The arrival of crisp Australian Winter offers a truly inspiring opportunity to refresh, reset, and redefine our living spaces. At Few & Far, we believe that decorating for the season is more than just changing a cushion; it's about honouring the inherent flow of nature, cultivating comfort, and weaving a deeper sense of belonging into your home's evolving narrative. This philosophy is profoundly encapsulated in our A/W 2025 collection, the Few & Far Autumn Winter Collection, Sense of Reality, which delves into the colours and elements that unify us, reflecting our deepest instincts and senses.
Michelle Zanetti, our Store Manager in Thirroul shares "For me, winter is all about layers, layers, layers. Layering tones, textures, and materials to bring warmth, cosiness, and depth into the home."
This comprehensive guide is designed to empower you to master the art of seasonal decorating, transforming your home into a sanctuary that resonates with the inherent beauty of every passing month. We'll explore the colours, textures, and key elements that define Australian Winter, drawing inspiration from nature, global aesthetics, and our meticulously curated collections. Prepare to discover how even subtle shifts in your interior can evoke profound feelings, making your home a haven of comfort, elegance, and timeless style, all year round.
Australian Winter holds a particular feeling. While it might lack the dramatic snowscapes of northern hemispheres, it ushers in a time of crisp mornings, often grey skies, and a delightful yearning for warmth and luxurious coziness indoors. It's a season that invites introspection, intimate gatherings, and a slower pace of life. Decorating for winter is about creating a cocoon, a deeply inviting sanctuary that provides solace from the chill outside and nurtures a sense of security and belonging. It's about bringing the comforting textures and rich hues of the outside world, refined through our curated eye, directly into your living space.
Image captured beautifully by photographer Annelise Dimech of Life InStill of a Few & Far Interior Design Project in the Southern Highlands.
Winter calls for colours that envelop and comfort, drawing inspiration from nature's deepened hues and the soft glow of interior light. Our Global scheme within the Few & Far Autumn Winter Collection, Sense of Reality, perfectly embodies this. This scheme features burgundy – the colour of earth, of roots deep in the ground, offering a sense of shelter and warmth. This narrative taps into the healing qualities of the earth, where burgundy's rich, earthy tones evoke the nourishing aspects of the soil and the strength of natural minerals. This collection celebrates life and our connection to the earth.
"During the winter months, I’m really drawn to earthy, grounding tones - deep rusts, olive greens, rich clays, and warm chocolates. Colours that envelope you to create warmth! Paired with natural fibres like linen, wool, and soft furs, these colours and materials help create a space that feels both elegant and lived in" says Michelle Zanetti, Few & Far Thirroul Store Manager.
Inspiration: Draw from the Australian winter bush – the deep greens of eucalyptus, the earthy browns of tree trunks, the soft greys of misty mornings. Imagine the warm glow of a fireplace against a dark wall, or the intricate patterns of natural dyes. These colours evoke comfort, sophistication, and a timeless appeal.
As Madeleine Steele, Few & Far Retail Manager, shares, "I am especially drawn to the olive greens and those rich, mocha and chocolatey browns at the moment - they add such a warm, grounded feel that is perfect for this time of year." These deeper, more saturated hues create a visual density that feels incredibly grounding and secure, an antidote to the cooler exterior.
Texture is paramount in winter decorating; it's how a room literally feels warm and inviting. We yearn for materials that engage the sense of touch, creating layers of sumptuous comfort. The latest collection particularly highlights inspiration from the Global Scheme including textural richness through upholstered furniture in plush velvets, woven tapestries, and hand-knotted rugs, adding captivating layers of texture and warmth to the space. The tactile quality of these materials invites a deep sense of human connection.
Luxurious Fabrics: Think sumptuous woollen throws, inviting bouclé cushions, decadent velvets that reflect light with a soft sheen, and chunky knits that beg to be snuggled into. Faux fur throws draped over sofas or armchairs instantly elevate the cozy factor. As Madeleine Steele advises, "My styling tip for winter - layering different textures like furs, chunky or heavy knits, velvets and woven throws can really elevate a space and create that cosy, warm and inviting atmosphere we all want in the cooler months."
Natural Materials: Introduce dark timbers in furniture (like coffee tables or sideboards) for a grounded presence. Rich, patinated leather on an armchair or ottoman adds a classic, enduring quality. Rough-hewn stone in decor pieces or fireplace surrounds brings an organic, earthy feel that contrasts beautifully with soft furnishings. These elements contribute to the substantial and natural essence of the Global scheme.
