The new year often inspires us to refresh our living spaces with some cozy decor updates.
The long winter months ahead call for warmth, comfort and a little hygge to make our homes feel like a sanctuary.
January is the perfect time to add some inexpensive yet impactful touches that can lift your spirits during the cold season.
I’ll provide in-depth details on each decor concept along with tips to make them work for your home.
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Update Throw Pillows and Blankets
Nothing says cozy like plush, comfortable throw pillows and blankets.
Switching out your pillows and blankets is an easy way to refresh your space with new colors, patterns and textures.
Start by taking stock of the throw pillows currently in your living room, bedroom and other seating areas.
Remove any that are looking worn or that you’ve grown tired of.
Replace them with pillows in rich colors and textures like velvet or faux fur.
For a cohesive look, choose pillows in a color palette that complements your existing decor.
Look for pillows and blankets made from natural fabrics like cotton, wool and cashmere that add warmth and a soothing touch.
Incorporate pillows in varying sizes and shapes to create visual interest.
Don’t forget the accent pillows on your sofa or bed, which can easily be switched out.
Place your new pillows and arrange them in a way that feels inviting.
Fluffy, comfortable blankets in materials like wool or knit add another layer of softness.
Look for organic shapes and patterns that feel modern and interesting.
Fold your new blankets over the backs and arms of sofas or chairs.
You can also display them folded at the foot of your bed or draped over a basket.
Use rugs layered on top of each other to add dimension.
Updating your throw pillows and blankets is an easy switch that can make your home feel like a luxurious escape.
The simple addition of new textures and natural materials brings cozy warmth to any space.
Incorporate Natural Elements
Incorporating natural pieces is a lovely way to add organic warmth to your January decor.
Look for accessories made from rattan, seagrass, jute, wood and other natural materials that feel earthy and textural.
Try a set of rattan or seagrass nesting baskets to hold blankets and other items.
The neutral palette works with any style of decor.
Place the baskets next to a sofa, chair or ottoman to have cozy blankets within arm’s reach.
For a nightstand or side table, try a woven seagrass or rattan tray with leather handles in a warm brown tone.
You can then decorate the tray with books, a small lamp and other items you want handy.
Pottery, vases and trays in natural glazed ceramic add an earthy feel on shelves and tabletop displays.
For a sculptural centerpiece, arrange dried branches in a large vase for organic texture.
You can also display framed dried botanical prints on your walls.
Add a jute rug with woven texture to warm up any room.
Wood is another way to incorporate natural style through decor items like stools, side tables and shelving.
Try a rattan stool as a plant stand topped with trailing greens.
It brings nature right into the room.
A live edge wood coffee table and live edge floating wall shelves also add beautiful organic texture.
Look for sustainable decor pieces made by local artisans to complete your natural decor.
Handmade ceramics, woven wall hangings, wood carvings and other items support artisans and make a unique statement.
The organic shapes and textures of nature-inspired decor add a serene, welcoming look perfect for cozy January home updates.
Use Warm, Rich Colors
Chase away the winter blues this January by incorporating decor elements in warm, rich colors.
The cooler light of winter calls for hues that add cheer and evoke the cozy feel of fall.
Look at decorative pieces like rugs, blankets, pillows and artwork in saturated colors like amber, coral, brick red and mustard yellow.
These jewel-toned shades bring vibrancy and warmth into any space.
Add pops of color through patterned area rugs and vivid artwork.
A handmade rug with Bohemian patterns feels lively underfoot.
For a unified color story, choose one shade as an accent color and repeat it throughout the room.
Amber is a great choice for a rich pop of color that feels both warm and bright.
Display amber glass bottles on shelves, add amber accent pillows, and choose artwork with golden yellow tones.
The color will make the space feel energized even on a cloudy day.
Deeper shades of red, green and brown are also excellent choices to warm up your home decor this January.
Look for clay colored ceramics, dark forest green pillows, and rugs in deep ruby red.
Use these nature-inspired shades as accents to add saturation and dimension.
