How to style your home for warmth and coziness in the colder months

As the seasons change, so do our homes. But seasonal styling can be simple and doesn’t always mean buying new things. It’s about making thoughtful adjustments that bring the warmth and coziness of fall and winter into your living spaces.

Let’s walk through some of the ways we are refreshing this season!

Your dining table is the heart of your home, especially during the fall and winter months when holiday gatherings are aplenty. Consider your table and accompanying furniture — sideboard, China cabinet, console, or buffet table — as your canvas. Then, “paint” them with seasonal elements.

Think about adding warm-toned table linens, cozy throws (which can double as tablecloths), and seasonal décor like pumpkins, pinecones, or candles. Add a centerpiece with a seasonal touch such as a bowl of seasonal fruits or a rustic lantern. Don’t be afraid to source from other rooms too — swap out lamps or chairs from another space — maybe two accent chairs can become your host and hostess chairs for the season — have fun with it!

Your bedroom should be an extra cozy retreat during the colder months. Using your bed as a foundation, update some or all of your bedding to reflect the season. Swap out pillows to bring in earthy hues while still playing up the colors in your space, or just flip a double-sided duvet for a quick and easy change. Think about adding in an extra layer or two, like a coverlet in fall-inspired color or a wool throw blanket tossed or folded at the foot of your bed.

Pillows are one of the easiest ways to update your home for the season. Whether it’s on your sofa, bed, or a simple bench, swapping out pillows can instantly change the look and feel of a room or vignette. Use pillows in heavier fabrics and classic patterns, like houndstooth or plaid in wool, to add a touch of formality and an extra cozy layer.

Sometimes, a few furniture swaps is all it takes to refresh a space! Try a new floor plan or play “musical chairs” between rooms. Create a new, small conversation space in a place where you didn’t have one before in preparation for your holiday hosting. Whether you’re rearranging within one room or rearranging between spaces, this is one of my favorite techniques to change things up and often has the most impact!

Your mantel is a focal point in your home and a perfect spot for a touch of seasonal styling. For a simple fall look, consider keeping your everyday containers and swapping out green stems for brown, orange, yellow and red. The addition of candles and small pumpkins adds an extra layer of seasonal flair. As we move into winter, you can swap these out for more festive items like pine picks, holiday garlands, stockings, and twinkling lights.

Adapted from nellhills.com. Katie Laughridge is the owner of Kansas City interior design destination Nell Hill’s. For more information, contact Katie at info@nellhills.com.