When damp days, gray skies and icy winds kick in, many homeowners are tempted to raise the thermostat or switch on their gas fireplace. But there are ways to create a warm and cozy feeling in your home without resorting to wearing a Snuggie 24/7 or increasing your carbon footprint.
Scandinavian countries have introduced the world to the concept of “hygge” – embracing extreme comfort during the cold season with soft cushions, cozy blankets and warm drinks.
Some sustainable ways to introduce hygge design into your home include using vintage items such as quilts and blankets from your grandmother or a thrift store. You can also put your own knitting skills to use (if you have them) and design your own blankets with the softest yarn you can find. Hygge’s rustic look can be achieved with reclaimed wood and collections of candles, vases, and mismatched mugs, cups and plates displayed on open shelving.
A less commonly known Nordic design style is “lagom,” which emphasizes balance and takes a less cluttered approach to home décor. While lagom refers to a broader philosophy of “just enough,” it also emphasizes using natural materials, avoiding over consumption, and recycling and reusing as much as possible. Homeowners can add warmth with textures, fabrics and natural wood. And, of course, soft blankets
Natural Ways to Add Warmth
To generate both warmth and an eco-friendly vibe, use colors you find in nature, such as greens, blues, browns and neutrals, according to Katalin Farnady, an interior designer and owner of Farnady Interiors.
“As winter arrives, it’s good to incorporate natural materials such as wood and stone,” Farnady says. “I also recommend layering textiles with heavier, softer and plusher materials like velvet and mohair. To keep the ambiance going, make your fireplace a central feature, as well as make use of accent lighting and candles.”
Swapping in layered window treatments, like woven wood shades paired with thick drapery, adds both insulation and a cozy feel, says Michael Winn, founder and CEO of WINN Design + Build.
“An inexpensive but very desirable way to make your home feel warmer is to add heavy curtains, cover floors with oversized rugs, and make sure nothing is blocking your heating vents,” Farnady says. “Plus, a bonus of home cooking and baking is that the heat from the oven keeps the house warmer and it smells good, too.”
Choosing the right materials for floors, window treatments, furniture and accessories can also help warm up your home, especially as the days get shorter.
“Earth-driven neutrals—warm clays, soft greens, muted mushroom tones—immediately read as natural and grounded,” Winn says. “We also lean on textures like wool, organic cotton, natural linen and sustainably sourced woods. These materials wear beautifully and signal an eco-conscious lifestyle without feeling precious.”
Adding wallpaper or changing the wall color can warm up the existing look of a room, Farnady says. Relatively temporary solutions are also an option.
“You can also rotate your existing furniture around and change out just one or two pieces,” she says. “Maybe add some greenery and a new art piece for a fresh look for the new season.”
When making seasonal changes in your home, Winn recommends leaning towards natural materials.
“We’re seeing a shift toward calmer, tactile interiors—think layered lighting, chunky knits and natural finishes that age well,” Winn says. “Homeowners are also embracing ‘slow materials’ like limewash, cork and reclaimed wood. They bring character, regulate humidity and add visual warmth without major renovations.”
Quick Fixes for a Warmer Home
Beyond design techniques, there are some practical things homeowners can do to warm up their homes without a major HVAC overhaul. Reverse your ceiling fan direction to clockwise to push warmer air down towards the floor. Make sure you open your blinds and curtains on a sunny day to benefit from passive heat gain, then close them up to keep colder air out when evening arrives.
If there are rooms you’re not using, shut the doors to keep the heat you’re using focused on the rooms that are occupied. If there are gaps between the door and the floor, use a draft stopper to keep the air from flowing.
“One of the quickest ways to add warmth without touching your HVAC is to tighten up drafty areas—simple air sealing around windows and doors can make a surprising difference,” Winn says. “Another easy win is upgrading to smart thermostats and room-by-room temperature sensors so you’re not over-conditioning the whole house.”
When it gets too cold, you’ll have to switch on the heat, of course. But maybe you can be comfortable with a more environmentally friendly lower temperature on your thermostat if you layer a cozy sweater and warm socks with a few shifts in your home décor and a couple of minor home improvements.
Publisher’s Note: This content is made possible by our Today’s Homeowner Campaign Sponsors: Whirlpool Corporation. Whirlpool Corporation takes sustainability seriously, in both their products and their operations. Learn more about building and buying homes that are more affordable and less resource intensive.