Interiors
How to Layer Texture and Warmth for a Cosy Winter Interior
We don’t know about you, but in the colder months, we want our homes to feel like a warm hug. As the temperature dips and the days grow shorter, we naturally turn towards the comfort of our homely spaces, with soft lighting and rooms that feel extra cosy and inviting. We’ve got all the secrets to creating a winter interior that not only looks beautiful, but radiates cosiness; it’s all about layering texture and warmth. From chunky throws and boucle upholstery to mood-setting lighting and earth-toned palettes, the secret lies in tactility and tone.
Here’s how to create a cocooning sanctuary this winter, complete with Style Sourcebook product picks to bring the look to life.
Furnishing selection & styling: Furnishd. Photography: Dylan James
Start with a Soft Foundation
A cosy interior begins from the ground up. Rugs not only define space but offer warmth underfoot, essential for winter nesting. Opt for rugs with a rich pile and depth, like the Fontana Ivory Abstract Textured Wool Rug by Miss Amara. Its soft, tactile surface and natural tone provide an ideal base layer for the rest of your design.
For a more organic and artisanal feel, style Emotion 77 by Rug Culture, which adds earthy texture while keeping the palette grounded.
Interiors: Bryant Aslop. Photography: Jack Lovel
Interiors: Studio Joan Interiors. Photography: Louise Wellington Photographer
Layer with Luxe Textiles
Next, build layers through soft furnishings. Think boucle, felted wool, velvet, and linen, all textures that invite touch. We love the James Lane Decker Bouclé Swivel Chair in Ivory for its sculptural shape and ultra-cosy fabric, perfect for fireside reading or your favourite corner nook.
Layer your sofa or bed with tactile throws and cushions. Oz Design’s Tabako Feather Fill Cushion and James Lane’s Katya Throw are timeless choices that mix neutrals with warmth.
Don’t forget the curtains - linen or heavier weaves like the Drape Co’s Oasis Striped Linen curtains help diffuse the winter light and soften your space without feeling heavy.
Warm Up with Wood and Earthy Accents
Winter interiors crave natural materials. Timber, ceramics, and leather help bring the outside in (minus the chill). Incorporate luxurious tones through key furniture pieces like the Argo Marble Coffee Table by Horgans, with its black stained timber tabletop, or the Marlon Leather Armchair by Schots Home Emporium, which is simple and understated for a warm minimal look.
Add ceramic vessels and vases in deep ochres, terracotta, and creamy whites. Urban Road’s Ombre Brown Glass Vessel or Rosita Bowl by Elme Living make perfect decorative moments for shelves or sideboards.
Image: McMullin & Co | III Rooms Sydney
Image: Sarah Ellison | III Rooms Sydney
Set the Mood with Lighting
Winter light is fleeting, so artificial lighting becomes central to the atmosphere. Swap out overhead lights for warm-toned lamps and wall lights. Florabelle Living’s Bankstown Table Lamp in Antique Brass adds soft illumination and elegance, while Lighting Illusions CLA Kello Minimalist Drum Shade Floor Lamp brings a sculptural glow to darker corners.
Look for frosted glass, bronze finishes, and rattan shades to help diffuse light and create that all-important warm glow.
Image credit: @comma_projects | Alyne Media
Image credit: Lumière Collective | Nat Spada
Add Depth with Colour
Finally, lean into a winter palette of warm whites, soft clay, olive green, rust, and chocolate brown. These hues help reinforce that sense of cocooning. Our mood board tool is, of course, a perfect way to test how materials and tones interact. Consider painting an accent wall in Dulux Camel Hide for warmth, or incorporating the Eucalyptus Artwork by Gioia Wall Art to draw in those subtle greens and earth tones.
Design: Mulberry Manor. Photography: Alyne Media
Final Touches
Whether it’s a basket of kindling by the fire, a mug on the coffee table, or a low-slung chair draped in a throw, the magic of a winter interior is in the details. Think about how each item contributes to the sensory experience, how it looks, feels, and makes you feel. With just a few thoughtful swaps and tactile layers, your home can become the ultimate winter sanctuary: cosy, inviting, and undeniably warm.
Feeling inspired to start layering textures for a cosy interior? Start building your winter mood board now and find your favourite pieces in our product library. And for design professionals - use Project Studio to bring your clients' cosy interiors to life.
