If you’ve ever been to upstate New York, you know that our winters can be quite brutal. There’s nothing more satisfying than watching snow blanketing the landscape from the warmth and comfort of a cozy home. Wondering how to create this picture-perfect, welcoming scene in your own space? Keep reading for 5 ways to create a cozy home this winter!

Color scheme inspiration from Unsplash

1. Use Warm Colors

Before you begin making purchases and decorating your space, be sure to decide on a color palette. A warm color palette is essential for creating a cozy home. Warm colors can make a space feel smaller, but that also makes it feel more intimate. Stick to tints and tones in red, orange, yellow, and brown for this effect. 

If you are looking for something a little more versatile, I recommend paying careful attention to the undertones of any neutrals that you choose. For a harmonious color palette, you’ll want to choose options that coordinate with the other colors you have selected. For example, some gray color options have blue in them, while others lean towards red or brown. If you are selecting rose pink and dark brown for your space, make sure that the gray you select also has pink or brown undertones.

Paint colors from Sherwin-Williams

2. Play with Patterns & Texture

In addition to using color, we can’t forget about incorporating patterns and texture to make a space more cozy. They help to create a sense of contrast for a more visually pleasing aesthetic. 

Varying the scale of prints or the tactile nature of textures will balance out the room and make it more interesting. Soft and chunky textures, such as wool, chenille, cashmere, and fleece, are great choices for a cozy space because they add warmth. Try mixing them with natural materials, like wood and rattan, to soften the look and introduce some rustic influences.

Layered texture inspiration from Unsplash

3. Layer Decorative Lighting

Although paint colors, patterns, and textures are often the first things that come to mind when decorating, lighting plays a role that is just as important in setting the tone for a space. You can layer decorative lighting with or without ambient lighting to make your home feel intimate and cozy. Candles, string lights, table lamps, sconces, and any other sources that give off soft, hazy light are great choices.

Be sure to also consider the color temperature of your decorative and ambient light sources carefully. As you may know, light is made up of all the colors of the rainbow. However, it can skew towards a warm or cool color, which is indicated by color temperature. Color temperature is measured in Kelvins (K) and it can range from 1,000K to 10,000K. A light source with a color temperature of 1,000K would appear very warm, with a yellowish cast to it. In contrast, a light source with a color temperature of 10,000K would look very blue. It is important to pay attention to color temperature because it can affect the way that colors are perceived within the space. 

4. Add Personal Touches

Get creative and add personal touches to transform your space from a house to a home. I’m a firm believer that your home should be your happy place. It’s also the perfect way to tell your unique story!

Take a look around and think about your belongings that make you smile. Framed photos, artwork, collections, or even items that you have accumulated from your travels are all great pieces to display. 

You can also put your own spin on classic winter decor with a DIY project. Winter is the best time to get started on projects that you can do indoors, where it’s warm. I made a no-sew chunky blanket, and although it wasn’t perfect, it was a fun challenge. I love how cozy it is!

I found some helpful tutorials to show you how to make a DIY blanket ladder and how to make a no-sew boho throw pillow. If you’re feeling especially ambitious, you can even reupholster a bench or chair with soft, nubby fabric, like boucle or chenille, to create a cozy reading corner.  

5. Don’t Forget to Fill Empty Space

Empty space can make a room feel cold and sparse, so don’t forget to finish off your space with accessories. Blankets and throws, rugs, and even seasonal throw pillows will make your home more full and comfortable for everyday living. 

Lake house bedroom design by Repurposed Interiors

Need help finding more ways to create a cozy home this winter? Get in touch to schedule a consultation with me!