Louisa Boulton-Lea from Kelling Staging is back to share her top tips on bringing warmth into our homes during these cold late winter months.
Read our other article with Louisa: How interior design can elevate your property's appeal
February in London has a distinctive character – a persistent, uniform grey. It's in the sky and mirrored in our energy levels. The impact becomes obvious when we finally catch a glimpse of sunshine. Those first hints of colour peeking behind the clouds and the extra hour of faint light at day's end have made such a difference to our collective mood. A noticeable shift in spirits across the city.
While we can't control the weather (if only!), we can transform our home environments. By bringing light into your daily surroundings, you can create a sanctuary from the gloom – and if you're selling or letting your home this late winter, you'll stand out as the bright spot in buyers' viewing schedules. Here's how.
Not another grey day
"Use splashes of colour to bring energy and personality to a room," advises Louisa. "Don't be afraid to mix colours, patterns, and textures to create that bold and lively look. Take your starting point inspiration from a characterful piece of artwork, a vibrant cushion, rug or lampshade to pull all the colours together."
Colour psychology tells us that our surroundings significantly impact our mood. During these grey late winter days, incorporating warm tones can create an instant uplift. You don't need to redecorate entirely – strategic additions like bright throw pillows, a statement vase, or a vibrant art print can transform a space.
Houseplants are another excellent way to introduce colour and life. Even in February, resilient varieties like snake plants, pothos and ZZ plants thrive with minimal attention. Group them together in a lush corner that reminds you spring is on its way. For an instant refresh ahead of property viewings, try a vase of seasonal flowers – like daffodils or tulips.
Make your own sunshine
There’s a hotly contested topic across social media lately; the great 'big light vs. soft light' debate. You've got 'big light' people, who hit that overhead switch the second they walk in, flooding the room with brightness. Then, there are the 'soft lighters', crafting cosy vibes with lamps and dimmers, making everything look like a perfectly filtered Instagram post.
While ceiling lights certainly help visibility on particularly gloomy days, there's no denying that soft lighting is an infinitely more flattering way to showcase all that work you’ve done on your interiors. The late winter gloom gives soft lighting enthusiasts yet another compelling argument:
“Lighting can often be forgotten when considering the lay of the room, but it’s such a key element to create that warm and inviting glow. Avoid the stark and often unflattering head lights in optic white, and instead opt for lamps with interest, and eye level wall lights which draw the eye in and create that all-important ambience.”
Every last ray of natural light
The ultimate remedy for gloom, of course, is natural light. It's why those later sunsets and rare sunny February days feel so deliciously rewarding – a small but meaningful treat for cloud-weary Londoners.
Louisa suggests maximizing whatever natural light makes its way into your home with strategic placement of reflections: "Use mirrors as a powerful tool to create the illusion of openness and depth in a room, allowing light to bounce off the walls – perfect on dreary days!"
Ready to Transform Your Space?
Don't let the late winter blues dictate your home's atmosphere. Whether you're preparing to sell or brightening up the apartment you rent, these simple changes can make a world of difference.
For personalised advice on staging luxury property to maximize light and appeal, contact Kelling Staging for a consultation.
And if you're looking to buy, sell, or rent a property in London, our team is here to help you find the perfect bright spot to call home.
Source: Louisa Boulton-Lea is Head of Kelling Staging, with 20 years’ experience working in the creative industry. This company stages and styles homes for rent and sale in the Prime Property market. True to the aesthetic of Kelling Design, exceptional work is done with a practiced eye and unique furniture to ensure each home they stage has powerful appeal, improving its memorability and desirability with buyers.
