Crafting Paradise: 10 Must-Haves for Your Ground-Up Orange County Home

Congratulations! You're right on the cusp of turning your dream of a custom family home in sunny Orange County into a reality!

Let's pause for a moment and soak in the sheer excitement of crafting your very own piece of paradise in this picturesque locale.  It's like being handed a blank canvas and a palette of endless possibilities. In this blog, we're diving deep into the top 10 absolute must-haves for your new Orange County abode – the features that will elevate your daily life and make your Orange County residence truly amazing!

1. Abundant Natural Light

Imagine waking up to sunlight streaming into every corner of your new home. It's not just about feeling good; it's about being eco-smart too! Those strategically placed high quality windows will give you an energy-efficient home that mother nature herself would approve of!

Living room designed by VIeve Interiors

2. Walk-In Pantry or Butlers Pantry

Now, let's talk about the heart of your home – the kitchen! Say hello to a walk-in pantry that's basically an organizer's dream come true. Hosting a party? Consider a butler's pantry, often referred to as the "dirty kitchen," where you can prep food or contain the culinary chaos, all while seamlessly entertaining your guests.

Butlers pantry designed by Genevieve Chambliss of Vieve Interiors while working at Dwellings Design Group.

3. Energy Efficiency

Go green and save green! Solar panels, electric vehicle charging stations, energy-efficient appliances, and a tankless water heater are your eco-warrior companions, reducing your carbon footprint while cutting down those pesky utility bills!

4. Smart Home Technology

Your home isn't just bricks and mortar; it's your new best friend. With smart lighting, a sophisticated thermostat, built-in sound systems, and top-notch security, your home becomes your ultimate sidekick. Oh, and don't forget about those motorized window treatments – the perfect blend of luxury and convenience!

Motorized window treatments in master bedroom designed by Genevieve Chambliss while working at Dwellings Design Group.

5. Thoughtful Electrical Outlet Placement

The unsung heroes of your home! Plan your electrical outlets like a pro – behind nightstands for device charging, cleverly hidden in spacious living areas, your outdoor living areas, and even in the bathroom (for future upgrades like bidets or washlets – trust us, it's worth it)! Make sure to consider aesthetics too when placing your outlets. Hiding them under kitchen cabinet uppers is key to keeping your beautiful new backsplash as stunning as ever.

Master bathroom designed by Vieve Interiors with hidden electrical outlets in medicine cabinets as well as in a drawer.

6. Motion Switches

Ever stumbled in the dark during a midnight bathroom trip? Fear not! Motion switches, especially the ones hidden under bathroom toe kicks, are like your guardian angels, lighting your way without you even lifting a finger.

Bathroom with toe-kick lighting on a motion sensor designed by Genevieve Chambliss of Vieve Interiors while working at Dwellings Design Group

7. Built-in Accessibility

Everyone deserves comfort and convenience. Make your home accessible to all with widened doorways and in the lower level suite that include a add curbless showers with grab bars – it's the ultimate gesture of hospitality.

8. Laundry Room Proximity

Bid farewell to laundry-day struggles! A laundry room near the bedrooms means no more lugging baskets up and down stairs. Laundry day? More like laundry minute!

9. Steam Shower

Welcome to your personal spa retreat! A steam shower in your bathroom is like having a 24/7 oasis of relaxation right at your doorstep.

Master Bath with steam shower designed by Genevieve while working at Dwellings Design Group

10. Covered Outdoor Living Space

Last but certainly not least, extend your indoor living experience to the great outdoors with a covered living space. Whether it's a patio, deck, or porch, a covered outdoor area is your year-round escape – perfect for savoring the fresh Orange County air. Not to mention, an outdoor living area can raise the value of your home by 12.4 percent.

In the enchanting landscapes of Orange County, crafting your new home with these 10 must-have features is the key to enhancing your daily living experience. By seamlessly blending functionality, aesthetics, and modernity, you can create a residence that not only caters to your needs but also reflects your personality. Embrace these elements, and watch as your home becomes a sanctuary of comfort, destined to bring you joy for years to come. Welcome to the future of living in Orange County!

