Cozy Winter Home Decorating Trends in 2024

Sophie Flaxman

17 Nov 2024, 20:01

Photo: IGS Mag

Winter decorating is all about creating cozy, stylish interiors that blend comfort with thoughtful design. This season's trends focus on plush furniture, serene spaces, and earth tones designed to add warmth and comfort, turning our homes into relaxing retreats. Expect to see a rise in sustainable materials and nature-inspired decor that bring a refreshing, grounded feel indoors.

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This year, hygge-inspired cozy minimalism infuses rich textures and wintery accents, elegantly paired with layered lighting and seasonal tablescapes for a warm, sophisticated ambiance. For a modern edge, smart home technology integrates seamlessly, adding both beauty and convenience. Read on to discover more of the 2024 winter decor trends experts say will make your space feel like the ultimate winter wonderland this season.

Brie Williams

Plush, Cozy Furniture
One of the most relaxing winter activities is snuggling up in something cozy, and there's far more to it than getting snug in your favorite wool sweater. This season is about making your home feel warm and inviting, luring you in to spend hours by the fire, enveloped by your large, overstuffed sofa. "Many of the chairs and couches on Houzz have quilting and channeling that emphasizes their plumpness with extra-wide and deep seats that naturally invite a quick afternoon nap," says Mitchell Parker, senior editor at Houzz. "Speaking of napping, oversized upholstered headboards are also big right now, extending beyond the sides of beds and past bedside tables."

This winter, expect to see a growing emphasis on artisanal design elements inspired by nature. "Homeowners are moving away from machine-made perfection and opting for pieces that reflect the beauty of natural imperfections," says Nicole Roe of R. Nickson Interiors. "Whether it's hand-carved wood, textured ceramics, or artisan textiles, these items showcase a bit of grit and nuance in their finish, which people are drawn to."

Celebrate the organic warmth and charm of nature with organic shapes, subtle irregularities, earthy palettes, and natural wood, stone, and leather textures. According to Lynn Berney, co-founder of LTA Interiors, floral patterns, botanical prints, and curvy patterns and formations that resemble natural shapes are also making a comeback.

Jay Wilde

Seasonal Tablescapes
The best bit about winter is the shared moments around the table with your nearest and dearest. Seasonal tablescapes are a simple yet impactful way to celebrate the season and sprinkle some winter magic over the evening. "Fresh greenery, textured linens, and natural elements like wood and stone help create a charming atmosphere that feels festive yet timeless," says Danielle Chiprut, founder of Danielle Rose Design Co. "Incorporating warm-toned accents like bronze or brass in small accessories, such as trays or candleholders, will also bring an inviting glow to the table."

Accessories and Layered Lighting
The one thing all the interior designers agreed unanimously on was the wintery home accessory must-haves: Layered lighting and heavy throw blankets. Create a soft, inviting glow with layered ambient lighting, from table lamps, floor lamps, and wall sconces to cinnamon-infused scented candles and string lights. "This layered lighting approach adds warmth and makes the room feel intimate and welcoming," Roe says.

Then, drape cozy throw blankets in chunky knits or luxurious faux furs over chairs and sofas. "These tactile pieces not only add warmth but also give the space a plush, inviting feel that's perfect for winter," she says.

Werner Straube

Tranquil Retreats
According to Pinterest's Autumn 2024 Trends Report, homeowners want to create dreamy, cozy corners with serene color palettes and moody lighting. Searches for “cozy fall vibes'' are up +90%, and experts expect this to carry into winter as people search for inspiration to create a peaceful oasis at home. The modest Japanese style has also risen in popularity, with increased searches for Japanese vintage art, furniture, and living room designs. With searches for "zen house" also up by 405%, we can't help but conclude that people are looking for inspiration to balance comfort, style, and tranquility in their homes, ready to settle in for the winter season.

