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As the long summer days slide into cooler evenings, the way we live within our spaces is subtly shifting. Nights spent outdoors are replaced by a desire to snuggle on the couch. Tall icy glasses of something refreshing have become warm mugs of something hot. For us, winter brings to mind casseroles and puddings, and glasses of red wine.  It's fire-pits and fireplaces and oozy gooey toasted marshmallows. It's soft throw rugs, deep comfy cushions, and movies on Netflix. 

The cool weather brings with it a desire to create warmth in our homes, and with the change of season already upon us (and a polar snap just around the corner!), now is the perfect time to embark on a little winter 'style refresh'. 

• Warm it up with colour!

Colour can have a profound impact on our emotions and moods. Sometimes the effect is subtle; other times, we feel an almost visceral reaction to a colour choice - however, the psychological links between colour and how we feel are well-established. Which is why the colours you choose to surround yourself with, in your own home, are uber important for your sense of peace and wellbeing. It's also why we need to shake things up sometimes and bring an element of 'new' into our existing space. 

While summer is often about bright bursts of colour, autumn and winter tones tend to meander over to the richer, moodier side of the colour wheel. This is, in part, to satisfy our desire for comfort and warmth but also inherently reflects the changing world around us. As summer leaves become a rich auburn, and the night sky deep, dark and crisp, so too do we begin to incorporate some of these colours into our homes. Autumn/winter 2021 is all about those deeper, richer colours, with terracotta, khaki and navy colour tones especially catching our eye. 

• Add layers and texture! 

While warmer weather makes us want to shed the layers, the onset of cooler mornings and evenings have us wanting to layer on up! Is there anything more inviting than a warm throw across the arm of a sofa or a few extra-soft cushions on the couch? 

Autumn is the perfect time to add a throw across the bottom of your bed and provides a little extra warmth on those extra cold nights. Choosing a throw is as simple as selecting a look and feel that you love - whether it's a softly woven wool, a chunkier knit, or even faux fur, the choices are endless.

When it comes to placing your throw on your bed, there are a few options. A thicker, more structured throw works well when folded multiple times lengthways and placed across the bed's width. A lighter, more casual throw looks effortlessly stylish when tossed across a corner or casually draped across the bottom of the bed. There is no right or wrong here – go with what works for you!

A neutral doona allows you the freedom to incorporate a variety of colours and textures in cushions and throws. A key point to remember is that layering textures and patterns creates interest and depth. Our favourite winter looks incorporate the soft texture of linens, patterns or stripes, and the fleecy warmth of bouclé. It's all about experimenting and having fun with a variety of materials and elements. And while you're being adventurous with textures, don't be afraid to experiment with colour – step boldly into autumn's deeper, warmer palate!

• Bring the outdoors indoors!

While the cooler weather may see us indoors more frequently, there's no reason why we can't bring a little of the outdoors inside. A posy of dried flowers in a textured vase is a lovely way to bring a little winter colour into your home, and a well-placed plant is always a good idea. Along with incorporating warmer tones in your accessories, a little greenery will keep your home feeling fresh over the cooler months. 

A hanging plant in the bathroom brings a little freshness to an often-underappreciated space, and a thoughtfully placed plant in a stylish pot can become a focal point on a cabinet or benchtop. An empty corner becomes a thing of beauty with an oversized pot and plant, or a cluster of plants in varying sizes.

If you've been playing along at home, you'll know that we don't always recommend the real deal. A quality faux plant in the right spot in your home can have a stunning impact and removes the worry of keeping your plant alive and thriving.

[Note: It's no secret that we're massive indoor plant lovers and recommend and incorporate greenery into a multitude of spaces in our homes. It's universally accepted here at Sunday Society that you can never have too many plants or too many cushions!]

• Create a little atmosphere

Perhaps you're yearning for a bit of mood lighting this winter, dreaming of winter fireplaces and nights spent gazing into the flickering flames. Or maybe, like us, you live somewhere a little too balmy for a fireplace, much as we'd love one! Either way, the feeling within a room can be significantly enhanced with soft lighting, and what better way to set the scene than with candles? Whether you adore the luxe element of a Cire Trudon, with their world-renowned quality and depth of scent, or the lightness of a floral bouquet, the flicker of a flame is deeply peaceful. A candle set into the corner of the kitchen or bathroom creates a little aura of light, and several candles along the dining table lends an atmosphere of intimacy that's hard to resist. 

If you need a hand with your seasonal style refresh, pop into our store and have a chat with our Sunday Society stylists, or head over to our website to browse at your leisure.