How the Interior Design Process Can Improve your Property Value

Orange County real estate is a hot topic! Which is no surprise—given the beautiful beaches, quick drive to scenic mountains or desert landscape, the amazing food and entertainment…oh, and the almost-perfect-year-round weather! However, compared to last year, the housing market isn’t as booming, and doesn’t seem to favor the seller at the moment. 

That means that if you plan to sell your Orange County home, you have to beat the competition. One sure way to make your home stand out from your neighbor’s is to make home improvements. In fact, Forbes said this: "With a few strategic home improvement projects, you can not only increase your quality of life in the near-term future, but also add tremendous property value when you’re ready to sell."

We consulted top Orange County real estate agent Erica Hall of the Hall Group, on the subject. Here’s what she had to say. 

“In today’s real estate market, with 52% fewer sales than this time last year, homes must outshine the competition in order to win buyers. That’s why the smartest homeowners are investing wisely into home improvements and design. Not only are they seeing greater success in attracting buyers, but they’re seeing greater return on investment as well. In general, data shows a 70% ROI can be expected on home improvements. This can vary significantly depending on the type and scale of the improvement, but time after time, my experience as a realtor has shown me that my clients’ home equity, and ultimate bottom line in a sale, is much greater when they invest in interior design and home improvements. Even if you’re not planning to sell in the immediate future, you and your resale value will thank you later!”

To help you a) get the most out of your Orange County home while you’re living in it; b) attract more buyers when it comes time to sell; and c) achieve the greatest ROI, we’ve put together a list of the best interior design and home renovation decisions you can make!

1. Modernize and remodel your kitchen

The number one home renovation recommendation we get from real estate agents, financial publications, or housing market professionals is to remodel and modernize the kitchen first! I can’t count the number of times I have heard, “kitchens sell homes.” If you choose to upgrade only one room in your Orange County home before it goes on the market, we recommend that it be your kitchen. Need some ideas on how to modernize and remodel your kitchen? Check out Transform Your Average Kitchen into Luxury with 12 Stunning Remodel Must-Haves. 

2. Give your bathrooms an upgrade

Today’s Orange County homeowners are looking for a luxury bathroom that feels spacious, stylish and functional! If your bathrooms aren’t giving off that vibe, you may want to consider making some interior renovations to it before putting up that “for sale” sign. Upgrading old floors with fresh tile or stone, or swapping out old vanities for new ones, are great ways to give your bathroom a fresh look. Even minor renovations like updating fixtures and lighting, giving your cabinetry a new paint job, adding a larger mirror for a more spacious feel, or replacing your old tub with a stand-alone tub will boost your home’s value. In fact, HGTV says that you can get 102% average return at resale for a minor bathroom remodel. For more bathroom upgrade tips, check out Interior Design: Best Tips to Update Your Bathroom!

3. Make smart bedroom conversions

Have an unused room in your home? Stand out by turning wasted space into a luxury home gym, indoor spa or sauna, or functional home office. If you don’t have much space to spare, you can help potential home buyers in Orange County visualize what they can do with your home by turning the attic into an extra bedroom, or creating multi-use, multi-functional spaces in larger rooms of your home. Consider a home office that doubles as a craft room, school/study space tucked in a game room, or a reading nook or meditation/yoga space in a bedroom. These dual-use spaces are so important as want and need for multipurpose spaces in interior design continue to trend upwards! 

4. Wow them at first sight with an exterior facelift 

The exterior of your home should never look or feel neglected—it is the first opportunity you have to make a good first impression with your home. A well manicured lawn, clean facade, and fresh-looking paint job should be the bare minimum to attract Orange County home buyers. To really make your exterior look luxurious, pay attention to the details: replace old drains, remove non-load-bearing columns to opt for a more open modern look, repaint doors and trim (or the whole house if it's been a while), fix the cracks in your walkways and pool—you get the gist! And last, but certainly not least, update your landscaping for 100% average return at resale.  

