Embrace the Burr…Hibernate in Style!

Frank Frances Studio

We've said goodbye to Summer. With the onset of changing leaves and cooler temperatures, we can feel Winter just around the corner.  

it's the perfect time to turn your home into a cozy retreat for the colder months ahead. While many of us miss the sunshine and warmth of summer, fall and winter bring their own joys: comfort food, festive decor, and time with loved ones. But perhaps the best part of this seasonal shift is the natural desire to turn within and make your home as cozy as possible

COZY HOME ESSENTIALS: LAYERS AND TEXTURES

When I think of a cozy home, my mind immediately jumps to comfortable seating and plenty of layers and textures. Imagine sinking into a velvet sofa, propping your feet on a tufted ottoman, and curling up with a chunky

knit throw blanket. These tactile elements are what make a space feel lived-in and welcoming. Heavy, textured pillows, plush blankets, and soft rugs underfoot all contribute to creating an atmosphere of warmth and relaxation.

Sound like the dream? I think so, too. Try my suggestions to ramp up the coziness and warmth in your home just in time for Winter hibernation.

AMPING UP THE COZY FACTOR WITH DECORATIVE FIRE ACCENTS

If you’re lucky enough to have a fireplace, it’s time to make it the star of your living space. A well-styled fireplace can be the perfect focal point for a cozy room. Consider adding decorative touches like a vintage wood bin, an elegant fireplace fender, or a set of classic fireplace tools. These little details not only add visual interest, but they also help to create a sense of warmth and tradition.

And if you don’t have a wood-burning fireplace, don’t worry—you can still get that cozy glow. Grouping real or faux battery-operated candles on a mantel or a side table can mimic the look and feel of a fire without any of the upkeep. Place them inside glass hurricanes or on a reflective tray to amplify the warm glow and relaxed ambiance.

Acres Farm Fenders

LAYERED LIGHTING FOR THE WIN

Lighting plays a huge role in the overall ambiance of a room, especially as the days get shorter and the nights get longer. Maybe you've come across the latest design motto on Instagram: No overhead lights. I tend to agree! Overhead lighting, particularly harsh can lighting, can feel jarring, especially in the evening when you're trying to wind down.

It makes sense to feel that way, afterall we are biologically wired to feel more comfortable with lower and warmer lighting as the days get shorter. Instead, I suggest using a mix of floor lamps, table lamps, and sconces to create softer, more diffused light throughout your space. Opt for warmer bulbs or even smart bulbs that can be dimmed or set to adjust their color temperature depending on the time of day. Layered lighting not only makes your home feel cozier, but it also helps to mimic the natural light changes we experience during fall and winter.

TEXTURED WALLS: THE ULTIMATE WARMTH BOOST

In recent years, there’s been a resurgence of textured wall treatments, and I couldn't be happier about it. From limewash to Roman clay, these techniques bring a subtle, chalky texture to your walls that instantly ups the warmth factor. Unlike flat, matte paints, textured walls catch and reflect light in interesting ways, creating a sense of depth and movement in your space.

One of my favorite looks for fall is a deep, moody wall paired with warm, natural textures. Sisal wallpaper or a limewashed wall gives the same cozy feeling as a cashmere blanket or a suede armchair. It’s the perfect way to create a comforting cocoon effect in your home without overwhelming the space.

James Alexander Paints

WINDOW SEATS: COZY CORNERS FOR CHILLY DAYS

With cooler weather on the way, we spend less time outdoors, but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy the outdoors and soak up the sun in a different way. If you experience seasonal blues, like I do, it's essential to your well-being to have exposure to sunlight. By styling a window seat, you can have a primetime view of the outdoors without leaving the cozy comfort of your home.

If your space allows, create a small reading nook or seating area near a window with a view. Even if it’s just a bench covered in cushions or a chair pulled up next to the window, this little spot can become your favorite place to curl up with a book or a hot drink. And don’t worry about making it perfect—the goal here is comfort, so pile on the cushions and throws for maximum coziness.

Julie Soefer

BIOPHILIC DESIGN: BRINGING THE OUTDOORS IN

One of the best ways to bring warmth and vitality into your home during the colder months is by incorporating elements of nature. This design approach, known as biophilic design, focuses on the connection between humans and the natural world. Even in the dead of winter, you can still enjoy a sense of connection to nature by bringing plants, natural materials, and landscape art into your space.

Houseplants are a great way to add life to your home, and many varieties thrive indoors during the winter. Not only do they help purify the air, but they also provide a visual reminder of the outdoors, even when it's too cold to spend much time outside. If you’re not particularly green-thumbed, start with low-maintenance plants like snake plants, pothos, or succulents.

You can also bring nature into your home with organic materials like wood, stone, and wool. Think wooden picture frames, stone planters, or even a wool throw blanket for the ultimate in cozy comfort. The key is to create a space that feels both grounded and warm, with natural textures and colors that soothe the senses.

THE POWER OF BALANCE

As with any design project, balance is key when creating a cozy home. Too many heavy textures or dark colors can make a room feel overwhelming, while too much light and airy decor might not give you that snug, comforting feeling you’re looking for.

To strike the right balance, mix natural colors with rich textures and organic materials. A well-chosen combination of these elements will create a harmonious and inviting space that feels cozy without being cluttered. For example, pair a dark, textured wall with light wood furniture and soft textiles in neutral tones. Or, if you’re working with a light-colored room, add warmth with leather accents, woven baskets, and plenty of soft blankets and pillows.

By carefully considering how each element works together, you can create a space that feels like a true retreat from the cold, a place where you can relax and recharge throughout the winter months.

COZY UP FOR WINTER

As we say goodbye to summer and welcome fall, it's time to embrace the comfort and coziness that come with the cooler months. From layered lighting and textured walls to fireplace accents and window seats, there are so many ways to make your home feel warm and inviting.

Whether you're tackling a full room makeover or just adding a few new elements, these decor ideas will help you create a space that feels like a cozy haven from the cold. So go ahead—add that velvet sofa, layer on the throws, and let your home be the perfect place to hibernate this winter.

Cheers to Home Sweet Home,

Susan