How to Transform Your Space Into A Cozy Home This Winter

Holla at your girl if you are officially counting down the days until the first signs of Spring!

We are usually BIG goal-setters around here—creatures of habit who love a fresh New Year’s plan for our business and our families. But truth be told, by the time February rolls around, I’m always a little less excited about the "months" of winter still ahead of us.

Now, John is still stoked for the winter wonderland; the mountains and snow are at the top of his dad-to-do list with Brooks and Brady wink. But for me, this stretch of the year can feel a bit bittersweet. The holiday glow has faded into distant memories, the "New Year, New Me" adrenaline has cooled, and we’re left with the quiet, gray reality of February.

But recently, a conversation with one of our own team members gave me the most beautiful perspective shift. 

When we were chatting about holiday traditions, she shared that her family has intentionally moved away from the pressure of 'big traditions' to make room for something even more meaningful: the simple, profound joy of loving on each other in the moment. It was such an uplifting reminder that our homes don’t need a perfectly curated itinerary to be special. When we design our homes as sanctuaries, we’re really just creating a soft, beautiful place to be fully present with the people who mean the most.

Whether you’re still chasing those January goals, there is nothing more important than how our home makes us feel. If we can control our environment, we can better control how we navigate the rest of this winter.

So, even though the calendar says February, we aren't done with "cozy" yet. In fact, it’s officially time to lean into the healing power of a cozy home.

Without further ado… let’s dive into how to make a cozy home an important part of your well being. 

Snuggly Soft Blankets & Pillows

Truth bomb time. Nothing and I mean nothing about winter is enjoyable when you’re cold. Which if you have a leather chair or sofa is really really easy to stumble into during the winter. In fact, In my professional opinion when it comes to blankets + pillows, it’s not just about style — you want to feel that extra yummy-snuggly-goodness from your head to your toes! 

I know you know what I’m talking about… 

Throw blankets you can’t wait to cuddle with or wrap yourself up in. Pillows that cradle your head like a fluffy cloud. And a soft sofa to bring this magical combination to life — or to create the world’s most blissful winter nap!

And boy do I love a winter nap :)

Thick Rugs & Window Treatments

Rugs. And window treatments. Are an absolute must when it comes to creating a cozy home that feels warm + inviting. 

Living in a place like Seattle, where all 4 seasons are present + accounted for, means that we often rotate our furnishings from season to season. This not only helps our homes weather the change in temperature — it helps us enjoy our homes to the fullest! 

For example, a jute rug (or breezy curtains) is perfect for a cool + elegantly casual vibe in the summer, but in winter… there are not enough warm fuzzies.

And we want warm fuzzies. ;)

Instead, layer soft rugs, install thicker winter drapery with the added element of thermal lining, and introduce the right color + softness to create yourself the perfect cozy winter wonderland. 

These things not only feel extra soft to touch but they also function to keep the warmth inside.

Dark or Bold Colors

Another truth bomb for ya friend! 

Nothing against those creamy whites that bring about beautiful light + airy vibes but… if there’s one time throughout the year where moody is complementary to the season — it’s the winter.

Dark and/or bold colors add a ton of depth to your home. And so, when you pair them with cozy textiles, be it those snuggly blankets or thick rugs we were referencing above — well, then you have everything you need to create a truly well rounded + cozy home.

Scent for a Happy Soul

You know I’m all about turning on + pleasing ALL 5 of our senses... which includes our sense of smell! 

What scents fill you with bliss, satisfaction + total contentment? 

What would you love to smell when you first step foot in your home at the end of a long day? Warm cedar? 

Fresh pine? 

Cinnamon, spice + everything nice? 

You know what speaks to your soul, babe, so go fill your home with the aromas that sweep you off your well-deserving feet!

From whole-home air purifiers to wax candles infused with those winter vibes — you cannot underestimate the emotional influence of scent :)

And this is true not only for you but for guests who are spending time in your home.

Scent exudes cozy so make it special.

Faux or Real Greenery

I’m better now but in the past, my black thumb has been so bad I think I killed the same plants twice *wink*

Regardless of whether or not you use faux or real greenery, there’s absolutely no doubt that there are tremendous benefits to your mental, emotional and physical health when you introduce nature into your home

For more on that here are two articles: What Designing A Healthy Home Means + Incorporating Biophilic Design In Your Home

But beyond the health benefits — using greenery in your home completes a room. It makes a space feel well thought out + also full. 

From sedums, flowers to sprigs of greenery (faux or real) a cozy home has a semblance of nature to it :)

Not to mention, vases + pots for your plants in warm tones further the cozy factor.

Cozy, Sexy Mood Lighting

The sun still sets fairly early this time of year, which means we have far more evening hours to enjoy at home. Why not create a mood that makes the darkness feel special? 

I’m talking candles, lights on dimmers, decorative lamps + lanterns. 

These can add a cozy + sultry evening glow that makes you tingle with delight… + makes your special people scoot a little closer. (John + Brooklyn, you in for this cuddle fest??)

If you’re trying to identify where to begin, simply start with a few questions:

 What light sources do you currently have? 

How many? 

Are there shadow spots where lights should be? 

What’s the color temperature?

If there are multiple light sources, are they the same or different color temperatures?

Then, ask yourself — does this light move you emotionally in a good way or a bad way?

We’ve written a ton about How We Choose The Best Lighting For Your Home, here.

Spaces Designed to Gather

We gave you some tips for entertaining here, but designing spaces to gather goes beyond hostessing — it applies to you + your loved ones, too! 

Take a look at your space, especially the places where you + hubby or your mini-me’s hang out. 

Then ask yourself how you could arrange the furniture to promote togetherness? 

Could you turn some chairs to face each other? Could you arrange the furniture around the fireplace for cozy evenings with hot cocoa + marshmallows? What little touches would make the space feel as if it’s absolutely spoiling you? 

So whatcha waiting for, boo? Go get your cozy home on! As we always say, home is continuous. It’s ever evolving + transforming your space into a cozy home this winter is no exception.

And if you need some support bringing your dream home to life, you could book a little chat with us. The Elegant Simplicity team would be delighted to help you create your perfect home. ;)

P.S. If you loved this article then you’re going to really enjoy the 4 Days To A More Beautiful + Functional Home.