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No matter the season—whether it’s a freezing winter day or a breezy summer night—there’s nothing better than coming home to a cozy space. Everyone loves a warm, inviting atmosphere, and with a few simple touches, any home—whether traditional, modern, or contemporary—can feel a little cozier. Even as the seasons change, designers say you’ll want these cozy decor trends in your home year-round.
Rich Textures
Opting for rich textures makes any room feel cozier, according to Kathy Kuo, founder and CEO of Kathy Kuo Home. “I love the idea of using rich texture, as opposed to just color, to create contrast in a space,” she says. “Layering in faux fur, shearling, velvet, cashmere, and chunky knits is a beautiful way to add both coziness and an elevated sense of luxury. The best part is that mixing cozy textures can be done on any scale—go big with a velvet sofa topped with faux fur pillows, or be more subtle with a shearling throw rug or a cashmere blanket.”
Warm Hues and Earth Tones
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Nancy Davilman, principal designer of ND Interiors, says color trends have shifted away from cold grays and designers are gravitating towards warmer hues instead. “We are moving toward soft, natural-looking warm beige tones,” she says. “Accent colors are following suit—muted and subtle, appearing on walls, furniture, and fabrics. These soothing palettes reflect our collective desire for comfort and relaxation, embracing the idea that our homes should be a sanctuary.”
Valerie Cardozo, founder and principal designer at CARV Projects in Toronto, Canada, adds that earth tones are a great way to give a space a cozier feel. “Think chocolate browns, terracottas, and other natural hues,” she says. “These colors will bring coziness to any environment, and I’m here for it. This can be applied through darker wood flooring, darker wood-stained kitchen cabinetry, wall colors, or upholstery.”
Color Drenched Living Rooms
Want to create the perfect atmosphere to watch a movie or take a nap? It’s hard to go wrong with color drenching, which has been one of the biggest design trends in recent years. There’s a good reason for this, Cardozo says, as the paint trend can create an immersive, cocoon-like effect. “Color drenching is where it’s at right now—deep, moody palettes wrapping entire rooms from walls, ceilings, and trim,” she says.
So whether you’re painting your room a deep chocolate brown, a chic burgundy, or a sophisticated green, just commit to it and cover the space in your desired shade.
Layered Lighting
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One of the biggest design “outs” right now (according to Gen Z), is overhead lighting, with many claiming it’s too harsh for the home. So, Cardozo advises incorporating layered lighting in a variety of places for an intimate yet chic sense of coziness. “Think wall sconces, table lamps, and other mood lighting,” she says. “The key is to ensure we’re creating warm, cozy, and atmospheric environments that feel good—a sea of downlights is not always the right solution.”
Nature-Themed Wallpapers
Krissy Melendez, designer of Graduate by Hilton Properties and head of design at AJ Capital Partners reveals that hotels are going with nature-themed wallpapers to make rooms feel more home-like and luxurious. “For example, at Graduate by Hilton Princeton, we designed a custom arboreal-themed wallpaper for the guest bathrooms,” she says. “Given that Princeton University is home to over 400 varieties of trees and shrubs, we wanted to reflect the importance of nature throughout the local university and town within the design.” Mural-like wallpapers with nature scenes can add a comforting, inviting backdrop to bedrooms, dining rooms, and living rooms alike.
Pattern Mixing
While your idea of calm may be a perfectly cohesive and coordinated space, designers say pattern mixing can actually increase a room’s cozy factor. “Mixing and matching a variety of different yet complementary patterns can create a layered, eclectic look that feels almost nostalgic—and ultimately cozy,” Melendez says. This effect can also make a space feel more lived-in and personal—which is a fast track to cozy design.
Weighted Blankets
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Mimi Meacham, founder and principal designer of Marian Louise Design says weighted blankets are having a moment. And what could be cozier than curling up for a good movie (or several episodes of your favorite shows) under a weighted blanket?
“I’ve always loved the cozy, cocooning feel of a weighted blanket, but the designs have often left something to be desired,” Meacham says. “Luckily, a few vendors are now blending comfort and style—offering options that feel as good as they look. This trend resonates because it combines relaxation with beautiful design, creating a true sense of sanctuary in the home.”
Oversized Candles
There isn’t a faster way to make a room feel cozy than lighting a candle. Whether scented or unscented, candles are the easiest way to create a cozy vibe.
“I’m a self-proclaimed candle aficionado,” says Meacham. “From their warm ambiance and inviting aroma to the way they elevate a space, candles are the perfect home accessory. I have them scattered throughout my house, but my current favorite is the trend of large, oversized candles. Place one at the center of your coffee table, and it instantly adds chic, cozy vibes.”
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