Winter escape Be inspired by clever styling tricks to keep the chill at bay

Cool-weather decor

Winter escape Be inspired by these clever decorative ideas to create a snug and inviting environment for the chilly season

Set the scene

Frame a front door with a pair of oversized pots, planted here with standard bay trees. The greenery, together with the inviting glow of fairy lights in the hallway beyond, delivers a warm welcome

Above: Lytworx LED fairy lights in Warm White, $24.90/250 lights, I/N: 4352183. Bay trees in Eden 35cm x 33cm self-watering round planters in Granite, $44.44 each, I/N: 2941328 (plants sold separately). All other products, stylist’s own. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

With clever styling tweaks, chosen with comfort in mind, you can take the edge off the winter chill no matter how cold and gloomy it is outside. Now is the season to wrap up warmly and revel in the contrast between the fresh outdoors and a cosy home. Textures, natural hues, lighting and furnishings all play a part in helping us unwind in cocooned comfort throughout the long evenings, and to stay snug during the day.

Glow ‘Tambo’ weathered steel fire pit, $69, I/N: 3171835. Toasting sticks, see below for DIY instructions. All other products, stylist’s own.

Nothing says winter quite like toasting marshmallows around an open fire – get creative and make your own quirky utensils

Toasting sticks

What you need

Safety equipment (gloves, eye and ear protection)  Handsaw  Tape measure and pencil  Drill with 4mm bit  Side cutters Foraged sticks Steel skewers (we used Jumbuck metal barbecue skewers) Epoxy (we used

Selleys ‘Araldite’ 5 minute epoxy adhesive)  Bamboo skewer Cord (we used Whites jute twine plant tie)

Method

1Forage for sticks between 15mm and 25mm thick, and at least 250mm long. Trim ends cleanly using a handsaw.

2Drill a centred, 40mm-deep hole into the end of each stick with a 4mm bit and, 20mm in from the opposite end of the sticks, drill a hole sideways (for the cord).

3Cut the loop off the steel skewers using side cutters. Mix up the epoxy according to the manufacturer’s instructions and dab it into the end holes of the sticks with a bamboo skewer.

4Slot the cut ends of the skewers into the sticks, positioning them upright while the epoxy cures.

5Thread cord through the sideways holes and knot to form a loop. Tip: To work the twine through the hole, thread a piece of thin wire through and make a loop. Pass a length of twine through the loop and pull the wire, along with the twine, back through the hole. 

Wood works

Timber finishes are a classic addition to bring cosiness to your scheme

Mini loom, see page 64 for DIY instructions. Grunt cotton shop twine, $3/75m, I/N: 4310293. Whites jute twine plant tie, $8.99/100m, I/N: 3320946. Green cushions, Kmart, kmart.com.au. All other products, stylist’s own. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

Make it!

See page 64

Make it!

See page 62

Top: Mini loom, see page 64 for DIY instructions. Grunt cotton shop twine, $3/75m, I/N: 4310293. Whites jute twine plant tie, $8.99/100m, I/N: 3320946. Whites twist cotton twine, $3.99/50m, I/N: 0188966. Above centre: Dining table, see page 62 for DIY instructions. Mimosa rope dining chair, $74.98, I/N: 0033123. Right: Boot rack, see page 63 for DIY instructions. DeWALT ‘Titanium Pro Comfort’ extreme duty leather safety work boots in Wheat, $175/size 11, I/N: 0067314. All other products, stylist’s own.  Indoor appeal

Create a warm, wintry vibe with earthy colours, natural fibres and rustic timber. If the weather is keeping you indoors, why not try your skills at a little craft – or even a bigger DIY project?

Make it!

See page 63

SAFETY TIP

Keep candles away from draughts and flammable materials, and never leave a lit candle unattended

Make it!

See page 62 The beauty of a DIY table is that you can make it to precisely fit your space

A well-positioned mirror helps bounce natural light around the bathroom Great outdoors

Enjoy the crisp air – rug up and bring a lamp to take a bracing walk as the sun goes down

Right: Arlec 500 lumen camping lantern, $35.98, I/N: 0174964. All other products, stylist’s own.

