Cozying up to Fur!

Hello readers! Firstly, I must apologize for the hiatus; we’ve been busy here at Change of Space! However, I’m back now and excited to share some new ideas, tips and design trends with you! Let’s get right into it…

As a designer, the question I hear most often is, “How do I bring the outside, in?” Usually, the answer is as easy as bringing in colors, textures and other elements found in nature. This concept is especially easy to get on board with when flowers are blooming in the spring, the trees are lush and the water is clear in the summer, or when the leaves are a variety of colors in the fall. But what about that dreaded winter season; are we supposed to bring in the snow? As the weather gets colder and the snow picks up, let’s face it, most of us are inclined to stay indoors, shut the blinds and pretend like we’re in Hawaii. This doesn’t necessarily mean that we’re homebodies and suddenly detest nature; it just means we like to stay warm.

- let winter elements inspire your design sense -

In the winter, I like to focus on the natural elements that remind me of warmth; this means fur, the faux variety of course. You may have noticed the trend of animal hides that got really popular this last summer and fall; we found it in rugs, upholstery and even in accessories like place mats and candle holders. The newest trend this winter has evolved into furs. If you think about it, it makes sense; animals use their fur to keep themselves warm…why shouldn’t we use the synthetic version for ourselves? With companies like Restoration Hardware offering their Luxe Faux Fur line, now there is something for everyone!

Like always, I don’t recommend going all out and purchasing everything fur that you can find. I like to keep major pieces neutral, basic and most importantly classic so you can keep them season after season, year after year. I’m talking about accessories; the things that are easy to change and most importantly budget friendly. Change out those harvest colored pillows from the fall and the wool blankets that kept you snuggly last season and invest in some faux fur pillow covers and blankets! If you’re really feeling into the spirit of change, try out these sheepskin rugs from Horchow; you won’t even need slippers with a rug like this!

- feet, meet your new best friend -

Naturally, when I start talking about fur, I start thinking about the fireplace; like milk and cookies, they just go together. Maybe you have a seating area strategically planted around a fireplace for you and your family to enjoy? If so, this is the perfect location to start bringing in fur elements! Don’t forget to spruce up that fireplace either…winter is the best time to adorn your mantle with those candles you’ve been holding onto! Have you ever noticed how sometimes the snow just sparkles? Well don’t be afraid to bring some of that sparkle inside with some glitzy pillar holders and candle sticks. For those of you unsure about your tolerance for glitz, check out a material like mercury glass.

- candles at different heights add dimension -

Let’s not forget about another winter element that can lift our spirits; contrary to popular belief, not all flowers die in the winter. Switch out those artificial daisies and sunflowers for winter flowers! There are so many varieties to choose from whether that be a poinsettia, daphne, holly berries, hellebore or amaryllis. If you’re not sure about which flower is in season, check out Pottery Barn; they constantly change out their silk flowers to stay seasonally accurate.

No more barricading ourselves indoors and pretending like winter doesn’t exist! Embrace winter with all that it has to offer; cozy up to some fur and find new ways to enjoy your surroundings! Until next year…happy holidays!