THE JOURNAL
Reluctantly Embracing Winter
How to Turn Your Home into a Cozy Winter Sanctuary
As the days grow shorter and cooler, daylight savings ends, and the rain sets in for days on end, I can’t help but feel a little nostalgic for those long, hot days filled with afternoon drinks on the deck and BBQs with friends and family. But over the years, I’ve learned that finding joy in the winter months doesn’t require a plane ticket — it can start with a few simple switches at home and some small daily rituals that help me lean into the calm, cozy energy that winter brings.
Let’s start with the best part of the day: coming home. After a day of work or errands, off come the “town clothes” and on go the comfort layers — our go-to is always the Sabbi Raving Hearts Pants. Add a tee and a chunky knit or hoodie, and suddenly it’s like being wrapped in a big, warm hug. You look cute, sure, but more importantly, you’ve stepped into your happy place — home — and you’re not leaving again until morning.
Changing up your bed linen is another easy win — layering for warmth, adding cushions, swapping in rich velvets or soft textures. Instantly, your space shifts from breezy summer to snuggly sanctuary. Our luxe velvet cushions, fur throws, and woollen blankets are perfect for that — and yes, they’ll be hitting the shelves very soon, so keep an eye out.
And then there’s the ambiance. Crank the fire (or flick on the heat pump), dim the lights a little, and get those candles glowing. Try a candlelit dinner on a rainy evening or one of my favourite little rituals: a candlelit shower. It’s the ultimate wind-down — a little luxury before bed. Put down your phone, light something beautiful, and let the stress of the day melt away. We’ve got a gorgeous range of pillar candles and locally hand-poured bowls — and remember to keep those wicks trimmed for the perfect flicker.
Want to add a splash of seasonal colour? You don’t have to spend big. A little DIY on the pieces you’ve fallen out of love with can do wonders. Pick up a couple of test pots from your local hardware store in trending winter tones and give vases, old lamp bases or pots a fresh coat of paint. Add a spoon of baking soda for that dreamy textured look. Rummaging through your local op shop is also a fun way to spend a grey afternoon — or, if your budget allows, browse our seasonal homewares; we’re always curating fresh finds.
Another winter tip? Bring the outside in. Vases filled with foraged roadside foliage are a stunning (and free!) way to add texture and life to your home. I always keep a pair of secateurs in the car — you never know what you might spot! A branch of pine, manuka, protea stems or a bare mingimingi stem in an urn creates a moody, earthy vibe that’s pure winter magic.
And finally — let’s hear it for the humble crockpot. Throw in your ingredients in the morning, head out for the day, and come home to a house that smells like a warm hug and dinner that’s already sorted. Heaven.
Writing all this down has actually made me excited for the season ahead. Winter doesn’t have to be dreary — it can be your most comforting, creative time of year. Whether you're fluffing your home on a budget, adding a few new pieces to your space, or just lighting a candle and taking a breath... we’re here for it.
Pop in-store, browse online, or just keep showing up here for ideas.
Love Tracey, Hayley and Kelly xxx
The Journal
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