6 Cozy Decor Trends That Will Make You Excited to Stay Home This Winter

These design ideas are basically an invitation to just stay inside and relax.

Saying goodbye to summer also means bidding farewell to so many pleasures of the season—gauzy linen sheets, fresh florals, open windows. But with winter comes a whole slew of new things to enjoy, from hearty meals and holiday decorating to decor that makes you want to cozy up inside all season long.

This year especially, so many “of-the-moment” design trends sync up serendipitously with the advent of winter, making it easier than ever to achieve a home that’s aesthetically beautiful and entirely soul-warming. “To me, a cozy winter environment includes lots of layers and textures,” says designer Jennifer Hunter. “Think leather ottomans, velvet sofas, textured pillows, a faux fur throw, and a dark, full-gloss wall painted in Farrow & Ball’s Brinjal .”

Ethan Greenfeld of Ethan Charles Design has a similar approach to infusing coziness into the home. “The more textures and inviting seating options, the cozier the space feels for you and your guests," he says. "For me, the ultimate winter scene includes rich, heavily textured throw pillows and blankets, and a cozy burning fireplace. A beautiful soft rug for your feet, or a comfortable place to sit, adds more layers of relaxation.”

Sound like the dream? Yeah, we think so too. To capture that comforting spirit in your own home, try your hand at the below designer-approved decor trends that amp up the coziness and warmth—just in time for your winter hibernation.

Meet the Experts

• Jennifer Hunter , interior designer and founder of Jennifer Hunter Design
• Ethan Greenfeld , founder and principal designer of Ethan Charles Design
• Tracy Morris , interior designer and founder of Tracy Morris Design
• Madelaine Mayer , founder and principal designer of AD Roit
• Sara Swabb , founder and creative director of Storie Collective

Decorative Fireplace Accents

If you have a fireplace at home, you probably spend a good amount of time around it in the winter months. Pour a little love into the focal point of your living room or family room with thoughtful fireplace accents—like a vintage wood bin, tools, or fireplace fender—which are having a moment in the design world. “If you have a fireplace, consider adding a zinc bin to your hearth,” suggests designer Tracy Morris. “It will look great and hold a good amount of wood, which is a nice accent, even if you don’t have to use it." If you do have a wood-burning fireplace, then this decor idea doubles as functional storage.

Layered Lighting

You’ve probably come across the latest design motto on TikTok or Instagram lately: No overhead lights. Designers and homeowners agree that overhead lighting—especially can lighting—can be too harsh, especially after dark. The key to a welcoming environment? Creating “layers” of lighting through sconces, table lamps, and floor lamps.

“As the days get shorter, our bodies are naturally programmed to feel more comfortable with lower and warmer lighting; think living room fireplace rather than office fluorescents,” explains designer Madelaine Mayer of AD Roit, who suggests swapping standard light bulbs for ones that can be dimmed and color adjusted. “Incorporating warm-toned table or floor lamps and oversized candles throughout a room enhances the inviting glow that’s essential for a cozy winter vibe,” adds designer Sara Swabb of Storie Collective.

Warm Earthy Hues

While your favorite color palette can work for any season, warmer and deeper colors naturally marry best with the winter months—and the current design trends. “I’m loving all the warm winter tones popular right now, like browns, cognacs, and goldenrod,” says Greenfeld. “Brown hues are perfect for the winter and evoke a sense of warmth and nostalgia." If you’re looking for more vibrance than a neutral brown, mulberry and burnt orange are great options. They’re both calming colors that add a pop of color to your space.

Vintage or Antique Rugs

Nobody wants cold feet in the winter, which is why a cozy rug is always a good choice during this time of year. “Rugs add both physical and visual warmth, especially when layered over wood floors or used in living and dining areas,” says Swabb. “Look for rugs with faded patterns and rich tones that echo the season perfectly.” Choose a style that you love year-round, or layer a style with saturated hues atop a natural fiber rug for an easy seasonal swap.

Textured Walls

Chalky and textured walls are everywhere lately, thanks to the resurgence in time-honored techniques like limewash and Roman clay. Not only do they add beautiful movement to any room, but they can also dial up the warmth in a space, mimicking the feel (and look) of suede or a cashmere blanket. “Textured walls are the ultimate touch when designing a warm and inviting room, yet they’re often the last detail people take into consideration when creating ambiance,” says Greenfeld. “Whether it’s a fabulous linen texture wallpaper or a limewashed wall, these textures envelop a room, adding depth and creating a more intimate environment.”

Window Seats

For those up North, time spent outdoors definitely decreases in the winter months, but that doesn’t mean you can’t soak up the sun in a different way. By styling up a window seat—which also happens to be a designer-favorite addition as of late—you can still get a primetime view of the outdoors without leaving the cozy comfort of your home. “Somehow seeing how cold it is outside makes it feel even warmer and cozier inside,” explains Mayer. “If space allows, rearrange your furniture so you have a view looking out or, if you can fit it, add a bench with lots of cushions under a window. It doesn't have to be large; just big enough to fit one person curled up with a good book.”

Related: 15 Banquette Seating Ideas to Maximize Space in Your Kitchen or Dining Area

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