Designers Share 15 Cozy Colors You Should Embrace This Winter

Interior designer Becky Shea is all about drawing inspiration from the outdoors. "It's really important for us to think about what's happening in nature seasonally, even when everything is in hibernation, so we can implement a little differentiation into the homes we design," she explains. She loves this rich shade of burgundy for wintery looks since many of the flowers and berries in harvest — dahlias, juniper and cranberry, for example — bloom in this hue.

She offers advice for those who feel a bit noncommittal about the color: "If painting a space in this hue is too bold, stick with accessories that complement a lighter palette. This will give your space that seasonal refresh you're looking to achieve without a permanent commitment."

Cold, dark winter days can make your home feel just as dreary as your mood. What better way to warm up than with a dose of sunshine? "Yellow is associated with warmth, like the sun," says interior designer Amy Kartheiser. "It evokes a pleasant feeling, and it has the ability to make people feel happier, especially when it is bleak outside," she explains. She suggests using the happy hue for pillows, lamps, accessories or artwork.

A monochromatic palette of deep, inky charcoals makes this room feel like a cozy, mid-winter’s dream. Interior designer Jenn Feldman says it’s important to pay careful attention to all elements of the design when working with a dark, tonal palette like this one. "It's all about that perfect mix of layers and textures working together and playing with the light in the space to make it work from day to night. Accent lighting with gorgeous lamps and soft white bulbs can take any space from good to great."

Sometimes all it takes to infuse a space with warmth is a simple throw blanket in an earthy color tone. Such is the case for this bedroom design, which relies heavily on a gorgeous rust-hued wool blanket for an instant sense of coziness.

Designer Abbi Williams loves to derive color from everyday items her clients will actually use. "This wool blanket not only brings warm, sassy color to the room, but [also] a carefree casualness of being able to wrap up in the blanket and drag it around the house with you," she says. Her advice for adding rust to an existing design? "Think about items you get to enjoy every day. Wrap stacks of books in colored paper for your bookcase, or buy table napkins or kitchen towels that let you enjoy the color every day."