Winter is around the corner, and the colder it gets outside, the cozier you want your home to be. Warm lighting, furry textures, sheepskin throws—all the trappings of a cozy home designed to keep out the cold.

We’re breaking down all the simple tricks you can use to transition your home to winter.

Enhance coziness through layered texture

When you think of a cozy space, you think of warmth – soft blankets, textured pillows, warm tones. Adding warmth to your home decor is best started the same way you add warmth to your clothing, with layering.

The easiest way to start is from the ground up. To instantly add warmth to a space, consider investing in a new rug. Specifically a rug with a higher pile, like a chenille, sheepskin, or shag rug.

Moving upwards, add pelts, faux fur, or knit throws to your sofa. You can also add textured, furry, or fuzzy throw pillows for a more delicate approach.

Mixing and varying texture in your space will add depth to the room and in turn, warmth. It's really about coordinating rather than matching. Just keep in mind that if everything in your room is textured, you'll lose the contrast and interest.

Consider all the ways you can replace clean, smooth surfaces with something textured. An easy pick? Choose a furry upholstered ottoman over a wood coffee table.

Read More: How to Create the Cozy Bedroom of Your Dreams

Let the light in

Winter can be a dark time – the sun is setting earlier and the skies are grayer. But that doesn’t mean it needs to be dark in your home. One of the best ways to transition your décor to winter is to focus on bringing in light.

If you have natural light, embrace it. Incorporate mirrors in your space to move the light around the room and make it look bigger and brighter. Reflective surfaces, like chrome, in your furniture will have the same effect. To take full advantage of the light in a room, place the mirror opposite a window or a strong light source.

Our designers suggest plantation shutters, slatted wood shutters, or a half-window treatment to optimize natural sunlight. You can even opt to get UV gel blockers on your window in lieu of window treatments to really get as much light as possible.

If you don’t have enough natural light, it’s all about strategizing and focusing on multiple lighting sources. Strictly overhead lighting is not only unflattering but it won't provide enough multi-dimensional light to a dark space. Be sure you're varying where light is coming from; from the floor to the ceiling.

Add warm color

Color is important to consider when you want to warm up a room, especially if it doesn't get a lot of natural light. Colors on the warm end of the spectrum, from pale gold to rich brick, are great options for wall color. If your wall color is white or cool-toned, add in pops of warm color with your accent pieces or blankets.

Even the addition of one warm-toned throw blanket can make all the difference in a neutral space to add coziness and warmth. Combine that with a sheepskin pelt on the floor and your space will transform into the cozy den of your dreams.

Ambient lighting is another way to add warmth to a space and makes all the difference when it comes to prepping your space for cold weather.

You can add in all the faux furs you want, but if your lighting is cool-toned and singular, your space will read cold and austere.

A combination of lamps, sconces, fairy lights, and lit candles will instantly add warmth. When purchasing lighting, opt for warm glow bulbs as opposed to cool-toned, overly bright lighting.

Use all five senses

Setting the tone in your home is a multi-faceted experience. The décor and accessories set the stage, but it’s sometimes the little things that transform a space.

Think about the senses – how do you want to feel in the winter? Do you want fairy lights and the smell of sugar cookies baking? Or a cinnamon apple candle burning and wreaths to bring the outdoors in?

Maybe you prefer the freshness of balsam fir and bright airy spaces. Hang pictures and art that make you happy. Display your favorite books. Play music that puts you in a winter mood.

These are simple touches, but they’ll make all the difference. Need help cultivating a cozy space in your home? Our designers are happy to help – whether you’re looking for a comfy chair or you want to rethink your living room.

Get to know our designers and sign up for a free Interior Design consultation to create the home of your dreams.