The holiday season is here, the temps are dipping, and the sun is clocking out at 4:30 pm (sigh). This time of year, everyone is busy buying presents, hosting relatives, stuffing themselves silly at big family dinners, and perhaps heading out on a sunny vacation. And after all of the fun and festivities come to an end, we are faced with a dark, cold winter. But it doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom. I’ve rounded up my six favourite easy and stylish home decor pieces that look great, feel amazing, and help you design a home that keeps those winter blues firmly at bay. This season, try leaning into earth-toned textures, soft lighting, and little luxuries that make staying in feel like the plan—not the backup plan.
Ground Your Space with a Plush Area Rug
In my humble opinion, a living room or bedroom isn’t complete without a rug. The right rug will envelope a room and instantly turn any space from hard and cold to soft and inviting. This hand-tufted undyed wool area rug from Amber Lewis x Loloi adds softness and warmth underfoot. It’s subtle Moroccan-inspired design is sophisticated and ideal for anyone craving a more comfortable, layered home this season. I love this one because of its dense wool pile and its blend of natural earth tones, making it an easy neutral palette to coordinate with.
Create a Glow
Overhead lights? Hhhhmmm maybe not. Try layering in lighting with the use of floor lamps, table lamps, or wall sconces to add a warm glow to your space. I love the Zig-Zag Floor Lamp from West Elm. Its sculptural design (how cute are those curves?), dark bronze base and fabric shade will create a diffused glow to instantly cozy up a room. Thoughtful lighting is an essential part of interior design, and this piece delivers both function and high style with a little bit of whimsy that is sure to brighten anyone’s day. Place it next to a lounge chair or sofa and grab your favourite book to read.
Curl Up with the Perfect Throw
For true winter comfort and style, you need warmth and texture—and the Faux Shearling Throw from Crate and Barrel hits all the marks. Wrap this around you and you’ll look just like a teddy bear! It’s available in three beautiful earth tones: deep brown, travertine beige, and clay taupe. It can even be monogrammed making it a great gift for someone special. And bonus, it’s machine-washable! A cold-season home decor essential.
Create a Velvet Moment
Nothing says luxury like velvet. Swapping out textiles is an easy and relatively affordable interior decorating trick for welcoming in a new season. The Valentina Velvet Pillow in Truffle from Tonic Living adds depth, richness, and a little quiet luxury to any sofa or reading chair. The chocolatey tone is timeless and grounding—perfect for creating a winter vibe.
Don’t Forget the Walls
When we think of “warming up a space” our minds don’t usually go straight to wall art, but as I was writing this article, I recalled one of my favourite local artists and realized her art would instantly warm up a home. In the winter months I crave hot comfort foods like hearty soups and lots of coffee and hyper-realist artist Erin Rothstein’s pieces are exactly that! Her “Black Coffee” limited edition print and her “Matzo Ball Soup” acrylic on canvas are both whimsical, modern and so freakin’ cool. Keep them up all year round because they are too special to be only seasonal.
Indulge in Elevated Lounging
OK, so technically slippers are not part of what is traditionally considered “home decor” but they do look adorable lounging on the floor. These Plush Faux Fur Slippers from Crate & Barrel are soft, neutral, and cozy and they instantly elevate your stay-at-home uniform. Pair them with the Faux Fur Hooded Robe (also available to have monogrammed) and you’ve basically achieved a five-star alpine spa experience—even if you’re just folding laundry or reheating soup for the third time this week. No judgment.
Winter doesn’t have to feel dreary—not when you’ve got the right interior design touches to warm up your home. Whether it’s faux fur, soft lighting, or a plush rug that ties it all together, these pieces help transform your space into a cozy sanctuary.
If you try any of these finds, I’d love to hear how they’re elevating your home decor this season!