The darker tones contrast nicely with neutral backdrops of cream, beige and wood tone.
The warmth and abundance of fall translate beautifully into January decor when you use saturated shades of amber, crimson, emerald and mustard.
The colors evoke the essence of the season in a stylish, uplifting way.
Incorporate Tactile Textiles
Cozy up any room this January by adding plush, textural fabrics that beg to be touched.
Tactile textiles add visual warmth and a soothing sensory experience.
Look for textured throw blankets, area rugs, pillow covers and other accents made from materials like velvet, fleece, alpaca and wool.
Choose extra soft fabrics that feel soothing to the touch.
Display velvet pillows in tones like deep sapphire, emerald and burnt orange on top of neutral seating.
The color and texture provide a dynamic, yet cozy accent.
For ultimate comfort, add a fleece throw blanket to your sofa or armchair.
The soft material feels like a hug and adds an extra layer of coziness as you sip tea or read a book.
An alpaca wool area rug provides cushy padding underfoot in any room.
Try a handmade wool pillow or pouf embellished with knit, embroidered or crocheted details.
The texture adds visual interest and a cozy handmade look.
For window treatments, choose velvet curtains in a rich jewel tone like ruby red or deep purple.
The lush, soft fabric frames the window beautifully.
Plush textiles add incredible comfort and a relaxing feel you’ll look forward to sinking into.
Keep tactile accents within reach wherever you lounge to enjoy the sensory experience all winter long.
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Add Soft Floor Lamps and Table Lamps
The right lighting sets the mood and a soft glow is ideal for creating a soothing, cozy environment.
Replace any harsh overhead lights with gentle floor lamps and table lamps that invite relaxation.
Look for lamps with warm lighting and natural material shades like linen, cotton and rattan that emit a soft ambient glow.
A floor lamp in a corner softly illuminates the space and creates an intimate feel.
Choose an adjustable swing arm style to direct light wherever you need it.
For seating areas and beside the bed, opt for table lamps with cozy fabric lampshades that diffuse light beautifully.
Set up adjustable reading lights on either side of your bed to create the perfect lighting for late night reading.
Try replacing lampshades on existing fixtures with new shades in soft, natural fabrics and shapes.
You can find paper, cotton, linen and wool shades in various sizes online or at home goods stores.
Choose opaque fabrics like linen that prevent glare.
Dimmers allow you to set the perfect light level and create a romantic, relaxing ambiance.
LED bulbs also give off a warm glow without harshness.
The soft lighting transforms any room into a calming retreat and sets the mood for cozy evenings at home.
Add Some Greenery
In the cold winter months when nature lies dormant, you can bring the outdoors in with lovely greenery and lush plants.
Caring for houseplants is also a soothing ritual that adds life to your home.
Choose low maintenance plants like succulents, snake plants and pothos that don’t require frequent watering and thrive in low light conditions.
Place them in pretty planters on tabletops, bookshelves, mantels and other living space surfaces.
For an easy care option, opt for faux plants like realistic eucalyptus stems and arrangements.
Create a cozy reading nook by placing a comfy chair in a corner beside a floor plant like a fig tree or dracaena.
The nearby greenery provides pleasant nature views as you relax and read.
Add life to your kitchen by displaying fresh herbs in pots on the windowsill and a living tabletop garden of microgreens.
Hang a macrame or rope plant hanger on the wall with trailing ivy or philodendrons.
The organic shapes and fresh vegetation bring nature inside.
Place container gardens of succulents, cacti and other drought resistant plants on the patio, front steps or balcony.
Seeing the plants thrive outdoors will lift your spirits while indoor plants purify the air inside.
Simple yet impactful, greenery is a must for refreshing your January decor.
Style Cozy Vignettes
Pull together cozy vignettes on side tables, console tables, mantels and shelves to create an inviting atmosphere this January.
Carefully styled vignettes tell a story about your style and interests.
A vignette may include a candleholder, lush houseplant, ceramic tray holding tiny objects, framed photo and small decor items meaningfully placed together.
