How to Use Colour to Create Warmth in Northern Hemisphere Light

By Louise Wynne, Founder of WildKind Interiors

This week I’m feeling seasonal! Like I can feel the change of the seasons already and we’re only halfway through August (at time of writing). I’m trying to feel upbeat about it but really I don’t want summer to end.

Anyway, it got me thinking about colour in interiors and the challenge of making a property feel warm, in the UK, as the nights draw in and the light changes. And to be honest, at any time of the year.

Aside from actual colour on the walls, there’s loads that we can consider to bring in warmth.

I’m going to dive into these, and then I’m going to look at some of my favourite paint palettes that work well in any property being staged for sale (it’s not that these won’t work well for Serviced Accommodation (SA) or HMO’s but I usually like to be a little more adventurous where these are concerned).

Warmth is added in the ceiling paint colour and soft furnishings

1. Let There Be (Layered) Light

In darker months, and north-facing rooms, layered lighting is your best friend. A dark space will never feel better if you paint it a super light colour (here’s more on that: Maria Killam blog).

So, about that lighting?

• Layer it up: Combine overhead lights with floor lamps, wall lights, and table lamps. This creates pockets of warm light rather than one harsh glow. The ‘big light’ (overhead central light) only? Eugh! Treat your senses (or your guest / tenant / buyer) to a more sophisticated layering of light that feels like a warm hug.

• Use warm bulbs (not cold white): Aim for 2700K–3000K bulbs; they give a soft, flattering warmth that instantly makes a room feel cosier.

• Highlight key zones: Light up reading corners, dining tables, artwork, or workspaces so buyers can imagine how the home functions day to day. Wall lights might feel like an added expense, but they more than earn their keep by adding perceived quality and a touch of luxury. Something buyers absolutely notice.

Painting the woodwork deeper than the walls might feel counter intuitive but works to create a more expensive looking finish.

2. Maximise Natural Light to Create Warmth

Winter daylight is precious. I have a north-facing house and so those pockets of light that fall through certain windows, at certain times of the year only, are like literal rays of gold.

• Consider window treatments: If you’ve flipped a property or built a new build and you’re selling only a few, you probably don’t need to worry about adding window dressings. It’s not worth the expense. If window dressings are needed e.g. in an SA or HMO, dress any curtains so that they can be pulled back off the window, and re-consider using venetian blinds as although they let the light in, they do block out a significant amount too. Yes they can be raised, but they look pretty awful when they are.

• Clean windows thoroughly: Not only do dirty streaky windows say a lot about how much you care about the finish of your flip (if you can’t be bothered to clean the windows, what else can’t you be bothered to do?), it’s also amazing how much brighter a room will be once windows are cleaned.

• Position mirrors carefully: Where possible, position mirrors opposite windows to reflect light and make rooms feel bigger and brighter. A great hack for gloomy rooms!

Pale definitely doesn’t have to mean boring. There’s so much going on here, but it’s all very subtle.

3. Style with Texture

Texture is under-rated. Look, I even wrote a blog all about it the other week!

Honestly, it is such a key component of your design in terms of adding the feeling of warmth and also of luxury.

So many of your competitors will be far more one-dimensional in their approach to texture and it will feel cheap! As soon as you start to play around with texture, it will elevate your finish and set you apart from the rest.

• Mix materials like wool, linen, velvet, and natural fibres for depth.

• Add layers through cushions, throws, and rugs and keep it balanced – don’t go mad with faux fur for the sake of it!

• Stick to a cohesive colour palette so it looks curated, not cluttered.

4. Focus on Lifestyle Cues

This is actually important at any time of year but in the cooler months in particular, if you’re staging for sale, or styling an SA property for photography, people crave comfort. Those small touches go a long way.

You might want to think about:

• Dressing the dining table or bar area to suggest cosy dinners.

• Style a reading nook with a chair, lamp, and throw. So simple but so effective as it’s a really inexpensive way to add a touch of luxury.

• In bedrooms, layer the bedding with quilts or blankets so it feels indulgent and snug. Go heavy on your duvet tog if you’re staging. Flat, lifeless bedding V plump and sumptuous. I know which one I’d choose!

5. Stage Outdoor Spaces Too

In winter, outdoor areas are often forgotten but buyers will still peek outside and so this is where you can add value over your competition when staging a property for sale in winter.

• Add evergreen plants in pots to bring life to patios and doorways.

• Use outdoor lighting (solar stake lights, lanterns, or festoon lighting) to showcase the garden’s potential year-round. Admittedly this is only really relevant in November through to Jan, but imagine the joy on someone’s face if they went for a viewing and saw the garden magically lit up. It would be a fabulous and unexpected surprise!

• Keep pathways swept and safe and gardens pruned for Autumn. Again, another sign that you care about the ‘little’ things and therefore an assumption that you care about the big things too. Great for buyer trust.

My favourite staging colour palette; Autumn colours instantly add warmth and interest.

6. Warm Up the Colour Palette

And finally, on to my favourite topic… colour!

I’ve created 3 colour palettes for you from the well-known trade manufacturer Dulux. Each palette consists of 2 wall colours and a woodwork colour, and you can absolutely interchange the wood for the walls.

But first, to summarise what you’re looking for when creating a ‘neutral’ palette that has warmth:

• Opt for warmer neutrals (think taupe, oatmeal, or soft stone).

• Ditch the brilliant white woodwork. Brilliant white is the only ‘man-made’ colour. All other colours are taken from nature. As a result, it jars with our senses. It also looks cheap.

• Metallic accents like brass or warm gold bounce light beautifully and add richness.

Paint Palettes for Property Staging

Golden Hour

I’m a bit obsessed with cinnamon paint colours at the moment, and this palette is warm, with soft cream and beige tones. It will create a welcoming feel and works well in spaces that need light and warmth without being too bold.

Cocoa Clay

A grounded set of mole-brown shades. Subtle, practical, and versatile, it adds depth and a sense of stability without overpowering a room.

Silver Sage

A muted green palette with soft grey undertones. Calm, balanced, and easy to use, it brings sophistication to modern and heritage homes alike.

Final Thought

The cooler months don’t have to mean dull, dark, or depressing when it comes to property sales. The right home staging strategy will make your home feel like a warm sanctuary. Exactly what buyers want when it’s cold and grey outside.

Get the lighting right, embrace warmth and texture, and highlight lifestyle cues that make people think “Yes! I could live here”, and you’re on to a winner!

Need help with staging your property? Let’s talk.

About the author: Louise Wynne has been working with house builders and property developers since 2006. Combining interior design and styling with her colour psychology expertise, Louise gets to the heart of her clients' requirements.