As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, the colder months invite us to embrace the coziness of our living spaces. To combat the brisk weather outside, transform your home into a warm retreat. Imagine curling up with a soft blanket, sipping hot cocoa by a crackling fire, and surrounding yourself with elements that evoke comfort and tranquility. From cozy home decor to warm lighting and inviting scents, creating a winter haven is all about layering warmth and style.
Whether you’re bundling up in your new home in Denver, CO, searching for an apartment in Seattle, WA, or are looking for a home to rent in Rochester, NY, let’s explore some simple yet impactful ways to turn your home into a welcoming escape this season.
1. Incorporate inviting scents
Changing the scent in your home can dramatically shift the ambiance, making it feel cozier and more inviting. With a new, fall candle or a wintery simmer pot, you can transform your space into a warm retreat that encourages relaxation and a sense of well-being.
Dwayne Kniola at West Shore Candle says that candles are the perfect way to make your home warm and cozy during the cold months, “There is something so soothing about a scent that evokes wonderful memories and watching a gentle flame give off a beautiful glow.”
Replicate the crackling sound of a fireplace with wood wick candles
A wood wick candle features a wick made from natural wood instead of traditional cotton or synthetic materials. When lit, the wood wick creates a gentle crackling sound reminiscent of a fireplace, adding to the atmosphere and helping transform your home.
“Wood wick candles are especially great for creating a welcoming and warm home as they provide a soft, crackling sound that enhances the ambiance,” shares Dominique Ellis, owner of Knight Light Candles. These candles often provide a wider and more even burn, allowing for a longer-lasting scent and a unique aesthetic appeal.
Consider an alternative wax as an eco-friendly option
Instead of buying just any candle to cozy up your home, Merri Bayard at Bayard Candle Company recommends opting for a cleaner and more environmentally friendly option, “Soy candles are ideal for creating a soft, welcoming glow that enhances the cozy ambiance of any room,” she shares. “They burn slower than traditional wax candles, giving you more time to bask in their soothing light and fragrance.”
Embrace warm fragrances
Another wonderful way to infuse warmth into your home is by embracing comforting fragrances that encourage feelings of relaxation.
“Transform your home into a cozy retreat by choosing candles with fragrances like cinnamon, vanilla, or pine to create a welcoming ambiance,” Zeinab Beydoun at This Little Candle Co. suggests.
Looking for advice on how to beautifully display your new favorite candles? Beydoun continues, “Arrange candles in groupings or place them in key areas like your living room or bedroom for a touch of warmth and relaxation.”
Opt for scents that evoke peace
Lighting candles while wrapped in a soft blanket with a good book or a warm drink adds to the feeling of snugness that the chilly months of fall and winter bring. Lisa Schwaller at Farmhouse Candle Company says that choosing scents such as those infused with cinnamon and spices or earthy notes like pine, balsam, and fir evoke feelings of coziness and peace.
Candles not only enhance the sensory experience of cold weather but also create a peaceful setting for gatherings with friends and family, fostering connection and warmth during this frosty season.
Lean into the seasonal aromas
To ring in a new season, lighting a seasonal candle is a great way to enjoy the festivities. The flickering flame and inviting aroma can instantly help create a cozy atmosphere perfect for celebrating the change in seasons.
Rodney and Christina Laney with Creekside Wick Company recommend, “Transform your home into a cozy haven with the warm glow of soy candles with scents like white birch, apple harvest, or pumpkin spice to create inviting seasonal aromas that enhance relaxation.”
They continue to share that the warm light of the candle flame is sure to have you feeling the cozy vibes on those cold nights while snuggled up in a blanket on the couch watching a movie or reading your favorite book.
2. Create a cozy environment
Transform your home to create a warm atmosphere that can significantly enhance the coziness of your environment. This encourages you to unwind and enjoy your space, turning your home into a true sanctuary.
Add in ambient lighting
Changing the lighting can dramatically alter the vibe of your home, creating a soft atmosphere.
Lucy Stuefloten, an architectural interior designer at Tripplehorn Interiors, recommends, “Adding ambient lighting with candles or dimmable lamps can create a soothing, inviting atmosphere.”
By strategically placing light sources, you can highlight cozy corners and create a sense of intimacy, making your space feel more welcoming. Whether it’s a gentle glow in the living room or warm lights in the bedroom, ambient lighting transforms your environment into a soothing retreat.
