Winter is a season that brings warmth and comfort, perfect for cozy meals and relaxing evenings at home. As the days grow shorter, it’s the ideal time to seek out sources of warmth and create a restful environment filled with tranquility.
The aesthetics of winter excite me: rich textures, calming tones, and deep color schemes embody coziness. To help you prepare for the hibernation season, I consulted several talented interior designers—Kim Lapin, Julia Miller, Anastasia Casey, Joshua Smith, Lindye Galloway, and Lauren Lerner—to share their insights on the winter décor trends we can anticipate this year.
Recent years have changed our perception of home. Many of us are now investing in timeless pieces that provide comfort and promote happiness. This shift reflects our desire for spaces that serve more than aesthetic purposes, especially as we spend more time indoors.
As you prepare for the winter chill, consider the following décor trends. Your winter aesthetic is ready to unfold.
Embrace these top winter décor trends (and what’s fading away!).
feature image of Molly Madif’s home by Nicki Sebastian
Grounded Earthy Tones
Designer Kim Lapin favors the enduring charm of muted shades. Incorporate these colors into your home with understated furniture pieces for a minimalist vibe. For a bold statement, consider painting an entire room. Lapin believes this trend isn’t just a passing phase: “It’s so livable and classic that it doesn’t feel trendy,” she remarks.
Timeless Vintage
Vintage items bring a storytelling quality to any space. They offer a creative solution to current supply chain challenges. Minneapolis designer Julia Miller advises starting with small accessories to ease into vintage shopping. Websites like Etsy and 1st Dibs are great places to find unique pieces.
Luxurious Bouclé
Anastasia Casey, CEO of IDCO Studio, emphasizes the importance of bouclé this winter, joining classics like velvet and wool. While ivory bouclé has gained popularity, expect to see mauve and olive tones emerging. Consider this camel accent chair from CB2 or a clay-toned throw pillow to incorporate the trend.
At-Home Calm Zones
If you’re longing for tranquility, you’re not alone. With so much happening at home, many are carving out spaces for serenity. Joshua Smith, founder of Joshua Smith Inc., attributes this trend to our collective need for mindfulness. “After the past year, it’s clear we need areas for peace at home,” he notes.
Soft Terracotta Pink
As millennial pink fades, we’re drawn to a softer terracotta pink. Lapin predicts its rise in usage on walls, tiles, and fabrics. This warm shade adds depth and light to any room, making it easy to blend into your décor.
Winter Florals
Florals in winter? Absolutely! They can add warmth and romance to your space through upholstery, cushions, and decorative pieces. Miller states, “When paired with classic materials like linen or mohair, floral prints remain timeless.” Start with a floral throw pillow or ottoman for a subtle introduction.
Nature-Inspired Greens
Bring the essence of nature indoors. Smith suggests that warm, tranquil palettes paired with bold patterns and layered textures, like grasscloth and natural stone, will be prevalent this season. Benjamin Moore’s selection of October Mist as Color of the Year points to its growing popularity.
Textured Wallpapers
According to Smith, wallpapers and textured wall coverings have gained traction, now extending into many homes. These elements add personality and charm, with even artists creating hand-painted options. He recently featured Kelly Ventura’s Meadow in Blue in a dining area.
Plaster Walls
Plaster is making a significant comeback. This timeless design element suits both traditional and modern interiors. Lindye Galloway, founder of Lindye Galloway Design Studio, loves both plaster and limewash for their textured appeal. Limewash is a budget-friendly way to achieve a similar look.
Warm Wood Accents
White oak has had its time; now, warm woods are on the rise. Miller believes this shift stems from our desire for comfort. “We’re all looking for warm touches this winter, and walnut accents, like coffee tables, are a great way to achieve that.” Casey predicts a rise in raw wood elements reflecting Scandinavian influences.
Curved Designs
The trend of curves is back. Rounded shapes and asymmetry are gaining traction and appearing frequently on social media. Galloway observes this trend in arched doorways and the shapes of sofas and chairs, adding a playful dynamic to your space.
Rich Colors
Why not embrace vibrant hues? Alongside the rise of muted colors, there’s also a growing fascination with saturated tones. Miller loves the deep plum and terracotta shades and predicts they will become more prominent this winter. “Incorporating warmer, saturated tones can create balance in a room, whether through rugs or wall colors!”
What trends are fading away?
Say goodbye to the era of white on white on white. While Lapin appreciates it, we’re embracing the beauty of imperfection. “It looks stunning in photos, but in reality, it often lacks depth,” she notes. With the lively nature of our homes, we need tonal designs with creams and soft hues that invite livability.
Smith observes a similar shift towards warmer palettes. “Cool grays have peaked. Expect a gradual return to creams, beiges, and soft neutrals.” Lauren Lerner, principal designer at Living with Lolo, adds that trends like shiplap and wainscoting are becoming less popular as we embrace fresh styles. Out with the old, in with the new—just a few more reasons to anticipate the upcoming season.