Moody, Earthy Shades
"In 2024, winter interiors will be dominated by black and brown, rust, and oxblood, creating moody yet earthy spaces with a confident edge," Roe says. "These colors evoke a rich, grounded ambiance that feels dramatic and cozy, perfect for the colder months." Black and brown are two dark neutrals that, when paired, conjure a sophisticated and luxurious feel. "These tones evoke a sense of depth, grounding, and warmth, balancing modern elegance with natural earthiness." Meanwhile, the burnt orange undertones of rust evoke the vibrancy of the fallen autumn leaves, oozing warmth and blending perfectly with natural textures like wood and leather.

Make a statement with a dash of deep oxblood red. This rich, timeless hue makes for a striking focal point that evokes a sense of fearlessness and seduction. "It works beautifully on accent walls, furniture pieces, and textiles, adding a sense of opulence and intensity that makes it the perfect color for anyone looking to make bold choices in their home décor for the winter season," Roe says.

Sustainable Materials
Sustainability has become standard practice as designers seek to minimize waste and conserve natural resources. "Winter is all about heavy textures and prominent wood grain, which aligns perfectly with eco-conscious design choices," says Roe. Wool is a sustainable, renewable resource that is the perfect antidote to the cold winter and offers durability and timeless beauty. "Wool rugs, with their thick, nubby weaves, are ideal for winter warmth but can also last for generations, reducing the need for frequent replacements and minimizing waste." Roe also recommends looking out for sustainably sourced and reclaimed wood furniture or accessories that reflect a return to craftsmanship and simplicity, creating a grounding, organic feel in the home.

Adam Albright

Rich Textures
This winter, heavily embroidered fabrics in vibrant colors and intricate patterns are emerging as a major design trend, bringing an artistic touch and visual warmth to interiors. Cut velvets are also making a strong comeback, offering depth and comfort to interiors, accompanied by a rise in the use of dramatic velvet trims. "These bold trims add a touch of sophistication to curtains, cushions, and upholstery, creating a polished, high-end look," says Roe. Layering these textures creates a cozy, tactile aesthetic that is visually captivating and perfect for the season.

Berney highlights boucle upholstery as another winter standout texture. Paired with plush velvets, mohairs, and thick wool knits, the boucle contributes to an inviting atmosphere of warmth and comfort throughout interior spaces.

Smart Lighting
With shorter days and darker nights, winter decor calls for innovative lighting solutions that allow you to conjure a cozy, adaptable atmosphere. "Smart home automation is making it easier to set the mood with accent lighting," Roe says. Innovative technology allows you to set up a seamless and personalized lighting schedule to suit your daily routine. "This feature not only enhances comfort but also helps align lighting with natural rhythms, creating a peaceful start and end to the day," Roe says. Rechargeable, portable lamps were trendy summer decor for outdoor dining, and they continue to be popular as we adapt them to benefit us in the winter season. "Rechargeable lamps offer flexibility, allowing homeowners to move them effortlessly between interior and exterior spaces, providing a soft, inviting glow wherever it is needed."

Edmund Barr

Hygge and Cozy Minimalism
Hygge is a Danish and Norweigan word that describes a warm, cozy atmosphere and enjoying life's simple pleasures—in other words, everything we crave in the winter season. In interior design, this translates to adding warmth to your home through color and tactile comfort. "In 2024, hygge and cozy minimalism are evolving with more emphasis on texture and natural materials," Chiprut says. "Instead of stark minimalism, we're seeing spaces filled with layered, cozy textures like wool throws, boucle furniture, and organic cotton fabrics."

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5 Foods That Improve Mental Focus

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10 Best Foods To Look & Feel Younger

