12 Proven Design Tips Under $90 to Give You All the Winter Cozies (Some are FREE!)
- Molly Ishmael
- Jan 16, 2022
- 10 min read
Updated: Feb 14, 2022
Did you know that Scandinavians consistently rank among the happiest people in the world - and they have some of the longest, coldest, darkest winters on earth! Some parts of Northern Europe don't even get a full day's sunlight half the year. But as apparent from their consistent self-reports of high levels of happiness, instead of complaining about it, the people there plan for it! In fact, Denmark started a global interior design trend called hygge which involves purposely decorating the home with cozy materials to pass the winter happily. That sounds a lot better than moaning about the weather half the year, don't you think? (Now, if only someone would start a trend to enjoy sweltering hot temps all summer in Florida... Oh wait, they already did, it's called air conditioning.)
Go on the offense this season and show the winter weather that you mean business. Scroll down for my 12 Tips to instantly warm up any space, no summer sun required!
Set your mind to purposely enjoy the winter season.
Granted, here in Florida, we don't exactly have brutal winters. But as you know, I grew up in Pennsylvania until I was 21 and also lived in Maryland for 5 years. The year I left "the North," it was still snowing in April. So I definitely remember how long and endless winter can feel. Gray skies for months and unrelenting cold temperatures can really put a damper on your mood - unless we embrace a cozy winter lifestyle, that is!
I'm a firm believer than we can be happy anywhere - in any house, in any weather. With positive-minded planning, we can make our current home the happiest place on earth. No need for expensive renovations or a life-changing move to Florida (although we would love to have you!)
The Danish book on "hygge" that started a global design trend.
Want to enjoy a fireplace without the flames? Scroll down to find out how!
12 Proven Design Tips Under $90 to Give You All the Winter Cozies
Tip #1: Stream a Fireplace on Your TV
Cost: Free
Did you know studies show that even the sight of a virtual fireplace came have the same or similar effects as a real one? It turns out we don't need to build an actual fire to enjoy the psychological benefits of relaxing in front of one. The sight of flames and the sound of crackling logs takes our brains to that warm and cozy place. Moreover, one study showed that blood pressure was lowered just by playing a virtual fireplace on a screen, with sound. Some people even imagine they are smelling smoke! The human mind is pretty awesome.
Check out the research below:
Many streaming services offer hours of free virtual fireplaces, often with accompanying relaxing background music, and some with only the sound of the crackling fire if you want to play your own tunes. So grab the ol' camping blanket and a cup of cocoa, choose your favorite yule log and musical accompaniment, and get ready to be cozy!
For more fireplace streaming options, read this:
This washable blanket is perfect for indoor & outdoor fireplace viewing happiness.
Photo credit: Pinterest / Mostly Lovely Things
Tip #2: Paint Your Interior Walls White
Cost: About $50 per room when you DIY
The Danish have a name for the type of design shown above: Hygge. It's pronounced "HOO-gah" and has the same root word as the English word "hug." And there's no better name for this style which embodies ultimate coziness - it's like your home is giving you a nice long warm hug!
One signature design element of modern Scandi style is to whitewash the interior of a cabin. White reflects the light and instantly brightens an otherwise dark room. If you have log interior walls, you can try whitewashing or limewashing for a real-deal cabin look, but if you have drywall, you can just use white paint! White walls reflect the flight and keep your interior bright and cheerful even in the grayest of winter days. There are so many gorgeous shades to choose, everything from bright white to alabaster to warm cream. Easy-peasy and so bright and breezy!
Check out this convenient 10-piece painting set to get you started.
There's nothing like a hot cuppa on a cold day.
Tip #3: Collect Unique Teacups or Coffee/Cocoa Mugs
Cost: A few buckaroos at a yard sale (or $40 for the cute set below)
Sometimes, it's all about setting the mood. My maternal grandmother was the best at this - she had teacups with birds and flowers on them, fine china with pastel floral patterns, and a collection of mismatched teaspoons. In fact, it seemed that every little thing she had was unique and pretty. Even eating a piece of toast felt like a special occasion on one of her dishes. Thankfully, one of her teacups made it to my cupboard and I still have it today. Tea seems to taste better in that cup.
Consider collecting a few adorable mugs or tea cups to enjoy your hot bevies. You may find treasures at yard sales or antique markets for only the change in your pocket. (Just be sure to sanitize the dishes before using them, of course!) And don't worry, they don't need to match! A cup of coffee in a colorful mug takes getting our caffeine fix to a new, cheerful level. It's the little things that make the most difference ion some days. I like Earl Grey tea, served hot with milk. How about you?
