Winter decorating is all about creating cozy, stylish interiors that blend comfort with thoughtful design. This season’s trends focus on plush furniture, serene spaces, and earth tones designed to add warmth and comfort, turning our homes into relaxing retreats. Expect to see a rise in sustainable materials and nature-inspired decor that bring a refreshing, grounded feel indoors.
This year, hygge-inspired cozy minimalism infuses rich textures and wintery accents, elegantly paired with layered lighting and seasonal tablescapes for a warm, sophisticated ambiance. For a modern edge, smart home technology integrates seamlessly, adding both beauty and convenience. Read on to discover more of the 2024 winter decor trends experts say will make your space feel like the ultimate winter wonderland this season.
Plush, Cozy Furniture
One of the most relaxing winter activities is snuggling up in something cozy, and there’s far more to it than getting snug in your favorite wool sweater. This season is about making your home feel warm and inviting, luring you in to spend hours by the fire, enveloped by your large, overstuffed sofa. “Many of the chairs and couches on Houzz have quilting and channeling that emphasizes their plumpness with extra-wide and deep seats that naturally invite a quick afternoon nap,” says Mitchell Parker, senior editor at Houzz. “Speaking of napping, oversized upholstered headboards are also big right now, extending beyond the sides of beds and past bedside tables.”
Natural Imperfections
This winter, expect to see a growing emphasis on artisanal design elements inspired by nature. “Homeowners are moving away from machine-made perfection and opting for pieces that reflect the beauty of natural imperfections,” says Nicole Roe of R. Nickson Interiors. “Whether it’s hand-carved wood, textured ceramics, or artisan textiles, these items showcase a bit of grit and nuance in their finish, which people are drawn to.”
Celebrate the organic warmth and charm of nature with organic shapes, subtle irregularities, earthy palettes, and natural wood, stone, and leather textures. According to Lynn Berney, co-founder of LTA Interiors, floral patterns, botanical prints, and curvy patterns and formations that resemble natural shapes are also making a comeback.
Seasonal Tablescapes
The best bit about winter is the shared moments around the table with your nearest and dearest. Seasonal tablescapes are a simple yet impactful way to celebrate the season and sprinkle some winter magic over the evening. “Fresh greenery, textured linens, and natural elements like wood and stone help create a charming atmosphere that feels festive yet timeless,” says Danielle Chiprut, founder of Danielle Rose Design Co. “Incorporating warm-toned accents like bronze or brass in small accessories, such as trays or candleholders, will also bring an inviting glow to the table.”
Accessories and Layered Lighting
The one thing all the interior designers agreed unanimously on was the wintery home accessory must-haves: Layered lighting and heavy throw blankets. Create a soft, inviting glow with layered ambient lighting, from table lamps, floor lamps, and wall sconces to cinnamon-infused scented candles and string lights. “This layered lighting approach adds warmth and makes the room feel intimate and welcoming,” Roe says.
Then, drape cozy throw blankets in chunky knits or luxurious faux furs over chairs and sofas. “These tactile pieces not only add warmth but also give the space a plush, inviting feel that’s perfect for winter,” she says.
Tranquil Retreats
According to Pinterest’s Autumn 2024 Trends Report, homeowners want to create dreamy, cozy corners with serene color palettes and moody lighting. Searches for “cozy fall vibes” are up +90%, and experts expect this to carry into winter as people search for inspiration to create a peaceful oasis at home. The modest Japanese style has also risen in popularity, with increased searches for Japanese vintage art, furniture, and living room designs. With searches for “zen house” also up by 405%, we can’t help but conclude that people are looking for inspiration to balance comfort, style, and tranquility in their homes, ready to settle in for the winter season.
Moody, Earthy Shades
“In 2024, winter interiors will be dominated by black and brown, rust, and oxblood, creating moody yet earthy spaces with a confident edge,” Roe says. “These colors evoke a rich, grounded ambiance that feels dramatic and cozy, perfect for the colder months.” Black and brown are two dark neutrals that, when paired, conjure a sophisticated and luxurious feel. “These tones evoke a sense of depth, grounding, and warmth, balancing modern elegance with natural earthiness.” Meanwhile, the burnt orange undertones of rust evoke the vibrancy of the fallen autumn leaves, oozing warmth and blending perfectly with natural textures like wood and leather.
Make a statement with a dash of deep oxblood red. This rich, timeless hue makes for a striking focal point that evokes a sense of fearlessness and seduction. “It works beautifully on accent walls, furniture pieces, and textiles, adding a sense of opulence and intensity that makes it the perfect color for anyone looking to make bold choices in their home décor for the winter season,” Roe says.
Sustainable Materials
Sustainability has become standard practice as designers seek to minimize waste and conserve natural resources. “Winter is all about heavy textures and prominent wood grain, which aligns perfectly with eco-conscious design choices,” says Roe. Wool is a sustainable, renewable resource that is the perfect antidote to the cold winter and offers durability and timeless beauty. “Wool rugs, with their thick, nubby weaves, are ideal for winter warmth but can also last for generations, reducing the need for frequent replacements and minimizing waste.” Roe also recommends looking out for sustainably-sourced and reclaimed wood furniture or accessories that reflect a return to craftsmanship and simplicity, creating a grounding, organic feel in the home.
Rich Textures
This winter, heavily embroidered fabrics in vibrant colors and intricate patterns are emerging as a major design trend, bringing an artistic touch and visual warmth to interiors. Cut velvets are also making a strong comeback, offering depth and comfort to interiors, accompanied by a rise in the use of dramatic velvet trims. “These bold trims add a touch of sophistication to curtains, cushions, and upholstery, creating a polished, high-end look,” says Roe. Layering these textures creates a cozy, tactile aesthetic that is visually captivating and perfect for the season.
Berney highlights boucle upholstery as another winter standout texture. Paired with plush velvets, mohairs, and thick wool knits, boucle contributes to an inviting atmosphere of warmth and comfort throughout interior spaces.
Smart Lighting
With shorter days and darker nights, winter decor calls for innovative lighting solutions that allow you to conjure a cozy, adaptable atmosphere. “Smart home automation is making it easier to set the mood with accent lighting,” Roe says. Innovative technology allows you to set up a seamless and personalized lighting schedule to suit your daily routine. “This feature not only enhances comfort but also helps align lighting with natural rhythms, creating a peaceful start and end to the day,” Roe says. Rechargeable, portable lamps were trendy summer decor for outdoor dining, and they continue to be popular as we adapt them to benefit us in the winter season. “Rechargeable lamps offer flexibility, allowing homeowners to move them effortlessly between interior and exterior spaces, providing a soft, inviting glow wherever it is needed.”
Hygge and Cozy Minimalism
Hygge is a Danish and Norweigan word that describes a warm, cozy atmosphere and enjoying life’s simple pleasures—in other words, everything we crave in the winter season. In interior design, this translates to adding warmth to your home through color and tactile comfort. “In 2024, hygge and cozy minimalism are evolving with more emphasis on texture and natural materials,” Chiprut says. “Instead of stark minimalism, we’re seeing spaces filled with layered, cozy textures like wool throws, boucle furniture, and organic cotton fabrics.”
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