Winter is here today!

Winter is here today in Brisvegas!  It reached a maximum in my car today of 13deg and now has dropped down to 11deg which is highly unusual! Apparently our coldest day in Brisbane for 11 years.

Beautiful Winter Wonderland in Oakville, U.S. image from Brampton Remax

Whilst Queensland is not known for being a winter wonderland like the snowy image above; it does snow occasionally in Stanthorpe and the mercury can get down to 4deg on a Winter morning.  We usually have beautiful crisp days with clear blue skies and the weather at the moment is more akin to a European Winter's Day!


So how do we make our homes cosy and warm for winter and not always resorting to the heater or reverse cyle air conditioning. (although mine is cranked at the moment!) Get out your favourite blanket or quilt or better still get creative and make one.  Knitting or Quilting is a great winter past time and keeps you warm while your making it!  If you're not crafty then treat yourself and buy a new throw, blanky or robe I think you'll need it this winter!


So I'll share some cosy and warm spaces to inspire you on a cold winter's night, featuring gorgeous cosy blankets and quilts!

Gorgeous chunky cable knit blanket looks great to snuggle in on a winter's morning! Especially with breakfast in bed! image from syelyfashionshow2011 blog

Heritage cottage bedroom with antique furniture and quilted bedspread for extra warmth on the grand four poster bed! image from whitebedroomphotos blog



A modern stylish bedroom has been given extra warmth with the addition of a shag rug which is a soft contrast to the leather upholstered sleek bed and furnishings (I adore the chandelier too!) image from bedroominteriordesign



If knitting a blanket such as the one pictured here is all dutch to you??? click on the link to Home Life for a pattern and instructions!

A Simple Quilt which adds such warmth and freshness to this bedroom and would be fairly simple to make for any novice quilter! image from iheartluxe

Lighting to set the mood

Lighting can be extravagant, wild or subtle but it really does set the mood!  This is the vibrant bar at Byblos Portside.   It has tribal foilage lighting behind the bar where the large array of beverages are displayed.  The wooden twig pendant lights are a standout feature.

The lighting sets a great party tone at Byblos Bar, Portside Brisbane

For a similar light fitting checkout the wooden wreath pendant at Beacon lighting.

The light fitting is very similar to the bar at Byblos but the look is entirely different, earthy and beachy and is a feature even during the day available from Beacon Lighting

A moroccan style light fitting - the intricate pattern could be used in an ornate or modern setting. 

Sticking with the Moroccan theme - soft candelight is perfect for an intimate outdoor space or a cosy corner.

This cosy timber moroccon style love seat is bathed in the soft candlelight from the framed square nooks above. Image owner unknown

I love chandeliers and this bedroom displays how you can have a romantic light fitting teamed with a simply decorated room to create elegance without being over the top and too frilly.

This Bedroom has wonderful natural light and so the simple colour scheme as well as the elegance of the chandelier really tie together so well - perfect for a lazy sunday afternoon doze!

Beautifully lit with Natural Light this bedroom looks like a magic place to wake up in the morning!

A beautiful outlook to wake up to, just make sure the blinds are blockout when you're wanting to sleep in! Image from Homedit.com

Stay tuned for more great lighting blogs!