Seasonal style and sustainable updates: your guide to getting winter ready

There’s something energising about the transition to a new season. We get to step into a new time and way of being. Our transition into winter is particularly significant because with it comes a different lifestyle; darker days mean less time outside, and colder temperatures require additional comfort and care. There are so many ways to prepare for this new season that will help make it a cosier, more sensory and savvy one.

Natural feel

With cold, damp days ahead, adding warmth throughout our homes is key. The secret to doing this, while adding a little luxury too, is to reach for natural materials. Wools, organic cottons and linens are all breathable and temperature-regulating materials that will wash well and endure over time. Add a wool throw to your sofa or the end of your bed, use organic cottons and linens in bedding and cushion covers, and enjoy the insulating benefits of these natural heroes winter-long.

Scent sense

Switching up the fragrances and scents in our homes to signal a new season is one of the more grounding rituals to be enjoyed at this time of year. Enhancing our homes with warming scents like orange blossom, sandalwood, and amber can set the mood and help to welcome us in from the harsh weather outside. Add an oil burner to your hallway, invest in a seasonal soy wax candle, or try an earthy incense (yes, incense is cool again), to help lift your home’s mood.

Smart savers

Speaking of appliances, always check the energy rating of appliances you plan to purchase. Rated A to G, with A being the most energy efficient and G being the least, investing in appliances that use less energy will help you save in the long term. Harnessing the power of smart technology, from thermostats to lighting timers, may seem like a lot of effort, but once installed and set up, these home hacks will help you regulate your heating and lighting use, keeping your energy bills under control.

Glow up

Soft, warm lighting can transform how your home looks and feels this season. Make sure your light bulbs are warm-toned, as cooler tones can make a space feel cold and unwelcoming. Swap generic bulbs for energy-saving LEDs to add colour and atmosphere. Place lamps in darker corners and nooks to add instant cheer. As for outside, add an atmospheric glow to driveways and backyards with solar-powered garden lights that recharge during the day and glow all night long.

Harnessing the season

While we may not see very much sun at this time of year, it’s actually a great time to install solar and start generating your own energy supply. Investing in a solar system that includes a battery allows you to generate, store, and use energy when it suits you and your family. Charge up your solar battery at lower cost times, use solar panel energy during the day and then pull power from your stored battery during all other times. With Irish homes using 28% more electricity coming into the winter months, there’s never been a better time to get your solar installed and start generating, storing and saving right away.