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Blog / Simple Joys: Preparing Your Home for the Cold Season

Simple Joys: Preparing Your Home for the Cold Season

They say that choosing a home is one of life’s biggest decisions — and not just because of where it’s located. The type of home you choose shapes your everyday rhythm, lifestyle, and even how you connect with your surroundings. From airy lofts in bustling city centers to cozy cottages surrounded by nature, each style comes with its own character, benefits, and compromises. Whether you dream of low-maintenance living or long for a place to truly make your own, understanding the different types of homes can help you find the perfect fit.

A Touch of Nature Indoors

As the world outside grows cold and bare, bringing in natural textures can instantly warm your space. Display evergreen branches in ceramic vases, arrange pinecones in woven baskets, or keep a bowl of fresh citrus and pomegranates on the counter. These natural touches add color, life, and fragrance to your home — a beautiful reminder that even in the quietest months, nature still finds ways to inspire.

Credit: Taylor & Taylor

Cozy Bedding & Layered Throws

When temperatures drop, there’s nothing more comforting than sinking into a well-made bed. Swap lightweight linens for flannel sheets, layer wool blankets under a thick duvet, and keep extra throws within reach for reading or movie nights. The goal is to create layers of warmth you can move through the house with — from the sofa to your favorite reading chair. It’s a small daily luxury that makes winter not just bearable, but delightful.

Photography by Malissa Mabey

A Well-Stocked Pantry & Wine Corner

There’s peace in knowing that your kitchen is ready for cozy nights in. Keep a few favorite bottles of wine, spiced cider, or even homemade syrups on hand. Fill your pantry with simple ingredients for hearty meals — grains, beans, soups, and root vegetables. On stormy nights, cooking something from scratch, with music in the background and a glass of wine nearby, can feel like its own form of self-care.

Holme Design

Books, Puzzles & Slow Evenings

Winter gives us permission to slow down. Set aside a small corner for simple, screen-free pleasures: a stack of favorite novels, art or cookbooks, a puzzle you return to over several evenings. These quiet activities reconnect you with the joy of doing one thing at a time — something modern life too easily forgets. Add a soft lamp and a mug of tea, and you’ll have everything you need for a perfect winter evening.

William Jess Laird

Candlelight Glow

The gentle flicker of a candle can change the atmosphere of an entire room. Mix unscented candles for soft light with a few scented ones — like amber, cedarwood, or spiced vanilla — for a cozy aroma that lingers in the air. Place them in hurricanes or lanterns, or line them along your bathtub for a spa-like effect. In moments when the power goes out or the snow falls heavily outside, this glow feels both comforting and timeless.

INTERLUDECANDLES

Comfort in the Kitchen

Cold weather draws everyone to the kitchen — the natural heart of the home. Fill your freezer with homemade soups, stews, and baked goods for easy, satisfying meals. Keep the tea and coffee station stocked and ready, and let the scent of cinnamon or vanilla drift through the air. Cooking becomes not just a chore, but a creative ritual that nourishes both body and spirit.

Photography by Douglas Friedman

Aromatherapy Baths

Turn your bathroom into a small retreat. Add aromatic bath oils with notes of eucalyptus, lavender, or bergamot, and light a candle nearby. A wooden bath tray can hold your tea, book, or even a small plant. Taking time for this simple ritual is more than indulgence — it’s a reminder to slow down and care for yourself in the midst of winter’s rush.

Image source: Zillow

Warm Socks & Everyday Comforts

Sometimes the simplest things bring the greatest comfort. Plush wool or cashmere socks can transform a chilly morning, especially when paired with your favorite robe or slippers. Keep a small basket of extras by the door for guests — a gesture that says, “make yourself at home.” Little touches like this turn ordinary days into moments of gentle hospitality.

Nordic Socks

Outdoor Essentials

While coziness reigns indoors, winter also calls for readiness outside. Keep a pair of waterproof boots and a waxed jacket handy for spontaneous walks or quick chores. If you have a fireplace, stock up on dry firewood before the snow arrives, storing it neatly on a covered porch. Even small preparations like these bring a quiet sense of order and peace.

Image source: The House Designers

Sunlight & Serenity

Whenever the sun appears, open your curtains wide and let the light flood in. A few golden moments each day can lift your mood and fill your home with a sense of life. Combine natural light with soft lamps and warm neutrals indoors to enhance the cozy atmosphere. Winter may be long, but it holds its own kind of beauty — found in stillness, softness, and the comfort of a well-prepared home.

Tell us: What are your favorite ways to make winter feel warm and inviting?

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