Aging is a natural process and is something we shouldn't fear, despite what marketing companies have been telling us forever. But as we age, it's understandable that we'd want to find healthy ways to look and feel our best with every passing year so we can have the energy and confidence to enjoy our daily lives. Things like exercising, drinking plenty of water, and eating a nutritious, balanced diet are all ways we can help ourselves look and feel younger as we get older. When it comes to diet, food can impact the way you feel on the inside and look on the outside. For instance, research proves that nutrition can play an important role in heart and brain health, and your risk of age-related disease as you get older. Research also shows that your diet not only has the power to repair skin damage, but it can cause damage to the skin as you age as well. So what are some of the specific foods that can impact the way you age? 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Oxidative stress damage caused by free radicals can also impact your skin health, so Sabat says that eating antioxidant-rich foods like berries "helps protect your skin from premature aging and improve its overall health." Lisa Young, PhD, RDN adds "Blueberries specifically are packed with the antioxidant anthocyanin, which helps to combat oxidative stress and inflammation, and these compounds may contribute to improved skin elasticity, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and promoting a youthful complexion." Another amazing benefit of eating berries as you age is that they "support cognitive function and may reduce the risk of age-related cognitive decline," says Sabat. For instance, one study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that eating more strawberries and blueberries was linked to a slower rate of cognitive decline in participants over 70 years old. Fatty Fish raw salmon There's more than one reason to eat fatty fish as you get older. 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"The antioxidants found in nuts and seeds combat free radicals, preventing skin aging and reducing the risk of chronic diseases associated with aging," says Sabat. Specifically, Young notes that "Almonds are a good source of vitamin E, an antioxidant that protects the skin from oxidative damage, and can help maintain skin elasticity and hydration, potentially reducing the signs of aging." She adds, "Including nuts like almonds in your diet may support a healthy, youthful glow." Nuts—especially walnuts—also contain omega-3 fatty acids, and seeds like flaxseeds are some of the richest sources of plant-based omega-3 fatty acids. Consuming these healthy fats can contribute to a slower rate of aging—both internally and externally. Leafy greens Leafy greens like spinach, kale, and Swiss chard are "nutrient powerhouses," according to Sabat, "offering vitamins A, C, and K, and minerals like iron and calcium." 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Sweet Potatoes roasted sweet potatoes Fruits and vegetables contain plant compounds that give them their bright coloring. For example, sweet potatoes contain a compound called beta-carotene, which is responsible for its vibrant orange hue. Aside from bringing color to this vegetable, this compound—among other plant compounds—can provide a ton of health benefits, too. According to Sabat, "Beta-carotene is a precursor to vitamin A and has been linked to promoting skin health and reducing the appearance of wrinkles. Beyond that, research has also found that beta-carotene may be able to help in the prevention of various chronic diseases. Although it's found in smaller amounts, sweet potatoes also contain vitamins C and E, which we know now can help fight free radicals and support health. Tomatoes Speaking of those delightfully powerful plant compounds, tomatoes are rich in a certain compound called lycopene, which gives them their beautiful red color. 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World Pasta Day: The History of Italy's Long Love Affair with Pasta

On October 25th, people celebrate World Pasta Day to recognize the importance of this comfort food across the globe. Today there are numerous options available in every region and pasta has become a go-to meal. However one cannot forget the contribution of Italians in making it a global food. Pasta is synonymous with the cuisine of Italy and its deep-rooted passion for this dish spans centuries, predating even the Middle Ages. But how exactly did this love affair begin, and what is the real story behind the birth of pasta in Italy? A Controversial Beginning The history of pasta is riddled with mystery and debate. A popular myth suggests that Marco Polo introduced pasta to Italy in the 13th century after his travels to China. However, historians have long debunked this, as pasta was already present in Italy centuries before Polo’s time. Although the exact origin of pasta remains a topic of contention, there are a few theories. Some suggest that the Etruscans, an ancient civilization predating the Romans in central Italy, might have been the first to make pasta. Evidence from an Etruscan tomb suggests they had tools resembling those used for pasta-making. Yet, this theory is tenuous. A more widely accepted explanation points to Arab traders who introduced pasta to Sicily in the 8th and 9th centuries. They brought with them dried noodles made from durum wheat, ideal for long journeys and perfect for Sicily's climate. Today, Italy remains one of the largest producers of durum wheat, a key ingredient in pasta production. Despite uncertainty about its origins, one thing is clear: pasta was already being enjoyed in Italy during the Medieval period. References to pasta appear in literature and art, such as Giovanni Boccaccio's 14th-century The Decameron, which humorously describes pasta chefs preparing mountains of ravioli and macaroni. 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Italian chefs started experimenting with sauces, shapes, and new cooking techniques. The introduction of the tomato sauce, along with new pasta shapes like conchiglie (shells) and farfalle (bow ties), elevated pasta from a simple, rustic dish to a culinary art form. At the same time, regional variations in pasta also began to emerge. For example, Naples became famous for spaghetti, while Bologna and Emilia-Romagna developed pasta filled with meat and cheese, such as tortellini. Pasta’s Journey Beyond Italy As Italian immigrants traveled the world, they carried their culinary traditions with them, spreading their love for pasta across continents. In many countries, Italian pasta was adapted to local flavors and ingredients, leading to the creation of new dishes that incorporated pasta into diverse cuisines. This exchange enriched Italian cuisine while also making pasta a global phenomenon. 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Reasons Why Not to Add Bananas to Shakes and Smoothies

