really bold and paint a feature wall in a warm mossy green.
Be really wild and chuck a dusky pink couch in front of it.
Sink into your warm, over stuffed sofa and drag that rusty coloured throw over your feet. Rest your head amongst dirty, khaki green pillows scattered on your master bed.
The options for adding these colours in are endless and therefore can fit into most budgets and styles.
If you are unsure, and let's face it most of us are scared of a bit of colour, then start small. What about a gorgeous terracotta pot with a stunning string of hearts spilling out, or a velvety deep green cushion. Either of these will make a small but decorative statement.
A touch of rattan
Rattan is back with a vengeance.
It's soft natural tones and renewable nature
are drawing people in to add this more and more into their interiors.
Forget the old school horrible rattan chairs of our childhoods, they now come in trendy and beautifully designed furniture.
We are seeing beautifully crafted bed heads, delicate foot stools and minimalistic coffee tables and children's beds.
If you are not too sure about this trend then possibly just start with a basket and plant, or the surround of a mirror. Even a trendy straw hat hung on the wall, will capture the attention of people visiting your home.
The rattan makes for a beautiful light shade, adding texture and warmth to a space.
When the light shines through them, designs will dance on your walls, creating mood lighting that is second to none.
Building??
If you happen to be building then this section is for you.
Here are a few trends to keep in mind when choosing your bits and pieces.
Firstly mixed metal is finally ok, actually more than ok, it's the height of fashion.
Think black taps with gold metal mirror surrounds. Brushed nickel shower heads with black taps. All of these things we wouldn't do before but now is the time.
Secondly tiles. The big trend we are seeing at the moment is concrete tiles.
Everything from smooth, soft, light coloured concrete all the way to deep charcoal heavily grained, concrete tiles.
These can be used in bathrooms, back splashes, kitchen floors and laundry.
You can lay them to look like a natural concrete floor or get creative with herringbone or hexagon style.
It can be cold and industrial looking, so I suggest you warm it up with adding natural wood vanities and softer coloured towels. So just a few little design trends there.
Remember you should never choose things just because they're in fashion. Fashions come and go but if any of these things spark a little fire in your heart, then now is the time to go out and buy that floral painting, buy that mustard throw or paint a wall.
I hope you all stay warm this winter and enjoy your homes. If you are not loving your house, maybe it's time to think about calling someone from Anthem Homes and start building that house you have always dreamed of.