Whether you live in a cozy snow-covered house in Buffalo or an apartment in Santa Monica with its mild coastal climate, the desire to create a warm and inviting atmosphere indoors is universal. It’s a target.
This Redfin article provides five expert recommendations on how to decorate for winter and turn your home into the perfect wonderland to spend the cold months in. Let’s get started.
1. Introducing a winter-like color palette
Like any other season, winter decoration requires choosing a complementary color palette to match the changing atmosphere outside.
For those who prefer a more vibrant palette, interior designer Jillian Czyz of Jillian Czyz Interior Design + Styling suggests “choosing colors like greens, deep reds, and browns.”
Additionally, Linda Heaton, master designer at Design Decor Knoxville, recommends “incorporating cloudy blueberries and snowy greens,” adding to keep your candle options white.
If you live in a geographic setting that doesn’t give you that “winter” vibe, playing with a more neutral palette like pure white, light gray, or midnight blue can help satisfy that feeling.
2. Replace simple items with seasonal items
When thinking about decorating for winter, you don’t have to worry about completely changing your home. Achieve the winter look by replacing or adding simple decorative items.
Mary Chamou, interior designer at My Design Haven, suggests incorporating “textured pieces like chunky knit throws and other pieces that include elements of faux fur, wool, and velvet.”
Mehanaz Khan, principal interior designer at Color Conscious Living, recommends “switching out lightweight curtains for heavier fabrics.”
Jillian Czyz shows you how to easily replace indoor foliage on surfaces or in floor planters with natural winter branches, evergreens, berry sprigs, or needle pine.
Wendy Eakley, principal designer and owner of Homestyles Interior Design, also says that adding a quilted velvet comforter to your bed will “increase warmth and enhance the winter feel.”
3. Choose warm and inviting lighting
Without color-changing smart lighting, opportunities to create the right seasonal atmosphere can be missed.
Tamara Lester, a certified interior designer (NCIDQ) at Tamara Heather Interior Design, says, “For the warmest, most inviting lighting, warm-toned light bulbs (ideally 2700K) are essential.”
Another great way to decorate for winter with warm lighting is by carefully placing candles throughout your home or cozying up near a warm fireplace.
4. Blend natural elements
You can’t underestimate the power of blending natural elements when decorating your home. Incorporating natural wood tones during the winter months is one of the easiest ways to achieve Hallmark’s rustic beauty.
Ava Milani, lead interior designer at Eileen Chase Design, suggests “blending in natural elements, such as reclaimed wood accents.”
The Atlanta, Georgia-based Seasonal Designs team has created items that can incorporate wood accents to enhance the winter vibe, including “custom signs, painted pallets, and rustic frames hung on the wall.” I’m sharing it.
5. Fill the air with seasonal scents
When your home shines like the snow on the New England floor, take it a step further by filling the air with winter scents. Make your space winter-ready with candles, diffusers, and room sprays.
Ava Milani adds how “scents like cedarwood, cinnamon, and vanilla can enhance the sensory experience” of a cozy decorated home.
