Create an ideabook for your next remodeling project!
Browse more than 1,500,000 photos from top designers and save your favorites
Warm Up Your Home for Winter
Look forward to the indoor season, equipped with a cozy environment at home
I'm a freelance writer and design enthusiast who believes the best design is collected, not decorated, and that homes should always be as comfortable and functional as they are chic. In addition to writing for Houzz, I work as the Head Copywriter for Layla Grayce and Zinc Door.
I'm a freelance writer and design enthusiast who believes the best design... More »
Chilly temperatures may keep you from being outdoors for more of your day, but it’s not all bad, particularly when your interiors are über cozy. While you’re busy preparing for the upcoming season — winterizing your garden, swapping wardrobes, turning on the heat — maybe you should give your space a once-over to check on its cozy appeal. Could it be turned up a notch? Whether it’s by adding a throw, introducing a pile of books or trying out a new seating arrangement by the fireplace, there are many options you can try, even if you're on a budget. Check out the following photos to learn what to elements will help you create a snug space. And cheers to cool weather, cozy interiors and enough hot chocolate to carry you through 'til spring.
| Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| Rugs. Few things are more beautiful than hardwood floors, but they don't qualify as cozy. Rugs not only help a space feel more cohesive, they also add warmth. |
| Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| Don't think that a kitchen, with all its steel appliances and cold countertops, can’t feel cozy. With an oversize rug added to the mix, it certainly can. |
| Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| Layers. This step is key, and fortunately it is both affordable and easy. Start by simply draping throws over your furniture — not only will they come in handy when you want to curl up on the sofa, but they’ll continue to warm the space while you’re away. |
| Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| Continue by adding lots of throw pillows to your sofa and filling your walls with framed artwork. Don’t go overboard: You want your space to feel collected, not cluttered. |
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
Drapery and other window treatments add additional warm layers to the room and help trap heat indoors.
| Books. There is something about piles of books that instantly warms up any space. Fill your shelves with them, place a comfy chair nearby and spend the season catching up on all your favorite reads. |
| Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| The best thing about books: They can be placed anywhere. Pile them on your coffee table to create another layer for your décor. You will have successfully mastered two cozy looks in one decorating move. Of coure, a fuzzy pooch is a big help, too. |
| Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| Paint the walls. One of the easiest and most affordable design tricks ever: our beloved, transformative friend, paint. I like this photo because it proves that even a basement room with little natural light can become a cozy escape with the addition of a coat of warm, neutral paint. |
| Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| Don’t be afraid to go dark with paint — it actually creates a cozy feeling. A white crib and hints of color help this nursery feel bright yet snug at the same time. |
Even your bathroom can be made instantly cozy with a coat of deep brown paint and the addition of a comfy chair.
| Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| Texture. Here’s to proving that a largely white or neutral space can be cozy: it all depends on texture. If you’re going for this look, make sure your rug, upholstery and accessories have different levels of texture; think of adding a faux sheepskin throw over a suede couch. In this shot, even the marble mantel brings additional texture to the room. |
| Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| Seating arrangements by the fireplace. There is nothing cozier than a fireplace, so get right up there and enjoy it. You can roast all the marshmallows you want without ever uncrossing your legs. |
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
Nooks. If your home has the architectural benefit of a nook, transform it into a comfy little reading escape.
| Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| Small spaces. This is one of the pricier ways to make a snug space, but once you do it, you’ll wonder why you ever waited. If you’ve got an awkward, rather small space that you can’t imagine being useful. Small rooms are instantly cozy due to their intimate nature, so consider transforming it into a reading room or small study. |
| The attic. The attic is not just for storage. It can be transformed into a snug living space (even more snug if you're lucky enough to have sloped ceilings). It may be a bit of a project, but it's worth it. Outfit it with a fireplace (consider a fake one if a real one isn't possible), a shag rug and comfy furniture, and voila — it's chic, cozy and more room for living! |
Comments
soos Very nice, thank you!
19 months ago · Like
vivace72 great ideas- ready to curl up with a book right now!
19 months ago · Like
mcp333a @Shawn: In pic #12 (fireplace w/ bead board by James Crisp) is that mini barn door replica a cover for a flat tv? Thanks for ideas!!
19 months ago · Like
Shawn Gauthier Thanks all, so glad you enjoyed it! Nothing like a cozy space for chilly temps :) And mcp33a - that is an excellent question! I honestly have no idea... but it sure would be a clever solution for hiding the TV, if so. Regardless of whether the barn door is covering something or not in this particular pic, we can certainly pocket the idea ourselves!
19 months ago · Like
Jill Ames It would be easy to furnish a home this beautifully if you were a millionaire, which these folks obviously are!
19 months ago · Like
vtcpbn I have a tiny apartment with incredibly tiny rooms. But I still love the cozy, over stuffed look. More British colonial style. Without the space to spare. Wondering how to incorporate that into my bedroom. It's as tiny as 10 feet by 8 feet!! Has a queen size bed to accomodate ever visiting guests and a wardrobe and no space left.
9 months ago · Like
Ideabook published on Oct. 29, 2011.
What are you working on?
News From Our Partners
Latest Ideabooks
People found the photos in this ideabook after searching for:
View over a million photos:
basements · bedrooms · dining rooms · entries · family rooms · garage and sheds · halls · home offices · landscapes · laundry rooms · powder rooms · wine cellars and more.
