A guide to brightening your home for winter
<p>As the temperature drops and the days become shorter and darker, keeping the winter blues at bay is essential to staying happy and healthy. Here, Michelle Greeves, the creative director at Charles Parsons Interiors, shares her top five tips on how to keep your home bright and light this winter:</p><p><strong>Colour pop</strong><br>"Create a warming and welcoming space in your lounge by putting together a decorative table centrepiece filled with candles and bright flowers of your choice. The candles will not only create a warming feel but if you opt for scented ones, they will impart the smell of spring. Complement the scene with a beautiful table runner in a luxurious fabric to add the perfect finishing touch."</p><p>Note: Diptqyue candles like the Feu de Bois (6), $78, are a super indulgent way to light up your home and impart a warming scent into your space. Available at Mecca Cosmetica.</p><p><strong>All white now</strong><br>"Re-decorating or adding a splash of white paint throughout your home will create a more open and airy feel. For a quick fix, however, filling your home with white cushions, curtains, rugs, blankets and furniture will immediately make your home seem lighter and brighter. Use different textures to create depth and warmth in the mix, like the Shimmer Ivory Cushion (4), $52.95 and the Leon Cushion (2), $31.95 (both by Rapee)."</p><p><strong>In full bloom</strong><br>"Fresh flowers in bright colours, like pink or orange, will instantly uplift a room and create the feeling of a loved home. If, like me, you prefer not to replace flowers every few days, opt for something in a floral print. Curtains or cushions work well and will ensure your home stays in summer-mode all year round."</p><p>Note: Plants (1), real or fake, are a great way to bring of the outdoors in and add colour and texture to your interiors.</p><p><strong>Sorbet shades</strong><br>"Pastels and candy colours are on-trend in fashion and make-up through to interiors. Go for a modern twist on a classic colour combination by adding it to your home for a light-hearted feel. After all, what is more uplifting than the reminder of the childhood treats like fairy floss, sherbet and mints? Make a statement with reupholstered chairs in a dreamy blue or scatter a selection of cushions in various light hues to add pastel highlights to a room."</p><p><strong>Shimmer and shine</strong><br>"Eye-catching items that shimmer and sparkle will add a touch of glamour to your living areas for the winter months. Not only will these unique pieces demand attention, they will reflect the light and brighten your home. Stick to monochrome for a chic, elegant feel. Check out the Electric White shimmer cushion (3), $45 and Electric Throw rug (5), $66 (both by Rapee)."</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p>
