Holla at your girl if you’re super pumped about setting goals for the New Year ?? 

We’re BIG goal setters around here. Creatures of habit for sure but we set goals for ourselves, our family, our time and for our business. 

Truth be told though, there’s only one issue — I'm slightly less excited about another couple months of winter!!!

Now, John on the other hand is stoked for time in a winter wonderland :) The mountains, snow and of course playing with Brooks + Brady is at the top of his dad todo list *wink*

But for myself, this time of year always feels a bit bittersweet. 

We’ve come to the tail end of the holiday seasons. Am I right, it always goes so fast?! 

Thanksgiving seems like a decade ago, the oodles of love you feel so blessed to have from the people around the Christmas Tree are here one day + distant memories the next. 

And everyone sets their eyes on ringing in the New Year. But then, well… 

We remember... Winter. Womp, womp. Womp…

I can’t lie though, a cozy home this time of year is kind of my personal thing. There’s a lot to designing a beautiful home but none more important than how our home makes us feel. How it influences our moods significantly… and if we can control the environment we call home, you guessed it, we can better control how we take on the New Year (+ for those of you like me, the rest of winter)!

So, now that January has rolled right on in… it’s officially time to launch our spaces into “cozy homes.” 

And I’m sure you’re right there with me because there’s something so. da-yummmm. good about a cozy home in the winter time. And that’s exactly why we put together a handful of cozy home ideas you can implement right away to transform your home for the next few weeks (notice how I’m shortening time there from weeks to months *wink*).

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.