It starts subtly – a note of coolness in the morning air, a sunset that comes a moment sooner. Some of us experience the classic sight of leaves changing color, while others appreciate desert landscapes finally graced by milder weather. No matter where we live, longer nights, shorter days, and the promise of colder times ahead awakens the urge to nest and seek new seasonal delights.
What better way to welcome the spirit of fall and winter than with a home design refresh? A few small yet meaningful changes can go a long way in fostering warmth, encouraging togetherness, and creating an environment that embraces and cocoons you. Together with Robert Bill, Design Expert at Copenhagen Gilbert, we've put together these helpful tips to welcome fall and winter at home.
Color is a beautifully evocative way of paying tribute to the season. For colder weather, accent your space with pops of warm, rich color that have earthy or jeweled overtones – think burgundy, olive green, mustard yellow, terracotta, and ivory. Even switching out a few throw pillows or adding an accent chair in a striking shade can change the feel of a room.
For instance, we love the statement Zig Console in merlot purple with brass detailing – its spacious, adjustable interior also makes it a top choice for holiday entertaining. The Emilio Chair in deep green leather offers the perfect place to curl up with a book, especially when paired with the ochre yellow Barcode Pillow.
If you plan to switch up your accessory color palette as the seasons shift, we recommend keeping large furniture items in relatively neutral tones, such as brown, beige, or black. This way, color coordination with your foundational pieces can stay easy year-round.
Sometimes the most powerful change starts right under your feet. “Adding a rug is one of the quickest and most affordable ways to warm up a space for fall and winter,” says Robert Bill. “A rug can instantly make a room feel softer, warmer, and more inviting.”
The Nord Oceanic Rug is ideal for chilly weather, with its soft shade of ivory, subtle pattern, and ultra-plush high pile that feels like a hug for your feet. We also recommend the Tahoe Vista Rug, with an organic color scheme and a durable construction that can handle high foot traffic – ideal when holiday guests come visiting.
“Changing up your lighting can make an instantly noticeable difference in your space,” advises Bill. “Candlelight makes a charming addition for the holidays, and our wide selection of LED candles add a warm, cozy glow to a room in minutes.” He recommends the LED Grooved Pillar Candles for a textural accent, or a set of LED Taper Candles to bring elegance to a dining centerpiece. The LED Glow Rods offer a modern take on ambient lighting and have a conveniently rechargeable design.
When considering lighting choices for colder seasons, gravitate toward pieces that give off a warm color temperature, especially if they’re dimmable and can be layered with other light sources. For instance, a timeless floor lamp like the Cypress can be paired with a set of dimmable, wireless lamps like the Naya, creating an intimate ambiance and allowing guests to congregate in various zones of illumination throughout the space.
Without a doubt, decorating is one of the most enjoyable parts of fall and winter, especially when the decor reflects your unique sense of style. Feel free to mix heirloom or vintage ornaments with newer additions for a look that’s entirely your own.
“We curate and refresh our holiday collection yearly so you can bring warmth and personality into your home,” says Bill. “Adding a few seasonal accessories in a room can create that festive holiday feeling without having to completely redesign your space.”
New this year are whimsical ornaments and figurines by Danish brand Gry & Sif. Whether you’re hanging a felted Christmas Bauble on your tree, enjoying the company of the Cute Grey Deer, or letting the fanciful Mushroom House spark your imagination, Gry & Sif decor is handmade to last for years.
Browse our holiday collection to discover enchanting accessories for every taste, from our minimalist Roseburn Mushrooms in carved wood, to our patterned paper accordion trees that fold flat for easy storage, to our exquisite, gold-plated ornaments that will make your tree shine.
Though we often associate flowers and greenery with spring and summer, cooler months bring an abundance of natural beauty as well. A few dried branches in a vase like the Beaufort create a sculptural accent, or arrange some pinecones in a bowl like the Fringe for a touch of texture. Pumpkins and other gourds are a fall favorite, while nothing says winter like an evergreen garland on the mantel. Fruit centerpieces bring both visual and edible joy, especially with seasonal picks like apples, citrus, pomegranates, pears, and cranberries.
The sense of smell is often neglected in interior design, but it can add an entirely new dimension to how we experience a space. Think of a scented candle on your nightstand, an essential oil diffuser on a sideboard, a basket of potpourri by the bathroom sink – or even the smell of your favorite holiday recipes wafting through the kitchen. Scent is also tied strongly to memory, and cooler seasons are perfect for nostalgic scents like apple cinnamon, pumpkin, peppermint, and vanilla. We especially love the Reindeer Cookie and Mistletoe Wreath scented candles for bringing that special touch to holiday evenings.
“When the temperature drops, nothing beats having that one chair you can’t wait to sink into,” says Bill. If you have a corner in your living space that needs a little extra love, why not set up a couple of cozy chairs and turn it into your new favorite nook?
“I highly recommend our Stressless® Ruby Recliners,” Bill says. “These colors are being discontinued by the manufacturer, so they’re currently offered at great promotional pricing, making this a perfect time to create that ultimate cozy corner.”
We also love our new Willow Cuddle Chairs, spacious enough to seat two and upholstered in cheerful yellow fabric with an inviting texture. Or, splurge on zero-gravity bliss with the Stressless® Adam Recliner and enjoy a feeling of weightlessness every time you lounge.
Don’t forget a side table with storage like the Caro for setting down beverages and stashing books. Finish out your nook with some warm lighting and a soft throw blanket for an extra touch of indulgence.
Welcome cozy season with a fresh outlook when you shop our curated collection of furniture and accessories. “A fall and winter design refresh isn’t just about making a room look warmer, it’s about creating a comfortable space where you can relax, unwind, and spend time with friends and family,” says Bill. Our design consultants are ready to help you transform your home into a haven for the holidays.