Do you spend the months of November, December, January, and/or February in a second home in a place that actually experiences the winter season in all of its glory? If so, you want the property to be more accommodating, comforting, welcome, and enjoyable. This can be accomplished through the magic of interior design. If located in the Greater Vancouver area you can call 604.924.4034 for a FREE 20-minute consultation or first read below for some helpful tips for inspiration.

5 INTERIOR DESIGN UPGRADES TO ENHANCE THE FUNCTION, FEEL, AND ENJOYMENT OF YOUR WINTER HOME IN GREATER VANCOUVER BC

Fireplace Installation

If there could only be one interior design upgrade to make to a winter home, it would be the addition of a fireplace. A professional design firm help you to create a wonderful fireplace focal wall that creates a sense of coziness while providing functional warmth. The new (or upgraded) installation will quickly become a favorite gathering place for household occupants during the Holidays, weekend movie nights, or any time of the day or week.

Warm LED Lighting

A fireplace installation (above) certainly creates a sense of coziness, but recessed LED lighting can also do wonders to warm a winter home. Warm LED lights (that mimic incandescents) encourage the release of melatonin. This is why interior designers prefer warmer fixtures for most winter homes, namely in the bedroom and living room. In these settings, the warm light helps occupants relax and wind down.

Cozy Bathroom

There’s just something about bathrooms in the winter that make them feel cold and uncomfortable. This is unfortunate given that it should be a place where you should feel free to soak in the bathtub for an hour or more, and take your time getting ready for bed and the next day ahead. Consider a bathroom remodel that incorporate warm and luxurious tones that include gold, black, and the like in addition to opulent faucets, basins, counter trim, and lighting fixtures. A bathroom remodel is also a perfect excuse to go out and buy some new luxurious spa towels.

Wine Cellar

Nothing warms the mind, body, and soul in the winter like a bottle of Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Viognier, Malbec, Roussanne, Shiraz or whatever vintage whets your whistle. This is especially true when enjoying a glass by your recently installed fireplace or while immersed in a bubbly tub of your updated bathroom (as per above). As a connoisseur of fine wine, what better interior design upgrade could there be for your winter home than to install a cellar? While you may or may not have the basement space, an interior designer can work with contractors to make a climate-controlled wine cellar or wine closet. Not only is this functionally convenient for oenophiles, it adds distinguishing charm to any winter abode.

Natural Wood Furnishings

The interior design of winter homes should merge furnishings with natural surroundings. For the Greater Vancouver area, this involves the integration of wood that is endemic to the region. Professional interior designers will have established relationships with local furniture makers who do wonders with fallen (and reclaimed) wood from BC’s forests. This concept is also popular for contemporary cabin properties that are common to the region.

The above tips regarding interior design for winter homes are a great place to start, but for a truly customized solution you will need to consult with an interior design firm near you. If your property is in the Greater Vancouver BC area be sure to schedule an appointment with Calvert Design Studio. Call us today for a FREE 20-minute phone consultation to get started.