Pair comforting scents with soft textiles
Combining scents with textures is a powerful way to enhance the coziness of your home. For instance, the warm aroma of baked cookies combined with the softness of a plush blanket creates an inviting sensory experience that feels comforting and homey.
“Pairing comforting scents with soft textiles and good books will transform your home into a warm and inviting haven, perfect for chilly nights,” states Brad Richardson with Ambush Candle Company.
By thoughtfully blending these sensory elements, you create an environment that not only looks cozy but also feels like a true oasis.
3. Mix vintage and new for a cozy look
Mixing old and new styles in home decor creates a warm and personalized aesthetic that tells a unique story. Vintage pieces, such as a rustic wooden table or antique frames, can add character and charm, while modern accents, like sleek furniture or contemporary art, bring a fresh perspective.
Caycee Coffield and Addie Coffield at Living Proper Interiors share some of their favorite ways to usher in the cold months, “We love incorporating branches into spaces. They add height, texture, and organic elements,” they continue. “Also, add layers with items like books, art, pillows, pottery, or throws. Adding layers tells a story of your space.”
Pro tip: don’t be afraid to mix vintage and new—this further helps create a sophisticated look.
4. Introduce a rug
“To transform your home into a cozy cold-weather retreat, add warmth to cold, bare floors with plush, shaggy, or woven rugs to create a more intimate and defined feel,” shares Heather from Better Living.
This is an effective way to enhance warm home decor, instantly creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. A soft, plush rug underfoot not only adds comfort but also helps to define spaces within a room, making it feel more intimate. Additionally, rugs in warm colors or rich textures can visually soften hard surfaces, contributing to a layered and harmonious look.
Heather also recommends, “Incorporating houseplants and organic accents made of wood or stone can bring the calming presence of nature indoors, perfect for when you’re spending more time inside.”
5. Enjoy a sweet treat
Desserts have a magical way of making everything feel cozy. Imagine the aroma of freshly baked cookies or a rich chocolate cake and how it can instantly transform your home, creating an inviting atmosphere that draws people together. To make your wintery moments even sweeter, consider indulging in a sugary dessert.
Nikki Thompson Frazier, CEO and owner of Sweet Encounter, suggests sharing a delicious goodie with someone special, “Create a cozy retreat at home by snuggling up with your favorite blanket, favorite human, and a sweet treat. What better way to indulge during the colder months than with Cupcakes in a Jar?”
Whether it’s a warm slice of pie, a bowl of creamy ice cream, or a cupcake in a jar, these sweet moments transform ordinary occasions into cherished memories.
6. Create a warm atmosphere by hand
Hand-making items to keep warm not only provides a personal touch but also fosters a deep sense of creativity and accomplishment. Whether it’s knitting a cozy scarf or sewing a soft quilt, each crafted piece becomes a unique expression of warmth and care to ring in the new season.
Knit a throw or pillow
Dana Sullivan with Knerdy Knitters shares her input regarding how to make your home warm by adding handmade items, “Adding throws and knitted pillows to your couch or bed will make your home feel cozy and warm during the colder months.”
She explains why creating the items by hand is a fantastic idea, “The great thing about knitting and crochet is that you can make these home accessories yourself. This way they will match your home and taste perfectly.”
Hand-make a soft quilt
“Hygge is a Scandinavian word that embodies a feeling of coziness, comfort, and contentment, often associated with creating a warm atmosphere and enjoying the simple pleasures in life,” explains Michelle Isaacson, owner of Lost & Found Crafts. It emphasizes connection with others, relaxation, and appreciating the little things. Essentially, hygge is about fostering a sense of well-being and happiness in everyday moments.
“A great way to bring hygge into your home is to have handmade quilts or afghans over your sofa to use when a good book demands to be read during these cold months,” adds Isaacson.
7. Bring the outdoors in – with faux
Bringing the outdoors in with home decor creates a refreshing and calming atmosphere that connects us to nature. This design philosophy encourages mindfulness, reminding us to appreciate the small wonders around us. It also creates a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces, enriching our living experience.
Focus on the main gathering space
Monica Macha at Monica Macha Design says that she likes to focus on the main gathering space to enhance coziness in homes.
Macha shares, “I like to change out summer throw blankets for a faux fur option. Add fall faux foliage for a sculptural natural reminder of the hibernating cooler months. Provide an additional perch for pulling up to the coffee table, in a hide or faux fur material with natural wood legs.”
