Winter is the season we spend the most time at home. We gather with friends and family around the table, we decorate for the holidays, and we hunker down when the weather gets frightful. It’s the time of year we really embrace getting warm and cozy.
Since we will be spending more time at home during the next few months, let’s update our spaces to reflect this new season in a cozy, elevated way.
Here are seven easy ways to create the cozy ambience that we crave this time of year.
When you prioritize creating a neutral color palette throughout your home, it gives you a cohesive base to build on. Consider paring back the number of colors or patterns in your space and instead layer tone-on-tone hues for a cozy, lived in look. Take a cue from nature and implement hues that abound this time of year such as white, cream, beige, evergreen, brown, and black.
If there is ever a time to layer on the throw blankets and pillows, the time is now. Textile layers add both visual and physical warmth to all spaces in your home.
Texture is an important component in creating visual interest and prevents your design from looking “flat.” Combining different fabric textures such as wool, velvet, faux fur, sherpa, and knit will create the warm and luxurious cozy feeling you desire.
Winter days are short, and the nights are long. I embrace nature’s rhythm with low lighting once the sun sets. Think dimmable floor and table lamps nestled close to the sofa, a simple grouping of candles to add soft ambience, and twinkle lights to add some magic to a space.
Tip: For the most flattering light, opt for light bulbs in the “soft white” and “warm white” color temperature range to create the ultimate cozy atmosphere you crave.
I like to decorate with natural elements that embrace the authenticity of the winter season. I use natural decor to fill bowls, decorate trays, and fill vases for an effortless winter aesthetic.
Some of my favorite natural elements to decorate with are:
Tip: I prefer to use real pinecones and acorns because they are resilient but opt for well-made faux pine branches rather than natural for my displays.
The winter season begs for a little touch of glam. The most effective way to add some sparkle in an elevated way is to introduce warm metallics like muted gold, champagne bronze, matte brass, and mercury glass into a space. Muted finishes add warmth and interest to your design.
My favorite way to add metallics is with candle holders and decorative objects. Mixing different metal finishes is encouraged as it creates depth and a curated look. The key to picking which metals to mix is to make sure the difference is obvious. Picking finishes that are too close together just makes them look mismatched.
Tip: Avoid glittery decor which can detract from an elevated design.
More time at home means more opportunities to create special moments. Adjusting furniture arrangements can change the atmosphere of a space and make it feel fresh and new again. A few ideas to create a cozy feeling this season with what you already have:
Adding a cozy winter scent is the finishing touch to any design. Fragrance is powerful; it fills an entire space, enveloping you in the essence of the season. Scent sparks memories and nostalgia, along with a hopeful anticipation for new joys to come. No matter what your favorite winter activity is—trimming the tree, baking cookies, snuggling by the fire, or playing in the snow—it is precisely captured in candle form.
Candles can make even an ordinary moment feel special. Light them often and immerse your senses in the winter season.
Don’t forget those small spaces including closets, mudrooms, and bathrooms. Reed diffusers are the perfect way to infuse fragrance in these spaces and make them feel special, too.
Tip: If you are burning a candle in a large room, you may opt to burn two or more at the same time to get the full effect of your candle’s scent.
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Integrating a mix of patterns in your home decor is a great way to add interest, depth, and personality to your space. However, it can be intimidating if you are just getting started! I’ve collected 7 easy tips to get you started on your pattern mixing journey with confidence.