Woven & Knitted Details: Consider intricate weaves in rugs, or hand-knitted poufs that add tactile interest and depth, drawing the eye and inviting interaction. These elements contribute to the overall feeling of handcrafted luxury and comfort.
Key Decor Elements for Winter:
Our curated collection at Few & Far is perfectly curated to help you create your unique winter space:
Textiles: Layering is key. Start with plush, large-scale rugs that define zones and add warmth underfoot. Drape heavy wool or velvet throws over sofas and armchairs, inviting relaxation. Scatter plush cushions in varying sizes and textures (velvet, bouclé, chunky knits) to create inviting pockets of comfort. Our new loungeroom arrivals, such as the Peggy modular sofa or new sideboards, provide the perfect foundation for these layers.
Lighting: Lighting is paramount for setting a cozy winter mood. Replace bright overhead lights with warm, ambient illumination. Opt for lamps with fabric shades that diffuse light softly, creating inviting pools of warmth. As Neale Whitaker famously declares, "I love lamps!" and urges, "You would have heard me on The Block saying, 'Where are the lamps?'" His philosophy perfectly aligns with creating a softer, more intimate glow that transforms a space from day to night. Our range includes floor lamps, table lamps, and pendants that cast a welcoming light.
Decor: Introduce sculptural vases with dramatic dried arrangements or bare branches to reflect the season's natural beauty. Dark, textured ceramics and bowls add an earthy, artisanal touch. Metal accents in bronze or aged brass provide a subtle, muted gleam, reflecting the soft lighting. Wooden bowls filled with pinecones or decorative seed pods add organic texture and seasonal charm. The Global collection’s design elements include rich, earthy tones, textural richness, and chrome accents which can elevate these decor choices.
Furniture Accents: Smaller furniture pieces like a sturdy timber side table become invaluable for holding a warm cup of tea, a stack of winter reads, or a glowing candle. A comfortable armchair, draped with a luxurious throw, becomes an irresistible spot for quiet reflection. Furniture pieces within the Sense of Reality collection also feature solid, robust forms that feel substantial and grounded, with curved, enveloping shapes that invite comfort and relaxation.
"Let texture do the talking. Embrace the beauty of imperfection and be intentional - mix in natural materials, raw wood,  original artwork and vintage pieces to create a home that feels deeply connected to the season yet still timeless and soulful."
Michelle Zanetti, Few & Far Thirroul Store Manager.
Create Vignettes: Group objects purposefully on coffee tables, sideboards, and shelves. A stack of weighty books, a sculptural vase, and a subtly scented candle can tell a small story of winter comfort, inviting a closer look and a moment of pause.
Layer Up: Beyond textiles, layer decor. Place a smaller, textured bowl on a larger wooden tray. Prop art against a wall behind a lamp. This adds visual depth and complexity to your arrangements.
Embrace Scent: Scent is a powerful mood setter. Opt for warm, inviting fragrances like sandalwood, amber, cedarwood, or spiced notes in candles and diffusers. These create an immersive sensory experience that completes the cozy atmosphere.
Bring the Outdoors In (Naturally): Even in winter, connect with nature. Use dried botanicals, interesting seed pods, or bare branches in large floor vases to reflect the stark beauty of the cooler months, reminding us of nature's enduring artistry.
Fireplace Focus: If you have a fireplace, ensure it's a glowing focal point. Arrange comfortable seating around it and style the mantel with complementary decor, transforming it into a true heart of the home during chilly evenings.
Our Senior Interior Designer & Stylist, Gonia Chylinska, offers her own refined insights into perfecting the winter mood, particularly with colour:
"Burgundy is the perfect winter hue—earthy, rich, and grounding."
Gonia's Styling Tips:
These practical tips from Gonia provide actionable ways to infuse your space with the desired depth and comfort for the cooler months, ensuring your home feels intentionally designed for the season.
Our emphasis on layered design makes seasonal transitions effortless, allowing you to refresh your home with intention rather than undertaking a complete overhaul. The Few & Far Autumn Winter Collection, Sense of Reality explores tonal layering, sculptural silhouettes, and a conscious play on contrast, which is precisely designed for this fluid approach to seasonal decor.
