We get it, it’s cold outside and there’s only one thing you want to do: hibernate. But with the start of a new year behind us, it’s time to harness that fresh-start energy. The best way we know how? After we’ve made our vision boards and set our goals, we transition next to focusing on our space. And because it’s the start of January, learning how to make a home cozy is top of mind.

We’re busying ourselves with getting the house ready for our 2023 winter selves. And while we’re ready to dial up the comfort, we definitely don’t want to compromise on style. Want to know how to make your home cozy, too? Naturally, we looked to three of our favorite designers—Katie Hodges, Julie Van Daele of Well Received, and Erik Gacia of Maison Trouvaille—to find out, and there is one thing they all agreed on: Don’t skimp on the texture.

Featured image of Camille’s bedroom by Michelle Nash.

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Sarah Solis living room how to make a home cozy
Image of Sarah Solis’ home by Shade Degges

How to Make a Home Cozy: Your Step-by-Step Handbook

“Cozy is when you walk into a space and immediately want to kick off your shoes, snuggle into a comfortable piece of furniture, and unwind and just feel relaxed,” says Garcia. “It inspires you to hang out there all day.” We couldn’t agree more. 

Hodges also relies on texture when she wants to amp up the cozy factor, but lighting is also key, especially the warmth of a flame. In lieu of a fireplace, she says staggered candle pillars are a beautiful way to add a sense of intimacy and specialness to a space. 

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woman making bed how to make a home cozy
Image by Michelle Nash

And don’t forget to mix up your texture, too. Daele says it’s important to fuse knits, faux furs, and velvet, but most importantly, “don’t forget scent!” We’re talking incense, candles, and essential oils. Garcia agrees: “Scents are a great way to feel relaxed, calm, and luxurious.”

If you’re nodding your head in agreement on adding texture but shaking your head at how to make your home cozy and chic, then read on for our designer’s top tips:

  • Layer two different textured pillows in the same color palette to your sofa.
  • Put a throw over your sofa and on your armchairs.
  • Place an accent rug over your larger existing rug.
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Image of Ashley Robertson’s home by Matti Gresham

The Coziest Pieces to Bring Home This Season

Ready to put these tips into practice? Shop our favorite pieces to make your home look and feel cozy.

Every product is curated with care by our editors. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.

Jenni Kayne Mohair Throw

u003cpu003eIs your room feeling cold and in need of a warm hug? Simply toss a textured throw over it and see it cozy up in an instant. This mohair throw is definitely a splurge but it will last you many winters.u003c/pu003e

Anthropologie Aurora Candlestick

u003cpu003eThere is nothing quite like a candle to set the mood and the holder always changes up the scene. This textured style is a classic and never goes out of style.u003c/pu003e

Hu0026M Ceramic Candlestick

u003cpu003eNatural materials will always warm and cozy up a space. You can’t go wrong with this sculptural (and affordable!) ceramic candlestick.u003c/pu003e

Sense Island Taper Candles

u003cpu003eYou don’t always have to reach for white candles—consider muted, but brightly-colored hues to give a subtle warmth to your space.u003c/pu003e

Haven Well Within Textured Cotton Throw

u003cpu003eLooks beautiful, feels heavenly. Nothing says cozy quite like the blanket you’ll happily have wrapped around you all weekend long.u003c/pu003e

The Citizenry Pasado Alpaca Throw

u003cpu003eLayer your textures and your colors. Opt for soft shades that enhance the cozy factor.u003c/pu003e

Andrej Urem Lace Candle

u003cpu003eNot only do candles warm up a room with their light but Daele tells me they also elevate your dining or coffee table with their unique and beautiful designs—and she’s obsessed with this lace candle!u003c/pu003e

MarneyAsh U Shaped Candle

u003cpu003eIf you want to move away from the typical tapered candle, then choose a sculptural moment like this U candle that also doubles as decor. You might not want to burn it though!u003c/pu003e

Farmhouse Pottery Pantry Candlestick

u003cpu003eYou can always count on Farmhouse Pottery to supply some major hygge. These candleholders will definitely set the cozy mood.u003c/pu003e

Apparatus Candle Blocks

u003cpu003eThese are a total splurge but Daele is a huge fan of the Apparatus designers and these will be a statement piece in your home forever.u003c/pu003e

Its Thyme Kouple Origami Essence Incense Holder

u003cpu003eClean, minimalist design and comforting colors at their finest. This would look stunning on a coffee table or mantel.u003c/pu003e

Tennen Spring Arroyo Cone Incense

u003cpu003eDaele is a huge fan of scent when creating a cozy space at home. These Tennen cones can be burned throughout the day to raise the vibration.u003c/pu003e

The Citizenry Catalina Boucle Bolster Pillow

u003cpu003eMaking your room cozy isn’t just about your living room. This bolster pillow is a wonderful combination with throw pillows and is so nice to snuggle with while watching Netflix.u003c/pu003e

CB2 16u0022 Mauve Mongolian Sheepskin Pillow

u003cpu003eIs there anything you want to snuggle with more than this Mongolian pillow? We think not.u003c/pu003e

CB2 18” Shorn Sheepskin Camel Pillow

u003cpu003eYou can always rely on CB2 for affordable decor to upgrade your home each season. This beautiful sheepskin throw pillow is just the perfect cozy piece.u003c/pu003e

CB2 Chunky Ivory Knit Pillow

u003cpu003eCombine textures in various materials, fabrics, and prints to diversify the design.u003c/pu003e

Quince Washed Velvet Pillow Cover

u003cpu003eDon’t forget to layer your patterns with simple neutrals to anchor the space.u003c/pu003e

Hollywood at Home Manta in Ivory Alpaca Throw

u003cpu003eYou can never go wrong with an Alpaca wool throw. This one just gets better with age.u003c/pu003e

Burke Decor Niko Woven Pillow in Dark Brown

u003cpu003eThe stitching detail on this pillow really gives it that homemade touch and we love the textured wool fabric—so warm and cozy.u003c/pu003e

Otherland Rattan Candle

u003cpu003eIf there was one piece of décor that you could always rely on for cozy vibes, it’s the humble scented candle.u003c/pu003e

P.F. Candle Co. Black Fig Candle

u003cpu003eOne of the most beautiful fruits to eat and enjoy, figs also possess a fragrance that’s wonderfully floral and sweet. Perfect for all throughout the cold weather months, this candle offers up a soothing scent that mixes earthy, spicy, and herbal to perfection.u003c/pu003e

West Elm Lush Velvet Pillow Cover

u003cpu003eVelvet is an inherently rich and indulgent fabric, and this pillow’s lustrous glow creates layered interest when tossed on beds or sofas.u003c/pu003e

Shopbop @Home Twist Candle

u003cpu003eWork a statement-making taper candle into your space that pairs whimsy with tradition. It’s fun and unexpected, but functional nonetheless.u003c/pu003e

Elemense x Hasami Porcelain Incense Burner

u003cpu003eIt’s clear that every detail in this incense burner has been carefully considered. While burning incense is an inherently calming act, it’ll be all the more relaxing with this elegant and elevated piece.u003c/pu003e

Pottery Barn Faux Fur Ombre Throws

u003cpu003eIf there’s a surefire way to achieve a cozy look, it’s with the softest, fuzziest blanket you can find draped over your sofa.u003c/pu003e

This post was originally published on December 18, 2020, and has since been updated.

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