With these tips and tricks from Macha, living room comfort is just around the corner.
Bring in dark textures
Stephanie Hunt, founder of The FlairHunter, invites you to consider adding richer, more saturated colors and tones in items like smaller area rugs, vintage textiles draped over the backs of sofas, or the arms of a chair.
The interior designer shares, “One of my favorite things to do is to add faux or real sheepskins over all seating, such as bar stools, dining chairs, or even a raised hearth on a fireplace.”
Hunt indulges in sharing a designer’s secret hack, “Switching out pillows that might be linen in lighter pastel colors in favor of textures like chenille, bouclé, faux fur, wool, is another design hack that helps a space to feel cozy.”
One important lesson we’ve learned from these design professionals is to embrace the use of faux materials without hesitation. They encourage us to explore the creative possibilities that faux options offer, allowing for innovative designs that can be both stylish, practical, and cozy.
8. Comfort is key
There’s truly nothing better than pure comfort in the chilly months that make up fall and winter. But how does one achieve this peak solace? Katie Focht, owner of MK Interiors, suggests, “To make your home feel warm and inviting during the cold months, it’s all comfort. A solid pillow game is a must, so be sure to layer in soft and cozy pillows, and plush and textured blankets to snuggle up with.”
Pillows and blankets instantly transform any space into a warm haven, inviting you to relax and unwind. Their soft textures and comforting warmth create the perfect atmosphere for curling up with a good book or enjoying a movie night.
9. Alter the lighting
Tracy Blalock, lead designer at Vignette Coeur d’Alene Interior Design states that creating a cozy home environment is essential for comfort and wellbeing as winter approaches. Paying attention to the environment of your home is crucial, as it greatly influences your mood and overall quality of life.
To begin ensuring that your home environment is up-to-par for the upcoming winter, Blalock suggests, “Enhance the atmosphere with softer lighting, dimmer bulbs, candles, and string or fairy lights to create that glow that invites relaxation.”
Blalock also recommends introducing natural elements to enrich the space’s warmth and character.
10. Pay attention to colors
Warm colors can significantly transform your home’s ambiance, creating a welcoming and inviting atmosphere. These hues evoke feelings of comfort and energy, making spaces feel cozier and more intimate.
Rebecca Stead-Choponis, owner of West Michigan Candle Co., encourages others to, “Include warm tone colors such as burnt orange, mustard yellow, and deep reds for setting that autumnal mood.”
By incorporating warm colors into your decor, you can foster a sense of warmth that encourages relaxation and connection, enhancing the overall experience of your living environment.
11. Don’t forget the kitchen
Liz Brooks, interior decorator at Juniper Interiors, raises a significant question, “Surely chunky pillows and some blankets will feel cozy in a living space during the chilly months, but what about the kitchen?”
After highlighting the main gathering space, ambient lighting, and elusive scents of the season, one must not forget the importance of the heart of the home: the kitchen.
Brooks continues to give a series of recommendations for cozying up the kitchen, “A tray with pretty mugs and stirrers with a tea bag jar or hot cocoa mix is practical and inviting. Chocolates or caramels in a candy dish and candles throughout will do wonders to warm up the space.”
Thoughtful decoration in the kitchen not only enhances the space’s functionality but also fosters a sense of joy and togetherness, encouraging family and friends to gather and share meals.
12. Last but not least, fill your space with love and laughter
“Adding a warm and soft blanket to a chair or sofa is a fabulous way to invite warmth. Also adding a fire in your fireplace will make you feel comfortable more than anything else,” suggests Allison Campbell of Allison Campbell Design.
“The last thing is to welcome loved ones to enjoy your cozy space together,” Campbell warmly shares. They play a crucial role in creating a cozy atmosphere at home. Shared laughter, heartfelt conversations, and moments spent together transform a house into a true sanctuary.
Transform your home for the colder months: Final thoughts
When you transform your home into a comfortable space for fall and winter, it involves a thoughtful blend of warmth, lighting, and textures that create an inviting atmosphere. By incorporating cozy textiles, warm colors, and thoughtful decor, you can turn your living space into a sanctuary that embraces the season’s charm. Remember, the key is to focus on comfort and relaxation, allowing you to fully enjoy the beauty of winter from the cozy haven of your home. Embrace the season and let your space reflect the warmth and joy it can bring.
