It’s time to dive into quilted throws and shake out those plush rugs. Follow the lead of interior designer Lebo Zondi to create a cosy ambience in the heart of your home.
We layer our clothing in winter, so why not layer our spaces, too? So says Lebo Zondi, a Pretoria-based interior designer and the founder of Ipapatse Interiors, who recommends the incorporation of many different textures, shapes and light sources in a single space.
According to Lebo, there are a few quick, practical and inexpensive tweaks you can make to key rooms to help the mood shift along with the seasons. Focus on rich tones, textures and patterns across the board and add classic winter warmers, such as an oversized knitted throw or faux fur, to really bring it home.
Begin in the bedroom
This is your sacred space, so in winter it should be even more inviting and sumptuous, says Lebo. Mix warm and moody tones (like shades of charcoal, indigo and burgundy) with the neutrals you most likely already have, she proposes.
Grey is key, as it grounds the room, while brights should be stashed away for summer. And don’t be shy with accessories – throws, quilts and pillows will layer the bed beautifully to make a snug, secure space.
It’s important to remember to swap your summer sheets for warm cotton ones – and, if budget allows, hang up thicker curtains in place of summer’s sheer drapes. Make the bedroom even more welcoming with a textured rug near the bed, and switch on glowing bedside lamps rather than relying on harsh overhead lights.
Don’t overlook the bathroom
This is the one room we dash in and out of during winter – linger too long and the chilly tiles, blank walls and bright lights might freeze you to the spot! But it doesn’t have to be that way.
As with bedsheets, it’s time to bring out your fluffiest towels – not just for warmth, but for that restful feeling, says Lebo. Match your cosy towels with plush bathmats and gowns to feel completely cocooned in a room that can often feel cold and clinical.
While you’re at it, switch off the glaring overheads and light a candle or flick the switch on a string of LED fairy lights to create a more mellow mood. And remember: all this will come to nought if there’s a cracked or unsealed window, so patch those up asap.
Revisit the living room
It’s in the name – the living room is where we live out most of our time at home, so it’s probably already got quite a high snug factor. But why not take it one step further? Surely every sofa or armchair deserves its own throw in winter, say Lebo, and add more depth and texture with a few furry cushions.
A scented candle can help create a laid-back ambience – be sure to remember that there are summer and winter scents, so pick one that reflects the atmosphere you want to create. Layer the light with floor and table lamps, plus a few lanterns that throw beautiful patterns as they glow, suggests Lebo.
“An oversized rug should be the base of the room already, so double-up with a smaller rug on top to make the room feel warmer and cosier. Accessorise with a few rustic frames and small plants like succulents to round it off,” she adds.
For a final flourish, be sure to stock up on firewood if you’re lucky enough to have a fireplace; it’s the ultimate feature to bring in for that homey touch.
Keep cosy in the kitchen
“Plants have a way of bringing life into a space,” says Lebo. “This is also true when it comes adding cosiness; bring in more plants and dried flowers to add colour, too.”
Add earthy atmosphere with a rattan pendant light and include wood finishes and tones by putting wooden spoons and serveware on display.
Personalise shelves and counters with vintage finds and family pictures, and create comfort with extra cushions on the chairs. If your kitchen is long enough, a runner rug will work wonders for the room, advises Lebo.
Warmth is also something you smell and feel, so set up a coffee station where you can brew a cup all day – and if you’re up to it, bake some bread. The soft scent alone will be worth it!
Caring for your wood
Winter weather creates some special challenges for the beautiful woodwork in and around your home.
Dry Highveld and inland conditions can cause warping and cracking due to extreme moisture loss, while the Western Cape’s abundant rain creates an ideal environment for swelling and wood rot. Use these tips to keep your interior wood in top condition:
- Dust your wooden furniture regularly. Dusting and maintenance can be done simultaneously by wiping the wood with a soft cloth that’s lightly moistened with a high-quality wax like Woodoc Deep Penetrating Furniture Wax.
- Never use water for cleaning. If you need to clean wooden furniture, stick to your furniture wax – and use mineral turpentine on a soft cloth to remove any wax or oil build-up.
- Wooden floors need extra care. To prevent scratching, stick felt wads under the feet of any furniture that gets moved regularly – and when moving chairs, try to lift them up rather than dragging them across the floor.
- Prevent mud and grit from entering the house. Ask guests to wipe their feet and clean any mud off your wooden floor before it gets ground into the wood.
- Use a soft broom to sweep wooden floors regularly. Never (ever!) wash a wooden floor with water and soap – the soap will dull the finish and water will collect between the floor planks and cause warping.
If the floor needs cleaning, mix one-part white vinegar with 10 parts luke-warm water and use it sparingly to wipe the floor very gently. Dry the floor after cleaning.
More about Lebo Zondi
Lebo Zondi is an experienced interior designer who uses her creativity to craft living spaces that are homes and not just houses. In 2010, she founded Ipapatse Interiors as a full-service design studio in Pretoria, Gauteng. Lebo is an advocate for lives filled with luxury, deep joy and daily excitement.
Words by: Christi Nortier
Photographs: Future Publishing
