Many thanks to Evelyn Long with her article, How to Create a Cozy Winter Wonderland Retreat for Cold Days, right as winter approaches. 😉 Be sure to read Evelyn’s bio at the bottom.
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With the cold winter air settling in, you’ll want somewhere warm and cozy to spend your days. Imagine curling up near a toasty fire, reading a book and sipping a hot beverage from your favorite mug. There’s no better time of year to enjoy these simple pleasures than winter.
Capturing the essence of a winter wonderland retreat at home is easy enough. You’ll mainly want to concentrate on sensory details, like soft blankets, comfy pillows and warm lighting. These eight tips will help you transform your entire home into a snug and restful environment you’ll never want to leave.
Casart Winter Tree Design Source
1. Set the Mood with Lighting
Colder weather and shorter days are challenging for many people, disrupting their sleep and day-to-day activities. Those who experience continuous sadness and emptiness daily for at least two weeks may be diagnosed with seasonal affective disorder (SAD) — a common type of depression during winter months.
Lighting can significantly improve mood if you have SAD. Although nothing beats natural light, artificial lighting can brighten your outlook. Decorate your home with lamps and string lights. Dimmers also give you more control over recessed lighting, allowing you to adjust the brightness in a room to your liking.
Opt for light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs, which use 75% less electricity than traditional ones. While you may have heard these shine brighter than incandescent bulbs, you can purchase warmer LEDs for a cozier ambience.
2. Add Softness with Blankets, Pillows and Rugs
Plush textiles are the heart and soul of a cozy atmosphere. In the wintertime, why wouldn’t you want to curl up on the couch with a knit blanket and cushions you can sink into? Throw blankets, decorative pillows, and rugs add warmth and texture to every room.
Soft textiles come in various colors, patterns and materials — some breathe new life into your home interiors, while others blend in perfectly. You might incorporate pillows with geometric or toile patterns or swap out holiday-themed covers for the season. A high-pile rug will also keep your feet warm when you’re not wearing socks.
Layer several throw blankets in different shades over the sofa. Materials could include wool, cotton, cashmere, fleece or linen.
3. Install Crown Molding
Crown molding may not be your first choice when creating a cozy, at-home winter wonderland. However, this overlooked element infuses contemporary interior design with richness and character.
There are many options for crown molding, such as cove or curved molding with a precise 90-degree dimension trim for softer corners. Of course, traditional-style molding is typically a three-piece style, while the bead and pearl design is more intricate.
4. Ebrace Warm and Inviting Colors
Warm, earthy tones — off-white, beige, brown, blue-gray and green — exude coziness for a winter wonderland retreat. Staying within the neutral family keeps your space open but feels snug, like a nurturing embrace.
Integrate wooden elements, replace furniture with creamy linen cushions or give rooms a fresh coat of paint. You may even apply a beige wallpaper with a slight fabric texture to avoid overwhelming occupants. Many products are now removal and peel-and-stick for easier application.
5. Add Greenery
Gardeners will appreciate surrounding themselves with greenery year-round. Indoor plants are a great way to create an inviting environment for winter relaxation. Numerous low-maintenance options are available, from windowsill herbs to hanging plants and large pots.
You can even add Christmas plants to your home during the holidays. For example, poinsettias, mistletoe and amaryllis are classic seasonal florals.
A Christmas cactus is also one of the best plants to include in your cozy design. Aside from being pet-friendly, this succulent can live up to 100 years with the right conditions. Allow it to hibernate after seasonal festivities and give it around-the-clock darkness from September to December for new blooms.
6. Create an Alcove with Accent Furniture
Is there anything cozier in the wintertime than a nook? Designating a small alcove is an ideal wintertime retreat. Accentuate the space with comfortable textiles and furniture, such as a small bookcase if you like to read.
Additionally, you could opt for a floor pillow instead of an armchair. Just be sure to select a well-stuffed cushion that will maintain its shape through long-term wear. While you may choose a soothing, neutral fabric color, a floor pillow is an excellent opportunity to add a subtle pop of color to your cozy nook.
Also, don’t forget a small accent table. While this piece shouldn’t be too large, it should have enough space for a lamp and a coaster to rest your hot chocolate. A hand-painted table will allow you to save money on real wood while still leaning into warm, natural textures. Likewise, you might choose black or gold legs depending on how modern or rustic you want it to look.
7. Hang Artwork
Artwork can change the entire look and feel of your home, whether you hang paintings in the living room or create a gallery wall in the bedroom. Even art in the bathroom can turn the small area into a winter spa-like retreat for those cold days when you need a soak in the tub.
There are plenty of other opportunities to get creative with art. Patterned wallpaper or a mural is a beautiful decorative touch in each room. Fortunately, online retailers offer several options at a discounted price so you can choose the right color and design.
8. Personalize with Decor
While many homeowners are eager to declutter their homes for their mental well-being, others feel comforted by personal effects. This doesn’t mean you should fill each room to the brim with family heirloom items and photos, but a few beloved decorative pieces could make you happier during the colder months.
According to a 2023 Human Flourishing Lab study, 77% of Americans find comfort in nostalgic memories when facing difficulties. Another 84% say they remind them of what’s most important.
Escape to a Cozy Winter Wonderland Retreat — at Home
Transform your home into the ultimate winter wonderland retreat with a few homey updates and housewares. Most of these ideas are easy to integrate, budget-friendly and can be swapped out for holiday-themed decor if necessary. Enjoy warmth and wonder all season long in your cozy dwelling.
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Additional posts & resources:
- We’re Falling for These 6 Trends that Create a Warm and Inviting Space
- 12 Ways to Embrace a Warmer Interior this Winter
- Designs that Brighten the Winter Blues
- Welcoming Family More Warmly Post-Pandemic
- Peace of Mind in Design
Many thanks to Evelyn for her article on how to create a cozy winter wonderland retreat for cold days.
About the author:
Evelyn Long is an interior design writer passionate about helping homeowners bring life and personality to their spaces.
She is the Editor-in-Chief of Renovated, where she provides interior design tips and guides.
She also contributes to sites like DecorMatters and National Association of Realtors.
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