This year, interior designers expect a variety of aesthetics to stick around — including warm minimalism (78%), and Scandinavian (50%), according to one Apartment Therapy survey. While it’s safe to say that warm and cozy aesthetics will put comfort at the top of the list for many who plan on redecorating for the winter, those who are ready to jump in might not know where to start. From the power of a simple color shift to how warm details and even upcycling can make a difference, here are just three smart tips to help you get started.
Setting the scene
When planning to transform your home into a cozy hideaway for the winter, choosing lighter shades like cream or beige might sound like an ideal way to brighten things up, though Homes & Gardens suggests looking in the other direction entirely. “Using deep, dark shades in living spaces creates a dramatic, intimate and cocooning feel,” says Ruth Mottershead, creative director at Little Greene. Darker grays and deep navy are just a couple of great options, while the article goes on to point out that using other warm shades (like mustard yellow) as an accent can further elevate the aesthetic. Mottershead further recommends the use of other dark colors, like chocolate tones, which can make a statement when used all over.
Homes & Gardens also recommends focusing on one corner of the living room by transforming it into a cozy corner for reading or relaxing. Not only is this the perfect way to fill any unused spaces in your home, but it can prove to be an inviting space for both your family and guests alike. This can easily be achieved by choosing a comfortable armchair or other style of seating, which can be placed near a window or in front of a bookshelf. Adding in a few details, such as a lamp and a side table for a book or two (and a cup of tea) can only further illustrate a cozy visual.
A little light for a dramatic statement
When aiming to conjure up a cozy atmosphere by redecorating, focusing on lighting can go a long way. While having a fireplace is generally seen as the ultimate way to achieve a cozy living room, there are a variety of alternatives that can bring a soft, warm glow to any room in your house without having to invest in a feature like a fireplace. Making use of cozy options like table lamps or decorative light fixtures, for example, can help in achieving just the right amount of lighting. In regard to overhead lighting, putting lights on a dimmer switch is just one option to consider, notes one Architectural Digest post. This can be particularly great if you happen to have recessed downlighting, which, according to Frank Ponterio of Frank Ponterior Interiors in Chicago, are not ideal when watching a show. “You want to see the lighting and not see the source, that’s the trick,” he says.
It’s all in the details
In addition to the lighting, turning your attention to other, smaller details in the home can go a long way in accentuating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Nature-inspired spaces are just one home design trend predicted to stick around in 2023, and there are a variety of ways that you can incorporate houseplants, earthy tones, and wood elements into home decor. Swapping out old decor for a wooden focal piece, for instance, is just one way to naturally bring a warmer visual to a space, whether it be via a wooden coffee table or a wooden tealight holder. Opting for wooden frames that hold photos of loved ones and good memories is another option, especially when considering that one of Investing in a high quality blanket is yet another way to make an interior design statement fit for the winter months – not only will it physically keep you warm, but draping a plush blanket over the couch is perhaps one of the simplest ways to bring a warm aesthetic to any home.
Redecorating can be the perfect way to freshen things up and bring a new aesthetic into your home, especially during the winter months. From dark and dramatic colors to exploring various lighting opinions and adding in warm and cozy details, there are a variety of simple ways that you can revamp your home.
