Anne Chessin Designs
When the weather turns chilly, there’s nothing more inviting than being cozy inside. I miss the sunshine too, but staying home and creating a warm, comfortable space makes winter something to look forward to.
I’m always drawn to the Hygge way of living this time of year—seeking comfort, coziness, and gratefulness for simple pleasures. Maybe you crave that atmosphere as well.
A recent study from Sterling’s Best Places made me smile. The top three Hygge cities in the U.S. are:
1. Seattle
2. Portland
3. Minneapolis
It’s fitting that Seattle tops the list—Hygge feels right at home here. I’ve lived in all three of these cities and find that embracing a cozy, comfort-first mindset is the best part of the season.
Here are five practical ways to make your winter home happier, Hygge-style.
Add Creature Comforts
Start with simple, tactile comforts: drape a fluffy blanket over the end of the bed, keep a basket of throws by the sofa, and choose soft linens and pillows that invite you to curl up. Stock your pantry with ingredients for hearty stews, soups, and baked goods so your kitchen always smells welcoming. Place a stack of favorite winter reads near your coziest chair and gather firewood if you have a fireplace. Insulate cold windows with warm shades or curtain panels to make rooms feel snug and protected.
Make Memories
Shake off the winter doldrums by creating small rituals that bring people together. Host a hot beverage gathering—invite friends or family for a simple tea, cocoa, or mulled cider. Even preparing a solitary cup of coffee or tea can be a soothing ritual: savor the warmth of the mug, take your time, and enjoy the pause. These little moments build memories and brighten grey days.
Pretty Puttering
Winter is a great season for gentle home projects. Begin with a thorough tidy to clear clutter, then move into small styling changes: fluff or rearrange pillows, swap out throws, rotate accessories between rooms, and refresh shelf displays. A new bouquet or a few houseplants brings life and color to an otherwise muted season. These low-effort shifts can refresh your space and lift your mood.
Beat the Blues with Music
Music changes the tone of a room and can energize a cold day. Set up a speaker, phone, or smart display in a central spot and create a winter playlist full of comforting, uplifting tracks. Play music while you cook, clean, or relax—soundscapes help make ordinary moments feel special and keep the atmosphere warm and lively.
Design a Scent-sational Home
How a home smells affects how it feels. Candles are lovely, but if you prefer to avoid added chemicals, essential oils in a diffuser are a clean, flexible option. Choose scents that match the time of day and your mood: lemon or peppermint to wake up, citrus blends like orange or bergamot for uplift, and cedarwood or lavender to wind down in the evening.
Create a Cozy Atmosphere
Layered lighting transforms a room. Turn off harsh overhead lighting and use table lamps, floor lamps, string lights, and the glow of a fireplace to create a soft, inviting environment. Warm, layered light makes spaces feel intimate and restful, perfect for reading, gathering, or simply unwinding.
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