Winter is knocking. Is your home ready to welcome it?
No matter where you live, wintertime is all about warmth and comfort. It’s our time to indulge in cozy textures and warm hues. It’s a time for tasty treats and fun, friendly gatherings. In a nutshell, we seek out all the ways to take the chill out of those frigid temperatures.
When it comes to your home’s interior, it doesn’t take much to achieve this. In fact, even some of the simplest changes can make a home perfect for cozy living during the long winter months. Below are some of our favorite ways to keep those interiors toasty until the spring thaw.
Texture with Textiles
Textiles are a key ingredient no matter what the season. For winter, however, textiles rich in texture are where it’s at. Luxurious, plush, fuzzy, shiny, and chunky are just some of the adjectives you should focus on when picking winter textiles.
When it comes to fabrics, rich doesn’t necessarily mean heavy. While there’s nothing wrong with a thick, lush fabric, there are some on the lighter side just as suitable for the season. Some of our favorites include organza, organdy, velvet, silk, wool, and cashmere. You’ll notice that some in that list are light and airy, while others are substantial and dramatic. Any and all can be used in a variety of ways–window treatments, napkins, tablecloths, bedding, pillow covers, and much more. Mix and match them throughout your home until you reach the desired look and feel.
Textiles also include area rugs. And, as we all know, a good area rug can make all the difference. Not only will your design shine, your feet will be extra happy to have something warm underfoot. Wool, sheepskin, fur, and faux furs are all wonderful choices. Even if you have a carpeted space, you can benefit from an area rug. Tis the season for layers so don’t forget to add something to your floor space. It will most certainly increase the coziness of your home.
Did you know that certain patterns on textiles also contribute to a home’s coziness in winter? It’s true! Patterns like plaid, checks, and houndstooth have a cozy look to them, especially when they’re made out of wool. Southwestern or Navajo patterns can also create that visual appeal that will make you want to curl up and relax.
Cozy Up with Color
Color influences our ideas and moods more than we realize, so if you want to feel cozy you have to have some colors to get you there. Now is your chance to bring in some richer hues. Deep shades of red, brown, amber, gold, plum, and green are perfect for the season. Need some color inspiration? Stop over and visit Pantone, the color experts. Each year they produce two seasonal palettes, one for spring and summer and another for fall and winter. You’d be amazed at some of their choices for winter. Many of the can be used year round!
Flirt with Furniture Arrangement
Sometimes all it takes is a little rearranging of the furniture to make a space feel cozy. For the winter months, turn a few pieces of furniture away from the window and toward the fireplace, keeping some floor pillows handy. If you have a wide-open space with furniture spread about, try pulling it in a bit to make more intimate seating arrangements. The more opportunity you have to be intimate with friends and family, the better. As always, be sure to arrange furniture in a way that doesn’t inhibit a smooth flow of traffic.
Accentuate with Accessories
Even if you don’t do any of the above mentioned, you can still create a cozy feeling with accessories. Accessories are so easy to swap out for holidays and seasons. For winter, adding accessories like extra candles, throws, and accent pillows make a big difference when it comes to warming up a space for winter. While you’re at it, change out some wall art for something more seasonal or add a new runner in a wintry fabric to the dining room table. You can even change out your window treatments for the season.
Relax in the Glow of Luxurious Lighting
Lighting plays a big role in home décor, especially when it comes to making a space feel cozy. Adding wall sconces or table lamps are great ways to add soft lighting. If you have an overhead light, consider putting a dimmer on it. Whichever you choose to do, just make sure you don’t forget to keep some candles on hand.
Savor the Season with Scents
There are so many scents that remind us of winter, including gingerbread, pine, and spiced apple. For additional coziness, focus on bringing certain scents into your home. Some people enjoy scented candles, while others (like me), prefer a special essential oil blend fit for the season in the diffuser. It doesn’t matter what you choose, just don’t forget how important smells are to our moods!
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