No yard sales near you? Try this affordable semi-mismatched set from Amazon.
Light a candle and curl up under your favorite "blankie," as my daughter says.
Tip #4: Curl Up in the Coziest Blanket in the Entire World! (Okay, I'm biased.)
Cost: $30
The blanket below appeared on our couch one day. I looked over and my husband was wrapped up in a large, fluffy blanket that I had never seen before. Surprised because he usually leaves the household shopping to me, I asked where it came from. He said he ordered it online because he wanted a bigger blanket to curl up in versus the thin throw blankets I had on the couch. He let me borrow it and that's when we realized it: my husband had discovered THE COZIEST BLANKET IN THE ENTIRE WORLD. It's a velvety blanket with a fleece liner.
I immediately asked my husband to order a second blanket for me, and he probably regrets that now. The blanket is so cozy that I've developed the habit of curling up in it in the evening and not wanting to unfurl myself come bedtime, falling asleep on the couch too many nights, waking up at 1 am and stumbling upstairs.... I guess at this point we need one for the bed to entice me to leave the couch, haha!
Note: The blanket arrived with a factory-type smell; I washed it once which totally resolved the issue.
This twin-sized blanket is bigger than the average throw which makes it that much cozier!
Simmer orange peels, cinnamon and mint on your stove to instantly improve the aura.
Tip #5: Simmer a Spicy Stove-Top Scent
Cost: One orange + a few cinny sticks = probably less than a dollar
Design is a multifaceted approach that involves more than surface-level improvements. Function, cleanliness, and even aroma can be part of a totally amazing experience. In fact, custom scents are now being marketed to interior designers as the finishing touch to projects. When I worked in property management and real estate, I remember there was at least one company that sold mini cookie ovens to apartment complexes and model home centers so the first thing new prospects noticed when they walked inside was the smell of warm cookies, and they say it increases sales.
Scent is a powerful tool that can improve your whole winter-inside-the-house experience. Try simmering a pot of water on the stove with cinnamon sticks, orange peels and perhaps a handful of mint or a few dried cloves (under a watchful eye, of course.) Other all-natural wintery fragrances include chocolate, nutmeg, vanilla, pine, and cardamom (which is my favorite spice, fyi). Alternatively, add a few drops essential oil to a diffuser, and experience the pleasant effects without needing to worry about the stove.
Simply boil a few cinnamon sticks and prepare to be amazed!
Photo credit: Pinterest / Etsy
Tip #6: Build a Faux Fireplace
Cost: Varies
Fireplaces are such a beautiful focal point, and they're not just for living rooms. Imagine a stylish dining room with such a gorgeous statement piece, or a romantic bedroom complete with a candelit fireplace. For minimal investment, why not create a faux fireplace in any room of the house? Bonus, you can hang your TV above a faux fireplace worry-free, since you don't need to worry about real heat melting the electronics.
Depending on what materials you have on hand, the project can be super budget-friendly. A little wood, paint, and perhaps something creative for the backing is all that's needed. Since the fireplace doesn't actually have to work, building one is relatively hassle-free. At least, I hope that turns out to be the case because I plan to build one in our new house. I want the look of a fireplace in our bedroom but we didn't put a working one in the plans because we already planned a gas fireplace in the living room and a wood burner on the patio, and really, how many fireplaces do we need? We do live in Florida, after all! A faux fireplace will do just fine.
Complete the look with a faux sheepskin rug - that's my plan, anyway!
Pamper your senses with a (free!) bathroom mini-makeover. Photo credit: Science Sensei website / Shutterstock.
Tip #7: Transform Your Chilly Bathroom into a Steamy Spa
Cost: Free
Upgrade your bathroom vibe for free by channeling the energy of a fancy spa. It all starts with a quick clean-out and clean-up, removing unsightly items from the counter and washing all your rugs and towels. Next, adjust the lighting - use dimmers if you have them, but candles work, too! Upbeat music and a summery scent complete the transformation.
Try the following ideas to warm up your morning shower or or evening soak using things you already have around the house: Roll your bath towels and place them in a basket near the tub, spa style. Turn out overhead electric lighting and use scented candles instead (if you can still see safely, of course!) Gather a few dried herbs, flower petals or salts to infuse your next hot bath. Don't forget to play instrumental tropical music to set the summery mood and channel those warm-weather vibes!
This delectable natural bath blend combines rose petals, pink Himalayan salt and essential oils.
