Warm Up Your Home: Winter Design Updates
November 2025
As winter approaches, it’s natural to crave a cozier, more comforting atmosphere at home. While the temperature drops outside, your interior spaces can become a haven of warmth and serenity through a few simple design updates. If you're seeking inspiration for winter home decor or browsing fresh winter home decor ideas, now is the perfect time to embrace seasonal change through texture, color, and thoughtful layering. These updates aren’t just for the holidays—they’re timeless touches that make your space feel luxurious and livable all season long.
Here’s how to give your home a seasonal refresh that’s both elegant and enduring.
1. Swap in Cozy Accent Pillows and Throws
One of the easiest and most effective ways to refresh your space for winter is by switching out your pillows and throws. Textiles add instant warmth and texture, and this update requires minimal effort.
Try these fabric and color updates:
Choose velvet, boucle, wool, or chenille pillow covers for a richer tactile experience.
Opt for deep seasonal hues like forest green, oxblood, navy, or mustard to evoke a cozy winter palette.
Incorporate patterns like plaid, herringbone, or subtle metallic threads for visual interest.
Layer in chunky knit or faux fur throws on your sofa, accent chairs, and even at the foot of your bed.
Don’t be afraid to mix textures—varied materials in complementary tones create depth and a collected, curated feel. Do keep colors complimentary to year-round decor to create a cohesive, effortless ambiance.
2. Introduce a Winter-Friendly Area Rug
Area rugs don’t just define a space—they ground it in warmth and comfort during the colder months. If you’ve been using a lighter rug or even going without one, winter is the perfect time to add a plush layer underfoot.
Consider these rug updates:
High-pile or shag rugs bring softness and help retain warmth in open areas like living rooms and bedrooms.
Use rich color tones or layered neutrals to build dimension and complement your seasonal palette.
For dining areas or high-traffic zones, a flatweave wool rug adds warmth without sacrificing durability.
3. Update Artwork for the Season
Your wall art plays a subtle but powerful role in the mood of a space. Swapping out a few key pieces for winter-inspired or seasonal artwork can create a more cohesive and grounded atmosphere.
Winter art ideas include:
Landscape prints or paintings featuring snowy scenes, wintry forests, or cozy cabins.
Abstract art in a winter palette—think moody blues, smoky greys, and golden browns.
Framed textiles or seasonal quotes to add softness and sentiment.
Switching out just one or two statement pieces can shift the tone of a room from airy and summery to inviting and introspective.
4. Change Out Floral Arrangements and Greenery
Summer blooms and tropical leaves feel out of place once winter sets in. Updating your floral arrangements helps align your decor with the season and adds a sense of intentionality.
Seasonal floral switch-ups:
Trade bright flowers for dried arrangements, winter berries, eucalyptus, or magnolia branches.
Use earthy ceramic or metallic vases to highlight the wintry aesthetic.
Accent tables, mantels, and entryways benefit from these subtle yet effective updates.
Natural elements bring life and balance to interiors, even in the coldest months of the year.
5. Layer Your Lighting
As daylight fades earlier in winter, your lighting strategy should help create warmth and comfort. Harsh overhead lights can feel cold, so aim for layered lighting that mimics natural light and adds ambiance.
Layered lighting tips:
Add table lamps and floor lamps with warm-toned bulbs to cozy up your living and bedroom areas.
Use accent lighting—like wall sconces or uplighting—to highlight seasonal decor or artwork.
Candles and lanterns add flickering warmth; choose unscented styles for the dining room or layered scents in living areas.
Dimmer switches and smart lighting can offer even more flexibility for adjusting the mood throughout the day and into evening gatherings.
6. Consider Seasonal Furniture Updates
While not always necessary, changing out a few key furniture pieces can make your space more winter-ready. Think about functionality as well as form—winter is a time when we entertain more indoors and seek out comfort and warmth.
Strategic furniture swaps:
Replace a lightweight accent chair with a fully upholstered armchair in velvet or boucle.
Add an ottoman or upholstered bench to your entryway or bedroom for a cozy, layered look.
Consider a wood or marble side table to introduce natural textures and provide a home for candles or a warm drink.
These pieces serve double duty: they’re practical and they make your space feel more grounded and seasonally appropriate.
7. Set the Scene in the Entryway
Your entryway is your home's first impression—make sure it sets a cozy and welcoming tone during the colder months.
Winter entryway styling tips:
Add a plush bench or stool layered with a faux fur or wool throw.
Incorporate a mirror with warm-toned metallic trim to reflect light and style.
Use winter greenery, a ceramic vase with pine branches, or a seasonal wreath to create a festive but refined display.
Even a small console table or sideboard can be styled with seasonal charm and offer guests a functional drop zone for gloves, scarves, or small gifts.
8. Curate with Seasonal Accessories
The final touch to a winter home update lies in the details. From decorative accents to personal touches, these are the pieces that make a room feel thoughtful and lived-in.
Layer in seasonal accessories such as:
Books with winter-themed covers or neutral tones stacked on coffee tables.
Metallic trays, bowls, or candle holders in brass, copper, or antique gold.
Layered textiles like table runners or fabric napkins in seasonal hues for dining areas.
Decorative logs, pinecones, or ornaments displayed tastefully in baskets or glass vessels.
Small accessories carry a big visual impact and make seasonal transitions feel complete without being overwhelming.
Get Ready for a Cozy Winter Season
Winter is a time to hunker down, reconnect with loved ones, and savor the comforts of home. By layering in warmth through soft textiles, rich colors, and seasonally inspired accessories, your home can become a sanctuary against the chill and a stunning backdrop for all your winter gatherings.
Whether you're looking to refresh a few key areas or transform an entire room, Gabberts is here to help. Visit a Gabberts store near you to explore luxurious furnishings, timeless decor, and curated collections that will elevate your winter home. Our expert designers can help you find just the right pieces to keep your space cozy, sophisticated, and holiday-ready.