For example, on an end table, display a brass candleholder beside a small stack of classic novels, channeling hygge and comfort.
On the mantel, create a vignette with eucalyptus stems in a small ceramic vase, antique books, and objects with personal significance.
Artfully arranged in a way that feels uncluttered, it results in a snapshot of your personality.
In the entryway, place a rattan tray on the console table holding rolled blankets, a small lantern, framed pictures and natural accents like a stone, piece of driftwood or seashell.
This provides guests a warm welcome.
The possibilities are endless for styling special vignettes that share your interests and inspirations.
Rotate items seasonally to keep your displays fresh and intriguing.
Spend time considering different objects that reflect your passions and bring them together in an aesthetically pleasing composition.
Thoughtful vignettes add personalized details and cozy inspiration throughout your home.
They require little investment and encourage creativity that makes your house feel like home.
Display Candles and Cozy Lighting
Candlelight sets the mood for rest and relaxation.
Display beautiful candles throughout your home to bring flickering ambiance and cozy warmth to January nights spent inside.
Look for quality candles that have visually appealing vessels in materials like glass, concrete, marble, metal and wood.
Choose scents like lavender, eucalyptus and cedar that have calming aromatherapy benefits.
Position candleholders on side tables and counters where you can safely burn the candles at night.
Cluster small candles and holders atop a console table or mantel to create an inviting glow.
Try composing eclectic arrangements of varying heights, shapes and sizes.
Place candles of different heights on a tray or platter for an artful display.
Include candlesticks made from nature-inspired materials like wood and marble for organic texture.
Use battery operated candles to add ambiance without any worry.
Flameless candles give you the freedom to display candles anywhere without potential fire hazards.
Try flameless candles nestled in bookcases, windowsills, staircases and outdoor spaces to cast a magical glow day or night.
For outdoor areas, try hanging glass lanterns and outdoor string lights to add twinkle.
Place lanterns on side tables on your deck or patio to enjoy atmospheric lighting during winter evenings outside.
The peaceful glow of candles creates a welcoming atmosphere in any room.
Display candles creatively throughout your home to instantly set a restful, cozy mood.
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Add Cozy Seating Nooks
Create inviting spaces for curling up with a good book or catching up with a loved one by adding comfortable seating nooks throughout your home.
Explore unused corners and underutilized spaces that could become relaxing little retreats.
An empty corner of the living room offers the perfect spot to arrange two armchairs facing each other, with a small side table in the center to hold drinks.
Drape a throw blanket over each chair and place a floor lamp nearby to create an intimate seating area.
Turn the space under a window into a cozy window-bench padded with pillows and cushions.
Set up a cozy work from home area in the corner of your bedroom or guest room with a small desk, chair and plenty of soft lighting.
Look for ways to turn awkward empty areas into beautiful little nooks.
An unused fireplace presents an opportunity to create a detailed vignette with candles, framed photos, small objects, plants and a comfortable chair or cushion placed alongside.
Even the space under a staircase can become a charming reading nook.
Thoughtfully designed seating nooks give you and your guests welcoming places to enjoy conversation, read or simply relax in your own private retreat.
Layer Textures and Patterns
Visual depth and interest come from layering rugs, blankets, pillows and other accents with varied textures, patterns and shapes.
Play with combining geometric, organic and abstract designs in your January decor updates.
In the living room, place a cozy shag rug on top of a flat weave wool rug, and top them with a velvet pillow and cable knit throw for lots of dreamy textures your feet and hands will love.
Or pair a handcrafted dhurrie rug with a sheepskin throw and linen pillows.
In the bedroom, make the bed extra inviting by layering woven cotton blankets over soft jersey sheets and top them with a chunky crocheted throw.
Lay a long fuzzy rug alongside your bed.
The luxurious layers beckon you to crawl in and get comfy.
Follow the “odd number rule” as you layer – arrangements of 3, 5 or 7 items feel more organic.
Vary textures, pile heights, patterns and shapes.