When it comes to smoothies and shakes, banana is one of the most popular fruits, as it provides a creamy texture and natural sweetness. Despite such popularity, here are some strong reasons you may want to reconsider adding them to your shake or smoothie. While bananas are one of those fine sources of nutrients, including potassium, vitamin C, and fiber, they're not always the best option, given your dietary goals, preferences, or digestive health. Here are some reasons you might want to reconsider adding bananas to your shakes and smoothies. Banana Nutrition Bananas are a rich source of essential nutrients, providing a good amount of potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin B6. They are high in dietary fiber, which supports digestion, and contains natural sugars that provide a quick energy boost. Bananas are also low in calories and fat, making them a healthy snack option while offering antioxidants that promote overall well-being. High in sugar and carbohydrates Bananas are naturally high in sugar and carbohydrates, probably not good enough for a low-sugar or low-carb diet. A medium-sized banana contains around 14 grams of sugar and 27 grams of carbohydrates. Although natural sugars are better than refined ones, they will certainly cause increased blood sugar, especially in people with highly sensitive insulin or in diabetics. If you are on a diet controlling your sugars or following a low-carb diet, you can use low-sugar fruits like berries or more leafy greens in your shakes and smoothies. Calorie dense Although bananas are nutritious, they contain relatively high-calorie density compared to most other fruits. A medium banana contains about 105 calories; thus, it could add up depending on how big your shake or smoothie is. If you're looking to cut down on calorie intake or work on your weight management, bananas probably aren't the go-to fruit for smoothies. Instead, using a lower-calorie fruit or vegetable, such as a cucumber, spinach, or strawberry, can help make a drink less calorie-rich without sacrificing its nutritional or flavor integrity. May cause digestion issues Bananas, especially the unripened bananas, have resistant starch. Thus, it will cause some difficulty in digestion in the human body. For those who have a weakened digestive system or in the presence of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), bananas may cause them to bloat, pump gas, or feel unrest in their digestive tract. Bananas also contain a natural sugar called fructose that may cause problems in people who have intolerance. If you have a sensitive stomach or experience frequent digestive problems, try not to use bananas in your shakes and smoothies and opt for other, easier-to-digest fruits like papaya, watermelon, or cantaloupe. Overpowers other flavors Bananas have a very distinctive and strong taste that would easily overpower the flavor of many other ingredients within shakes and smoothies. If you're trying to balance flavors and want to let other fruits or vegetables shine, bananas can overpower the flavor, overriding the nuances of spinach, ginger, or citrus fruits. Some of the other alternatives are avocado or unsweetened almond milk for making a creamy shake. Limited nutrient diversity Bananas are relatively nutrient-dense in some areas, like potassium, but they do not provide the kind of broad nutrient diversity that many other fruits and vegetables do. You might still miss out on a significant amount of the vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can be found in a wide variety of produce if you add a banana to your smoothie. For example, trading a banana for a handful of spinach or kale provides an enormous dose of vitamins A, C, and K, in addition to fiber and calcium. In a pinch, someone may have to rely on bananas to add flavor and texture to their shakes and smoothies, which may be fine if they are still concerned with getting the most out of nutrition from those. Otherwise, focusing on a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables may work better for them. Source: TOI

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