Anne Chessin Designs
When temperatures drop, there is nothing more inviting than a warm, comfortable home. I love sunshine too, but cold weather gives us a perfect reason to slow down, nest, and enjoy the simple comforts of home.
I’m especially drawn to the hygge philosophy this time of year — embracing coziness, comfort, and gratitude for small pleasures. If you’re feeling the same pull toward a more relaxed, welcoming home, here are practical ideas to make winter happier and cozier.
A recent study from Sterling’s Best Places named the top three hygge-friendly cities in the U.S.:
- Seattle
- Portland
- Minneapolis
Not surprisingly, Seattle tops the list — and it’s where I call home. I’ve also lived in Portland and Minneapolis, so I appreciate the ways each place inspires a cozy lifestyle. Below are five approachable ways to bring more hygge into your winter home.
Add Creature Comforts
Small comforts make a big difference. Drape a plush blanket over the end of your bed or the back of a sofa. Stock up on ingredients for hearty soups and stews you love. Keep a stack of winter reading near your favorite chair. If you have a fireplace, gather wood so it’s ready for chilly evenings. Consider insulating cold windows with lined curtains or shades to help warm the space and create a snug atmosphere.
Make Memories
Winter is prime season for small rituals that connect you with others and yourself. Host a warm beverage gathering for friends or family, or create a solo coffee and tea station so making a cup becomes a mindful ritual. The simple pleasure of holding a warm mug, breathing in the steam, and slowing down can lift spirits and build lasting memories.
Pretty Puttering
Winter invites gentle puttering around the house. Start with a tidy-up to clear surfaces and create a calm backdrop. Then refresh your rooms: fluff or rearrange pillows, swap throws between spaces, rotate accessories, and update shelf displays. Fresh flowers or a couple of easy-care plants add life and color without much effort.
Beat the Blues with Some Tunes
Music is a powerful mood shifter on gray winter days. Set up a simple speaker, smart display, or your phone in a central spot and play a playlist that lifts your spirits—whether it’s soft acoustic, upbeat classics, or ambient instrumentals. Background music makes chores and cooking feel more joyful and can offer an instant pick-me-up.
Design a Scent-sational Home
Scents are deeply tied to memory and mood. Rather than relying on heavy synthetic fragrances, try essential oils in a diffuser for a cleaner, customizable scent profile. Bright citrus like lemon or orange can refresh mornings, peppermint adds an energizing lift, and blends with cedarwood or lavender help unwind at night. Choose aromas that suit your daily rhythms to enhance comfort and calm.
Create a Cozy Atmosphere
Layered, low lighting transforms a room into a sanctuary. Turn off harsh overhead lights and rely on lamps, candles, string lights, and the glow from a fireplace when possible. Soft lighting immediately makes a space feel intimate and relaxing, perfect for reading, conversation, or simply slowing down.
Related Posts:
The Winter House
10 Tips for Styling Large Living Rooms (and other awkward spaces)
Winter Bedrooms: Layers
10 Cozy Winter Kitchen Rituals (and part two)
Hygge and A Cozy Winter House