Photo credit: Ideal Home (website)
Tip #8: Store Blankets Rolled in a Basket
Cost: Free if you have a basket :)
If there's one thing I don't want to have to do on a cold night, it's search the house for a warm blanket. Keep your throws within easy reach while also upping the "hygge" factor in your home. (For more on hygge, see the very beginning of this post and Tip #2.)
Emulate Scandi style as in the photo above with a simple basket or tote and roll your blankets for the full effect. You can also use an ottoman or footstool with storage, but I prefer to store blankets without the need to remove a lid to access them. After all, if a task requires more than one step, it's less likely to be completed - i.e. I'll procrastinate putting the blankets away later - so make things as easy as possible with this simple storage solution.
Note: Make sure to use a rope basket or soft tote, not a reed or straw basket which could snag fabric.
This attractive rope basket is a good pick... see what I did there?
S'mores aren't just for summer!
Tip #9: Enjoy a Real Fire Practically Anywhere!
Cost: $85
S'mores aren't just for summer camping trips. Entice the family away from their screens by bribing them with melty marshmallows. Gather around this tabletop fire bowl that's designed for indoor and outdoor use and burns clean bioethanol fuel (safer to cook with than natural gas, according to several articles; feel free to do your own research.) Now you can enjoy a little fireside gathering anytime you want. Best part, no electronics required!
Want more fire science? Check out this Swedish article (in English) on the benefits of fireplaces:
Who says you need a big fire to enjoy the toasty effects? There's something about gathering around a flame that is so entrancing. I could relax for hours, enjoying snacks, starlight, and some good company. Fires feel especially social, maybe because our ancestors built them to gather around for thousands of years, maybe because they're used for preparing food (and warding off nasty bugs), and maybe because when people see a fire they tend to come over and just hang out. Bonus points if you have a friend who plays guitar!
This tabletop fire bowl is handmade. Hint: You'll need to order bioethanol fuel, too.
Candles create an instant cozy and romantic mood.
Tip #10: Light Candles (or switch on the LEDs!)
Cost: About $15
Along the same lines as Tip #1, the sight of candles makes us feeling relaxed and cozy. Plus, maybe the old-timers were onto something - candles don't need electricity or fossil fuels and we all look better by candlelight! One caution, make sure you choose healthy candles made without dangerous chemical additives and artificial fragrances.
Candles are relaxing - science says so!
Alternatively, if you don't want real flames, flameless candles can have the same psychological effects. Plus, it's romantic! Treat yourself to a little candlelight; you won't regret it.
I just love these metallic-tone LED candles. Maybe I'll use them in the faux fireplace I want to build!
Winter closets, here we come!
"The hard-earned lesson of frigid Scandinavian winters is that there’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothes."
- Anna Altman, in an article on "hygge" for The New Yorker
Tip #11: Create a "Winter Wear" Section in Your Closet
Cost: Free
Down here in Florida, I look forward to the colder weather so I can finally wear my boots and sweaters. I think I took it for granted when I lived up north! So let's turn this whole "winter is depressing" idea around and dress for the occasion. Adorable Uggs, fur-lined anything, woolen socks and cable knit sweaters, welcome to the party!
Prepping your closet for winter can make getting dressed to combat the elements a pleasant experience, versus a rushed attempt every morning not to freeze to death outside. Perhaps channel a vintage vibe and stage a few outfits on padded silk hangers when preparing for those colder temps? There's no reason those extra layers should weigh us down (except for literally, of course!)
These Granny-chic hangers are anti-slip for your coziest cardigans.
Heat it up - for real, this time!
Tip #12: Turn Up the Heat in Style
Cost: $35
Finally, if real live heat is what you seek, look no further than this small and stylish space heater (below). It's the cat's pajamas of portables! Space heaters have come a long way and you don't have to set up an eyesore in the middle of the room anymore to enjoy the same effects. I think it looks like an old-fashioned radio or perhaps vintage luggage, and I'm loving it.
This stylish little space heater will heat up your winter vibes.
Those are 12 simple and affordable ways to improve your enjoyment of the winter season in style - interior style, that is!
On that note, I'm wishing you all a very pleasant winter... from sunny Florida... where I'll remain, enjoying the weather, laughing at you all. Just kidding, just kidding, I remember those days, I'm from up north, after all. And it's been chilly down here, too - we even had to turn on our heat one night! One thing is for sure, shorter days and colder temps call for warmer interior design, and even we Floridians are here for that!
With Love,
Molly
P.S. For more design & decor fun + updates on our newest projects, subscribe for free HERE!
Comments