As temperatures drop across Canada, design duo Colin and Justin have unveiled their comprehensive guide to becoming a 'sub zero hero' and making the most of the colder months. Published on November 21, 2025, their four-minute read offers practical strategies for transforming winter from a season to endure into one to cherish.
Creating Your Winter Sanctuary
The experts emphasize that winter, when carefully planned, becomes an opportunity for emotional reset. Rather than battling the cold, they recommend embracing it wholeheartedly through intentional home adjustments and lifestyle changes that foster warmth and connection.
Their first recommendation focuses on literary escape. 'Block out the colder months by engaging your inner bookworm,' they suggest, noting that rereading beloved books feels like reconnecting with old friends. They recommend creating a winter reading list and complementing the experience with cozy reading socks from Indigo for ultimate comfort.
Transform Your Space with Textural Warmth
Colin and Justin advise swapping summer drapery for weather-resistant curtains and replacing lightweight textiles with tactile throws and cushions. They recommend warm greys, rich reds, and earthy tones like burnt umber and toffee hues to seasonally adjust your space without overspending.
The design pros emphasize that small, thoughtful changes can significantly impact your winter experience. 'Don't go overboard: small changes will help you reset without breaking the bank,' they note, suggesting focused updates rather than complete renovations.
Culinary Comfort and Connection
When it comes to entertainment, the duo suggests making 'home your go-to restaurant' by focusing on intimate gatherings rather than formal dinners. They recommend easy-prep meals and interactive dining experiences like cheese fondues using Fontina or Comté, or raclette parties featuring alpine cheeses like Gruyère and Emmental.
For those willing to embrace slower-paced cooking, they point to Le Creuset's website for recipes such as spiced lamb meatballs with pomegranate glaze and leeks with hazelnut brown butter. Baking also gets their endorsement as a rewarding winter activity, with The Cake Bible by Rose Levy Beranbaum recommended for perfecting techniques.
Winter Wellness and Digital Detox
Colin and Justin celebrate Canada's coffee culture, suggesting quality beans like Canada's Cup medium blend by Balzac and charming mugs like Susan Robertson's 'Bear, Tree and Loon' collection to enhance the experience.
Music serves as another emotional anchor during inclement weather. The designers share their personal favorites: Jerry Burns' self-titled album for nostalgic transport to 1990s Scotland, and Kate Bush's '50 Words for Snow' for atmospheric winter accompaniment.
Perhaps their most poignant advice involves disconnecting from technology to reconnect with real life. 'Turn off your phone, ditch the laptop and temper that tablet,' they urge, advocating for living in the moment rather than seeking perfect social media moments.
Embracing Outdoor Winter Magic
Contrary to hibernation instincts, Colin and Justin encourage winter exploration beyond city limits. They describe the soul-nourishing beauty of frozen lakes, dog sledding, and snow-dusted forests that resemble classic Christmas cards.
Their comprehensive approach acknowledges that while spring will eventually arrive on March 20, 2026, winter offers its own unique charms when approached with intention and creativity.
Colin and Justin can be seen on HGTV's Cabin Pressure, City TV's Breakfast Television, and Paramount Plus TV's Sub Zero Reno, with their home collection available in stores across Canada.
