Brrr! Winter’s here in Oz, and while those days are getting shorter and the nights are turning nippy, there’s no reason your house needs to follow suit. Consider professional garden maintenance and home painting services to give your home a winter refresh. But if you’re a DIY enthusiast, you can do some easy tweaks yourself to create a winter wonderland that’s both inviting from the street and a cosy haven inside. Here’s how to ditch the winter blues and turn your place into a retreat you’ll love.
Sustainable chic for winter: do good, look good
Forget lush green lawns and overflowing flowerbeds – they’re not exactly on-trend (or alive!) during a frosty Aussie winter. But that doesn’t mean your curb appeal has to take a dive! Sustainability’s all the rage these days, and you can incorporate it beautifully into your winter landscape. Think recycled planters – old tyres, wine barrels, or even that rickety coffee table you never use can all add personality. Hiring some professional gardening and maintenance services that specialise in sustainable practices can give you awesome ideas and keep your winter garden thriving.
Water conservation is another biggie when it comes to winter-friendly landscaping. Here are some ways to achieve this:
- Swap thirsty lawns for gravel pathways.
- Go native with Aussie plants that naturally laugh in the face of drought.
- Chuck in a rainwater tank to catch those precious winter showers and use the water later in the season.
Warm up your welcome: make your doorway delightful!
First impressions count, especially in winter. A dull and dreary entrance sends all the wrong vibes. So, let’s add a splash of warmth to your doorway. Here’s what you can do:
- A fresh coat of paint: Choose a warm hue like terracotta or a deep red for your front door. If you want a professional touch, a home painting service crew can help you pick the perfect winter-friendly paint that won’t wimp out when the frost hits.
- Cool doormat: Something textured or with a fun wintery design will add a playful touch.
- Winter plants: Flowers might be out for now, but you can still add some colour with potted winter plants like pansies or violas. Just choose the kind that is tough enough to handle the cooler temps.
Light up the night: winter nights are long, make them twinkly!
As the days get shorter, good lighting becomes even more important. Here are some ways to illuminate your home for warmth and safety:
- String lights: Draped along your porch or pathway create a warm and inviting atmosphere in the evenings.
- Solar-powered path lights: These automatically light up your walkways as dusk falls, keeping things safe and adding a touch of winter sparkle.
- Spotlights: Highlighting architectural features adds a bit of drama and makes your home stand out even in the dark.
Texture time: add some dimension!
Winter landscapes can sometimes look a bit flat and boring. The key to adding some visual interest is texture. Consider incorporating these elements:
- Natural materials: Stone or brick for pathways or accents on your facade.
- Pebble mosaic planters: These add a touch of tactile fun.
- Textured outdoor furniture: Creates a more visually interesting look.
Curved lines for a softer touch: team it up with texture!
Sharp edges and geometric shapes are out, and softer, more natural forms are trending. Here are some ways to incorporate curved lines:
- Bigger renovation: Consider incorporating curved lines in your porch design, mailbox, or even as part of a home renovations and additions project.
- Quick fix: Swap out any rectangular planters for round ones.
Bathroom bliss: create your own winter spa
It’s getting cold out there! Perfect time to turn your bathroom into a cosy spa haven, right? Imagine you come in from the freezing cold and hop into a steaming hot shower. Ahh, heaven! Frameless shower doors are super popular right now, and there’s a reason for that
- Make your bathroom feel bigger.
- Let in heaps of natural light.
- Instantly give it a more luxurious feel.
- Sleek design adds a touch of modern sophistication.
Interior painting services can also help you transform your bathroom with a fresh coat of paint in a calming colour palette. Think soft greys, blues, or even a warm beige. Adding some plush towels, scented candles, and a comfy bathrobe will complete your winter spa experience.
Bonus winter tweaks: take care of the unseen
We’ve been all about turning your home into a winter wonderland you can totally dig, but there’s some secret stuff that can make it even cosier. Here are a few ways to amp up the comfy vibes, inside and out!
Seal the deal:
Drafty windows and doors are the enemy of winter warmth. Check for any gaps or cracks and get them sealed up. This will not only keep the cold air out but also help lower your energy bills.
Fire it up:
There’s no beating cosying up by a fire on a chilly night. Firepit at home? Get it checked and loaded with logs. No fireplace? No worries, space heaters or a fancy AC that heats work too!
Rug up:
Bare floors can feel freezing underfoot in winter. Invest in some fluffy rugs for your living room and bedroom. They’ll add a touch of warmth and cosiness, and your toes will thank you for it!
Winter garden TLC:
Even though your garden’s taking a nap this winter, don’t forget to show it some love! Apply some genius gardening hacks like trimming back dead branches and adding a layer of mulch to keep things moist and the roots toasty. You could even sneak in some winter veggies like kale, spinach, or cauliflower for a bonus!
Preventative maintenance:
Winter isn’t exactly kind to our houses, right? Before the rain gets crazy, take a quick peek at your gutters. Leaves and stuff can get stuck up there, causing leaks later. Also, if you’ve got big trees hanging over your house, maybe trim them back a bit. Winter winds can be no joke, and you don’t want any surprise branches coming down. For those stubborn tree roots messing with your foundation, you might need to call in the professionals for grinding down tree roots. And don’t forget to check for drainage problems! Clogged drains can lead to flooding around your foundation, which is a major headache (and expense) to fix.
Forget Hollywood snow – Aussie winter is all about a different kind of magic! Spruce up your place with these winter vibes and a few cosy tweaks, and you’ll have a home that’s both stylish and snuggly. Light some candles, simmer a pot of soup, and grab a good book. Winter’s here for a bit, so make it your own cosy wonderland!
Image: Supplied.
In collaboration with Nifty Marketing Australia.