Walls in creamy tones provide the perfect backdrop for warming mood lighting

†Available to order online or at the Special Orders Desk. Glowing praise

Invite as much low winter sunshine inside as you can to enhance the honey hues of timber and natural textiles, freshened with pops of white

Opposite: Dining table, see page 62 for DIY instructions. Mimosa rope dining chairs, $74.98, I/N: 0033123. Light globes, for similar try Luce Bella 4W 470lm G125 LED ES globes in Warm White Amber, $11.98 each, I/N: 0019568. Throws, Kmart. Above: Mirror, for similar try Future Glass 600mm stainless steel framed round mirror in Black, $165, I/N: 0198324† . Philodendron plant in Scheurich ‘Sado’ 18cm x 15cm glazed indoor pot in Cream, $18.10, I/N: 2891440 (plant sold separately). Basin and mixer, for similar try Estilo square vitreous china basin, $79, I/N: 0200695, and Shaw & Mason WELS 5-star 6L/min basin mixer in Chrome, $77, I/N: 5004301. Right: Mercator walnut timber table lamp, $99, I/N: 0126619 (globe sold separately). Bird’s nest fern. Throw, Kmart. All other products, stylist’s own. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered. ◆

Hot favourite

Spark up some outdoor magic this winter with a Glow fire pit

The allure of collecting around a fire, not just for warmth but also for a good chat and a cosy social gathering, is deeply rooted in our history. On a chilly night, few things beat the feeling of contentment you get from sitting around an open fire and enjoying the flickering flames. With Glow’s stylish range of fire pits, it’s easy to get that relaxed sense of enjoyment. REKINDLE THE SPARK

Glow fire pits have a magnetic effect. Just watch as the magic of dancing flames draws people in and inspires moments of connection with family and friends. Gather with a bunch of mates for a party under the stars, toast marshmallows on a winter afternoon or just sit and soak up the ambience. Whatever you choose, a Glow fire pit will transform your outdoor area into a wonderful entertaining zone in the cooler months.

Glow ‘Aurora’ fire pit, $199, I/N: 3170728

Glow ‘Ironbark’ fire pit, $129, I/N: 0152691 GARDEN CENTREPIECE

Not just for taking the chill out of outdoor entertaining, Glow fire pits also make great feature pieces and can be used to stunning effect as a centrepiece on a patio or to lure people deeper into the garden. From a simple shallow bowl on a geometric base to more intricate designs with cut-out patterns, mesh lids, cooking grills and log grates, there is a style to suit every taste and setting. Nail the rustic look with a fire pit crafted from rust-toned weathering steel or, for something more modern, go for a design with a sleek black metal finish, or even a clay/metal combo.

FUEL FEATURE

A neatly stacked wood pile is a joy to behold, even for the relatively small amounts you’ll need for a Glow fire pit. Think of your wood store as a design feature and make the most of Glow’s stylish log holders, or consider the compact ‘Tambo’ fire pit, which has a built-in log storage compartment – perfect for small spaces. Glow ‘Cellar’ log holder, $99.98, I/N: 0246657 Cyclone 2kg polished axe, $71.80, I/N: 3363940

Glow ‘Tambo’ fire pit, $69, I/N: 3171835 A CUT ABOVE

When it comes to chopping wood, you want a tool that can handle the toughest jobs. Cyclone tools all come with polished, one-piece, drop-forged high-carbon steel blades, hardwood handles and a lifetime guarantee.

A great general-purpose axe, the Cyclone polished model (2) is a good choice for felling, chopping and trimming large/ medium branches and trees. The head of the lightweight ‘Supersplitter’ (1), true to its name, is designed to split the wood apart on impact and is best used for chopping and splitting medium and small branches and logs. The Cyclone heavy-duty ‘Blocksplitter’ (3) is ideal for splitting tough hardwood, with its long handle, impact-resistant overstrike protector and chisel-shaped cutting edge.

Glow ‘Aurora’ log holder in Rust, $79, I/N: 0247183 1 Cyclone 2kg Supersplitter, $72.40, I/N: 3360321. 2 Cyclone 2kg polished axe, $71.80, I/N: 3363940. 3 Cyclone 2.5kg heavy duty Blocksplitter, $62, I/N: 3362724.