5 Tips to Turn Your Home into a Cozy Winter Wonderland

Grab your winter woollies – the cool weather is officially here. With more time spent at home than ever, your space should be a cozy retreat that's warm, comfortable, and uniquely you. At Koala Living, we believe “cozy” means something different to everyone, and that’s what makes it special. It’s whatever brings you comfort, joy, and peace, whether that’s a relaxing vibe or an invigorating one – the perfect backdrop for lazy Saturdays or bursts of creativity.

No matter if you're into a neutral Scandi hygge aesthetic or a luxurious, jewel-toned look, the same five core principles can help you transform your space into the perfect winter haven. So, whatever is happening in the outside world, create a home – or even just a corner – that feels peaceful, heartwarming, and completely yours with a touch of Koala Living style.

Rearrange to make the most of your space

While social distancing guidelines are beginning to ease across the country, being able to stay snuggly and warm at home is always a good idea in the depths of winter. The silver lining of spending far more time than usual at home is gaining an awareness of the opportunities your space can bring. Who would have known you could fit an office, a yoga studio and a Friday night Zoom bar all in the one space (previously known as your living room)?

Whether you’re buzzing to reclaim your rooms into single-purpose spaces again, or aiming to bring some calm while maintaining flexible use, having a designated home for everything is the key to keeping cozy and calm. “Cosy” should feel warm and snug, not squished in. Make clever use of storage pieces like sideboards, entertainment units and coffee tables with drawers and avoid being overwhelmed with clutter.

Meanwhile, shelves filled with books, thoughtful art prints and unique objects d’art bring major cozy library vibes.

Tip: short on storage space? Use elegant baskets or boxes on lower shelves for your collectables. Arranging and rearranging homewares while in isolation is an idea worth exploring to maximise coziness in your space.

Layer Soft Furnishings

When it comes to creating a cozy home for winter, soft furnishings are the quintessential must-have. Think of throw rugs and cushions as the ultimate hygge-hug for your lounge suite or bed – instantly adding comfort and style. It’s also one of the quickest ways to refresh your space for the season. As the temperature drops, embrace a “more is more” approach to cushions and blankets.

An elegant assortment of pillows and throws is like the grown-up version of a childhood blanket fort. When you're not snuggled up in them, drape blankets over the back of your sofa or store them in a chic, discreet hamper.

Our Elora Sofa, with their plush pillow backs, offer the perfect canvas for layering cushions in various colors and textures. Don't forget floor rugs – they naturally complement cozy winter vibes, adding warmth and softening sounds. Layering rugs over floorboards or even wall-to-wall carpet creates that extra touch of insulation and comfort.

Bring the colour

Whether you find soft pastels calming, or rich jewel tones warming to your soul, there’s no doubt that colour plays a major role in how you make your home cozy.

Finding opportunities for colour is a fun way to dial up the comfy-ness of your home. Look for wall art, high quality faux plants and soft furnishings for quick bursts of brightness – or make a statement with a bold sofa, occasional chair or ottoman.

A mix of faux and real plants is a good option for most living spaces. While you can’t deny the convenience of faux plants, real indoor plants not only bring colour variety, they also provide natural air filtration. This is especially important during the months where we don’t let as much fresh air in through the doors and windows.

Play Around with Texture

Using a variety of textures is key to elevating your winter décor and adding interest to your space. Even if you lean toward a minimalist style, mixing materials and finishes creates depth and, ultimately, coziness.

But be careful – too much relaxed softness can overwhelm the space and diminish that comforting feel. Strike the perfect balance by combining hard and soft textures. Velvet lounge suites like the Vogue Sofa are ideal for lounging and sipping on mulled wine or herbal tea, while brass studding and button tufting bring dimension that complements the plushness of velvet.

For furniture, mix materials like leather, timber, metal, and fabric to achieve your ideal level of coziness. And when it comes to soft furnishings, opt for blankets in various weaves, cushions of different sizes and fabrics, and curtains that allow you to control how much of the outside world you let in. Don’t forget to add texture to your walls too – wall art are a fantastic way to enhance the warmth of your space.

Create Layers of Light

When it’s gray and blustery outside, layering different light sources can instantly add cozy vibes to your home décor. Mix and match ceiling lights, floor lamps, and table lamps to set different moods for different times of day or activities. Brighten up the entire room to lift those winter spirits, or snuggle into bed with a good book and the soft glow of a bedside lamp.

For extra coziness, add clusters of candles throughout the room – just remember to practice fire safety. Placing them in front of a mirror will double their warm glow, while crystal candle holders can catch and refract natural light during the day, adding beautiful light play and warmth to your space.

Make This Winter Extra Cosy With Koala Living

Transform your home into a cosy winter retreat by making thoughtful changes that enhance warmth, comfort, and style. Rearranging your space, adding soft furnishings, mixing textures, and layering different sources of light can all help create that inviting, snug atmosphere you crave during the colder months. At Koala Living, we have everything you need to make your space feel like a warm haven this season. Visit one of our galleries to explore our range and find the perfect pieces to craft your ideal winter wonderland.