The Layering Approach: Think of your home’s décor as layers of clothing. Your foundational furniture (sofas, sideboards, coffee tables) are the core pieces that remain constant. Seasonal changes involve swapping out the "accessories" – throws, cushions, decor pieces, and specific lighting accents. This approach is sustainable and allows for continuous evolution of your home's story without major investment each season.
The Power of Strategic Swapping: Instead of buying entirely new sets, focus on strategically swapping out key accessories. Winter’s heavy wool throw might be replaced by a lighter linen one. Dark ceramic vases give way to clear glass. Heavy scents are exchanged for fresh ones. This simple act of swapping creates a dramatic visual and sensory shift. Our Modern palette, with taupe as its neutral core, serves as the perfect adaptable backdrop for such transitions. This Modern scheme reflects the grounded stability of earth elements, blending the neutrality of taupe with sleek, minimal design. Taupe represents the elemental balance between earth and sky, offering a colour palette that is versatile, adaptable, and soothing. It's characterised by clean lines, refined finishes, and a harmonious blend of warm tones. This cultivated aesthetic collectively creates a compelling sense of fluidity and dynamic forward momentum within the interior.
Investment Pieces as Core: Our quality core furniture allows seasonal accessories to truly shine. A timeless sofa in a neutral fabric can effortlessly transition from a winter haven (with faux fur and dark cushions) to a spring sanctuary (with light linen and floral patterns), simply by changing the accompanying textiles and decor. This underscores the value of investing in enduring pieces from Few & Far, ensuring longevity in your style.
Smart Storage Solutions: To make transitions smooth, ensure you have organized storage for your off-season decor. Clear bins labelled by season or room make it easy to swap items in and out, keeping your home clutter-free and ready for its next transformation. This streamlines the process and keeps your seasonal items protected.
The "Collected" Look: An Evolving Narrative: Few & Far celebrates the "collected" look, where blending new seasonal pieces with your existing cherished items creates a deeply personal and ever-evolving home. Each transition becomes a new chapter in your home's story, reflecting your life's flow and your continuous journey of design discovery. This approach ensures your decor feels authentic and curated over time.
Inspiration is everywhere if you know where to look. For seasonal decorating, allowing your creativity to flow means drawing from a diverse range of sources:
Nature: The most intuitive muse. Observe the specific landscapes of Australia – the vibrant colours of the bush in different seasons, the textures of coastal flora, the subtle shifts in light from dawn to dusk. Bring in native botanicals, natural wood elements, or colours directly inspired by local flora and fauna.
Art: Local artists, like Few & Far's Artist in Residence, often translate the essence of their environments onto canvas. Explore galleries, public art, and artist studios for colour palettes, forms, and emotional cues that resonate with the season. Global art traditions can also offer rich inspiration for pattern and texture.
Travel: Your personal travel memories are a powerful source of inspiration. A trip to the vibrant markets of India might inspire a rich, layered winter palette, while the serene blues and whites of a Mediterranean getaway could inform your spring refresh. These memories infuse your decor with authentic, deeply personal meaning.
Fashion & Lifestyle: The world of fashion often dictates colour and texture trends that can be beautifully translated into interiors. Look at current runway collections or lifestyle magazines for trending palettes, fabric combinations, and overall moods that can be adapted for your home decor.
Few & Far's Collections: Our meticulously curated collections are designed with seasonal shifts and timelessness in mind. We constantly introduce new arrivals that embody the current season's longing (e.g., cozy textures for winter). Explore our range for pieces that are inherently versatile, ready to transition with your home's story. The "Sense of Reality" collection itself is a primary source of inspiration, exploring the evocative relationship between colour, cognition, and well-being , guided by the principles of neuro-aesthetics. It provides a profound understanding of how colours resonate with our inner selves, evoking emotions that ground us in an increasingly blurred world.
Ultimately, decorating for the season is an act of mindfulness – a beautiful way to connect with the world around you and to cultivate a home that feels truly alive. By embracing the transformative power of thoughtful decor, colour, and texture, you can create a sanctuary that not only offers comfort but also reflects your personal style, your passions, and the ever-unfolding story of your life. The "Sense of Reality" collection, with its distinct narratives – Global, Modern, and Naturalist – provides a unique exploration of how colour and form influence our perception and well-being, creating environments that are not only visually striking but deeply connected to our sense of self and the natural world.
Your home is waiting to tell its next chapter. We look forward to helping you write it, beautifully, with pieces that will inspire for seasons to come.
Images beautifully captured by Skye Elise @skyes.page of the Few & Far Bowral Store.
