As winter approaches, we all have our ways of embracing the season – whether that’s hitting the ski slopes, putting on a favorite holiday movie, or, for us in the Southwest, simply spending time outdoors to appreciate the cooler weather. With the shifting of the season in progress, now is also a great time to update your interior, especially if you’re planning to welcome guests to your home.
“Winter is a time of gathering and celebrating, which for many of us, can mean considering guest needs in our interiors,” says John Milk, Texas Regional Manager and Merchandising Director of Copenhagen. “Seasonal updates may include anything from bringing in more functional furnishings to accommodate guests, to changing up one’s accessories and making room for holiday decor.”
Below, we’ve compiled five winter design aesthetics, with example floorplans, to inspire comfort and style in your interior as the days grow chillier.
Shades of white, cream, beige, light brown, or light grey can seamlessly anchor a winter-themed space. Their pale yet warm hues evoke the freshness of snow while imbuing a room with a sense of brightness that can cheer up cloudy days.
Set the scene with core pieces in neutral upholstery or finishes, like a plush sectional for movie nights, a recliner for winter reading, or an extendable ceramic dining table for holiday dinners. Then, layer on accessories that encourage you and others to settle in and get comfy – knit throws, fluffy pillows, soft rugs, and accent furniture with rounded lines create a multitextured and cozy haven.
“Another advantage of a light-toned interior is that it can easily adapt to changes in your design preferences,” Milk adds. “As your taste evolves and needs change, or just on a whim, you can swap out your throw pillows, a piece of wall art, and an accessory or two to create a new vibe in your space.”
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For many of us, winter is a time to jazz up our interiors with holiday decorations and festive color schemes. “I personally love it when traditional accents and decor are mixed in with contemporary and modern furnishings,” says Milk. “Because contemporary pieces often tend to have more subtle lines and a more understated style, your garlands, ribbons, bows, ornaments, and collectibles will certainly be what stands out.”
Wood finishes like walnut are ideal for backgrounding a festive aesthetic because of their visual warmth and timeless appeal. Accentuate these finishes with leather or fabric upholstery in rich shades of brown or cream to add a feeling of simple luxury. From there, you have the perfect canvas to add pops of red, green, gold, or other holiday-themed colors, in the form of decorations, accessories, complement furniture and artwork.
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An interior centered around shades of blue will help capture the serene beauty of winter while inspiring a quieter and more contemplative ambiance. From deep cobalt reminiscent of a frosty night, to icy blue that evokes a winter sky at dawn, a blue-tinted aesthetic will infuse your space with chill vibes even if your day starts out as “sweater weather” but heats up to “t-shirt and shorts weather” by the afternoon.
Milk recommends “balancing out blue hues with cool neutrals and metallics like white, silver, and grey to create a pleasing contrast and crispness.” He adds, “Alternatively, darker blues will also pair great with gold finishes to add some sparkle to your interior.” Consider materials like glass, ceramic marble, or stone to evoke a sense of coolness, and accentuate the wintry atmosphere further with finely wrought mirrors or elegant wall art.
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This aesthetic captures the charm of a woodsy cabin, combined with the clean functionality of modern design. Play up the rustic ambiance of your space with materials like wood, leather, and stone – especially if their natural variations and textures are on display. Amplify the coziness by layering rugs and lighting, and adding casual seating options like ottomans, poufs, or cushions. To complete the cabin vibes, try your hand at device-free group activities like board games or crafting.
“Plants are a prime choice for building a Modern Rustic interior,” says Milk, “especially winter greenery in the form of wreaths and garlands, or arrangements of twigs, pinecones, or seasonal fruit.” For a more subtle effect, he gives the following advice: “A glass top dining table is wonderful for reflecting the outdoors from a nearby window. I also like using smaller chairs, possibly with open arms and backrests, if I want to achieve an airier feel.”
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For some of us, the short days and hectic schedules of winter can leave us feeling down or make it harder to prioritize self-care. Building a space that sparks joy can remind us to take time for ourselves. First, prioritize your comfort by choosing ergonomic and intuitive furnishings that will support your body through rest, work, and leisure.
Next, bring your space to life by following your unique taste. This could mean brightly colored upholstery, quirky decor, innovative lighting options, and more. Add personal touches like mementos from happy times or reminders of things to look forward to. You can also add furnishings that support your favorite hobbies, like a recliner for reading or a task lamp for sketching.
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From crisp neutrals to bursts of cheer, the aesthetic you choose for your interior this winter reflects your personal connection to this season of stark beauty and joyful celebration. With our expansive collection of modern furnishings and accessories, Copenhagen is here to help you build spaces that shine for every season. Visit us online or in-store today.