Take the Chill Off With Cozy Winter Textures

I am looking to the upcoming "fall back" time change with a mix of excitement and dread. I love the extra hour of sleep that morning, but I become a slug in the evenings when it gets dark so early. One way to embrace the cold and dark is to just go with it like a hibernating animal and nestle indoors with cozy winter textures. As you switch out your closet items from cotton and flip-flops to wool and corduroy, approach your home with the same sensibility. Most of the following ideas for fall and winter textures are just for the season, while a few incorporate more permanent changes to interiors.

Sheepskin. This soft and fuzzy textile will feel great underfoot as you step out of your warm bed into a cold bedroom. Smaller sheepskin throws can cozy up metal or wood chairs.


Velvet. "In velvet" is listed as a synonym for "cozy" over at Thesaurus.com, and I agree.

Velvet may conjure fancy-schmancy images, but it's much more than that. I practically live in a vintage velvet blazer during the winter, and pair it with everything from jeans and beat-up cowboy boots to tuxedo-style pants and sparkly stilettos. This versatile fabric works the same way in the home as it does in fashion. It can hang out anywhere, from an elegant drawing room to a supercasual family room.


Wool. That extra blanket makes your bed feel warmer, obviously, but it also makes it look warmer — especially in these bright colors.


Cashmere. Technically this falls in the wool category, but it's a very special luxe subcategory that deserves its own mention. A cashmere throw is worth the expense. You're worth it, too. Plus, you'll get the cost down to less than a penny per use over the amount of time you'll own it — I promise.


Faux fur. These throws are much less expensive and kinder to animals than the real thing, and they give that luxe look that's got some serious Alexis Carrington Colby Dexter Rowan throwback glam.


Well-stuffed (preferably overstuffed) furniture. There's nothing like sinking into a big cushy sofa or chair on a long, dark, cold night. Combine this with a nice cabernet, a tearjerker starring Rachel McAdams and one of the throws mentioned here.


Afghans. A lot of my ancestors with "great" in their relationship designation used to crochet granny-square afghans like the one here. I considered these afghans very traditional and old-fashioned, but it's amazing how well they fit in contemporary rooms. It must be the squares and bold, colorful patterns.


Faux bois patterns. Woody prints on wallpaper are an easier alternative to adding a wood accent wall, and these prints also look great on rugs and other textiles.


Cable-knit fabrics. Cable-knit fabrics add the warmth of a big ol' fisherman's sweater to your home. Available as blankets, throw pillows and bedspreads, it's an easy way to add cold-weather comfort.


Navajo textiles. So many of my favorite winter looks are in the ski cabins out West, where people have easy access to Navajo Nation weavings. Used around the home as blankets and rugs, the have rich colors and dynamic patterns that add warmth and a rustic yet elegant look.

Learn more ways to use Navajo style at home


Stone with fire. Any fireplace will do, but a rugged indigenous stone fireplace built by a true craftsperson is an architectural marvel. Roaring flames toast everything to just the right temperature.


Hot steel. If a massive stone fireplace is not in your budget or won't fit in your space, a woodstove is a wonderful alternative. The warm bordeaux color of this model from Vermont Castings is making me want a glass of bordeaux. What is it about this ideabook that makes me want a glass of red wine? Is it wine o'clock somewhere?


Split wood. Oh, we've talked about the pros and cons of stacking wood indoors many times. Not having to stumble outside for logs in the snow makes indoor log storage well worth it. Just be sure it's clean and dry, and that you're not bringing in the creepy crawlies with the logs.

Your turn: How do you like to fluff up your nest in preparation for chilly temps? Please pass along your tips in the Comments section.

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