We get it, it’s cold outside and there’s only one thing you want to do: hibernate. But with the start of a new year behind us, it’s time to harness that fresh-start energy. The best way we know how? After we’ve made our vision boards and set our goals, we transition next to focusing on our space. And because it’s the start of January, learning how to make a home cozy is top of mind.

We’re busying ourselves with getting the house ready for our 2023 winter selves. And while we’re ready to dial up the comfort, we definitely don’t want to compromise on style. Want to know how to make your home cozy, too? Naturally, we looked to three of our favorite designers—Katie Hodges, Julie Van Daele of Well Received, and Erik Gacia of Maison Trouvaille—to find out, and there is one thing they all agreed on: Don’t skimp on the texture.

Featured image of Camille’s bedroom by Michelle Nash.

Sarah Solis living room how to make a home cozy
Image of Sarah Solis’ home by Shade Degges

How to Make a Home Cozy: Your Step-by-Step Handbook

“Cozy is when you walk into a space and immediately want to kick off your shoes, snuggle into a comfortable piece of furniture, and unwind and just feel relaxed,” says Garcia. “It inspires you to hang out there all day.” We couldn’t agree more. 

Hodges also relies on texture when she wants to amp up the cozy factor, but lighting is also key, especially the warmth of a flame. In lieu of a fireplace, she says staggered candle pillars are a beautiful way to add a sense of intimacy and specialness to a space. 

woman making bed how to make a home cozy
Image by Michelle Nash

And don’t forget to mix up your texture, too. Daele says it’s important to fuse knits, faux furs, and velvet, but most importantly, “don’t forget scent!” We’re talking incense, candles, and essential oils. Garcia agrees: “Scents are a great way to feel relaxed, calm, and luxurious.”

If you’re nodding your head in agreement on adding texture but shaking your head at how to make your home cozy and chic, then read on for our designer’s top tips:

  • Layer two different textured pillows in the same color palette to your sofa.
  • Put a throw over your sofa and on your armchairs.
  • Place an accent rug over your larger existing rug.
Image of Ashley Robertson’s home by Matti Gresham

The Coziest Pieces to Bring Home This Season

Ready to put these tips into practice? Shop our favorite pieces to make your home look and feel cozy.

Every product is curated with care by our editors. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.



Jenni Kayne Mohair Throw

Is your room feeling cold and in need of a warm hug? Simply toss a textured throw over it and see it cozy up in an instant. This mohair throw is definitely a splurge but it will last you many winters.





Anthropologie Aurora Candlestick

There is nothing quite like a candle to set the mood and the holder always changes up the scene. This textured style is a classic and never goes out of style.





H&M Ceramic Candlestick

Natural materials will always warm and cozy up a space. You can’t go wrong with this sculptural (and affordable!) ceramic candlestick.





Sense Island Taper Candles

You don’t always have to reach for white candles—consider muted, but brightly-colored hues to give a subtle warmth to your space.





Haven Well Within Textured Cotton Throw

Looks beautiful, feels heavenly. Nothing says cozy quite like the blanket you’ll happily have wrapped around you all weekend long.




The Citizenry Pasado Alpaca Throw

The Citizenry Pasado Alpaca Throw

Layer your textures and your colors. Opt for soft shades that enhance the cozy factor.




Andrej Urem Lace Candle

Andrej Urem Lace Candle

Not only do candles warm up a room with their light but Daele tells me they also elevate your dining or coffee table with their unique and beautiful designs—and she’s obsessed with this lace candle!





MarneyAsh U Shaped Candle

If you want to move away from the typical tapered candle, then choose a sculptural moment like this U candle that also doubles as decor. You might not want to burn it though!





Farmhouse Pottery Pantry Candlestick

You can always count on Farmhouse Pottery to supply some major hygge. These candleholders will definitely set the cozy mood.




Apparatus Candle Blocks

Apparatus Candle Blocks

These are a total splurge but Daele is a huge fan of the Apparatus designers and these will be a statement piece in your home forever.





Its Thyme Kouple Origami Essence Incense Holder

Clean, minimalist design and comforting colors at their finest. This would look stunning on a coffee table or mantel.





Tennen Spring Arroyo Cone Incense

Daele is a huge fan of scent when creating a cozy space at home. These Tennen cones can be burned throughout the day to raise the vibration.




The Citizenry Catalina Boucle Bolster Pillow

The Citizenry Catalina Boucle Bolster Pillow

Making your room cozy isn’t just about your living room. This bolster pillow is a wonderful combination with throw pillows and is so nice to snuggle with while watching Netflix.





CB2 16″ Mauve Mongolian Sheepskin Pillow

Is there anything you want to snuggle with more than this Mongolian pillow? We think not.





CB2 18” Shorn Sheepskin Camel Pillow

You can always rely on CB2 for affordable decor to upgrade your home each season. This beautiful sheepskin throw pillow is just the perfect cozy piece.




CB2 20

CB2 Chunky Ivory Knit Pillow

Combine textures in various materials, fabrics, and prints to diversify the design.





Quince Washed Velvet Pillow Cover

Don’t forget to layer your patterns with simple neutrals to anchor the space.




Hollywood at Home Manta in Ivory Alpaca Throw

Hollywood at Home Manta in Ivory Alpaca Throw

You can never go wrong with an Alpaca wool throw. This one just gets better with age.




Burke Decor Niko Woven Pillow in Dark Brown

Burke Decor Niko Woven Pillow in Dark Brown

The stitching detail on this pillow really gives it that homemade touch and we love the textured wool fabric—so warm and cozy.





Otherland Rattan Candle

If there was one piece of décor that you could always rely on for cozy vibes, it’s the humble scented candle.





P.F. Candle Co. Black Fig Candle

One of the most beautiful fruits to eat and enjoy, figs also possess a fragrance that’s wonderfully floral and sweet. Perfect for all throughout the cold weather months, this candle offers up a soothing scent that mixes earthy, spicy, and herbal to perfection.




West Elm Lush Velvet Pillow Cover

West Elm Lush Velvet Pillow Cover

Velvet is an inherently rich and indulgent fabric, and this pillow’s lustrous glow creates layered interest when tossed on beds or sofas.





Shopbop @Home Twist Candle

Work a statement-making taper candle into your space that pairs whimsy with tradition. It’s fun and unexpected, but functional nonetheless.





Elemense x Hasami Porcelain Incense Burner

It’s clear that every detail in this incense burner has been carefully considered. While burning incense is an inherently calming act, it’ll be all the more relaxing with this elegant and elevated piece.





Pottery Barn Faux Fur Ombre Throws

If there’s a surefire way to achieve a cozy look, it’s with the softest, fuzziest blanket you can find draped over your sofa.



This post was originally published on December 18, 2020, and has since been updated.

The post A Designer-Approved Guide to Making Your Home Cozy for Winter appeared first on Camille Styles.