Contrast rugged elements like jute and rattan with soft silky accents like velvet and fleece.
Handmade touches like knit and crochet mixes nicely with flat woven pieces.
Texture and pattern energize neutrals and add dimension to solid colors.
The varied combinations keep your space visually interesting throughout the winter.
Refresh Artwork and Wall Decor
An easy way to revive your home’s look is by updating the wall decor.
Replace artwork and wall hangings with fresh pieces that reflect your current interests and aesthetics.
Swap out frames photos of friends and family to inject your personality into the design.
Display winter photography featuring snowy landscapes, icy windows and forests dusted with frost.
Choose classic black and white photographs of wintery settings printed on canvas or art paper.
Add floating shelves on a blank wall to hold small framed photos, artisan pottery, tiny plants and candles.
Wall shelves create little vignettes between each shelf.
Try an oversized abstract painting, giant wall mural or large scale print of an inspiring landscape.
Oversized art makes a bold statement.
Or opt for a salon style gallery wall with a cluster of framed illustrations, prints and photographs mixed together.
Sculptural wall hooks can hold coats while doubling as art, like antlers, driftwood branches or a unique shape.
Handwoven tapestries and macrame wall hangings work in both traditional and bohemian spaces.
Display favorite textiles from your travels to add cultured decor.
As your interests and style evolves, refresh the artwork so your walls reflect who you are now.
The decorative updates keep your home feeling current and interesting.
Incorporate Hygge Elements
The Danish concept of hygge teaches us to focus on creating warmth, community and coziness during long winter months.
Incorporate elements of hygge into your home to cultivate a relaxing retreat.
Display stacks of hardcover and leather-bound books for nights tucked indoors reading.
Include some of your favorite titles and classics along with lovely bookends and objects styled on top.
Place cozy chairs and plush cushions in corners where you can get lost in a book.
Keep baskets stocked with soft blankets within reach for wrapping up while you sip tea and warm your feet by the fire.
Add a woven basket filled with wool slippers so guests can get comfortable.
Place trays holding glasses, carafes and decanters on console tables to encourage enjoying an after dinner drink together.
Light the home with candles, firelight and strings of Edison bulbs rather than harsh overheads to create a peaceful glow.
Grow fresh herbs in the kitchen for infusing tea, baking and garnishing warming soups
Display natural materials like wood, stone, clay and rattan that bring organic texture indoors.
In our technologically driven world, purposefully cultivating hygge allows us to focus on enjoying simple pleasures with loved ones.
✨Click to Get My 101 FREE Designer Room Ideas
Refresh Bedding for Ultimate Coziness
Few things are as comforting as crawling into fresh, luxurious bedding that envelops you in softness.
During the cold winter months, focus on making your bed ultra-cozy.
Invest in breathable natural fiber sheets like stonewashed linen, textured cotton percale or smooth sateen.
Choose thicker, heavier sheets and pile on the layers.
Coordinate blankets, duvets and shams in soothing colors and fabrics like flannel, fleece, cashmere and wool.
Add a mattress topper or feather bed to soften your mattress.
Top with a down duvet insert and alternate duvet covers seasonally, like light cotton in summer and heavier fabrics in winter.
Include lots of plush pillows in varying sizes and densities.
Finish your bed with a mountain of pillows against the headboard.
Layer on machine-washable protective mattress pads, pads with extra padding and cozy mattress toppers.
Treat yourself to the gift of heavenly bedding and make your bedroom a supremely restful sleep retreat.
The new year offers a chance to refresh your living spaces with cozy updates.
Use January as an opportunity to add natural textures, soothing fabrics, candlelight and intimate vignettes that cultivate hygge.
Small changes like new pillows and blankets, soft lamps and meaningful accessories can transform the look and feel of your home.
Display artwork and objects that reflect who you are right now.
Focus on creating a personal space that lifts your spirits during the chilly months ahead.
Let the coziness of the season inspire you stay nestled in your own sanctuary
Refresh the decor in your cherished home to welcome the new year with warmth, comfort and peace.