5. Add some smart features and luxury touches to your home

Given that we’ve been discussing Orange County interior design, you’ll definitely want to add some pizazz with custom touches and smart features to your home. Keeping in mind that you still need to appeal to the average home buyer, add in the custom touches that everyone is talking about. Here’s a list of our favorite: 

• A smart hub that can manage thermostats, appliances, lighting, music, and more!

• Smart smoke detectors that will not only monitor smoke but also carbon dioxide and general air quality. 

• Smart shades or electronic blackout curtains in the master bedroom. 

• Dimmable LED tape lighting under upper kitchen cabinets or at the bathroom vanity toe-kick.

• Panel-ready appliances (like your dishwasher, wine fridge, or ice maker). 

• Counter-depth refrigerator and freezer combo. 

• A beverage cooler drawer. 

• Waterfall-edge slab countertops on your kitchen island. 

• Soft-close drawer glides and hinges throughout. 

• Epoxy flooring in your garage. 

For more home remodel tips, download our FREE comprehensive remodeling planning guide for remodeling success. This step-by-step guide will help you remodel your Orange County home like an interior design pro! 

Save this blog post for later on your Pinterest Home Renovation Ideas Board!

The Modern Parents Guide to Transforming Your Kids’ Room into a Playful Luxury

Photo credit: @citychic4ever__ on Instagram

If you're like most modern parents, you want to give your children the best of everything. Creating a modern luxury kids bedroom that is truly customized for your child is a special way to do just that! Not only are you adding beauty to another room of your home, you're creating a sacred space for them to grow, learn, and form life-long memories—and maybe even get a good night's sleep! With so many different interior design options out there, we know it can be hard to know where to start. That's why we've put together this guide for modern parents who want to create a modern luxury kid's bedroom design that is both beautiful and functional. We'll show you how to incorporate special interior design details that will make your little one's space truly unique. So whether you're starting from scratch or simply updating an existing room, let us help you create a playful luxury bedroom that will be loved by both parents and children alike!

1. Set the Stage with a Decorative Wall or Ceiling Treatment

Setting the stage for a beautiful space starts with the walls and ceiling. Instead of just painting them, you can take it a step further and add wall paneling or fun wallpaper as a backdrop for your child’s budding creativity. Wall paneling or wallpaper can lend an extra element of charm and vibrancy to the room, making it feel cozy and unique. For example, a vibrant floral pattern may provide the perfect pop of color in a modern luxury kids bedroom for girls while a dark tongue and groove paneling can create a moody handsome vibe for a modern luxury kids bedroom for boys. These extra details will add a sophisticated flair to a classy kids room.

2. Tailor the Space with Custom Millwork

When creating the perfect modern luxury kids bedroom, investing in custom millwork can be the key to making the space both charming and functional. A great way to maximize space in a room with multiple kids is to add custom bunk beds with lots of cozy features. This will give your kids lots more floor space to spread out and play, which we know they will love. You can also include a built-in desk, a reading nook, or custom closet to allow for optimal storage while adding a beautiful high-end look. With a few strategic touches and thoughtfully designed elements, you can create an environment most children would love to call home!

3. Create a Sleep Haven with Custom Kids Bedding

You can never go wrong with a cozy bed, as it is sure to be the focal point of your modern luxury kids bedroom design, providing them with a comfortable place to relax. Create the perfect cozy atmosphere by mixing and matching ready-made bedding with custom pillows or a custom quilt that compliment your chosen theme. Have fun playing around with different colors and patterns, too! Add an extra special touch with a fancy custom canopy in your little girl's bedroom design to make her feel like a princess. Or match the bedding to custom window treatments for an overall unified design in your modern luxury boys bedroom. With all these tips in mind, you're sure to have a charming kids bedroom your children will love for years to come!

Photo Credit: @studiopeake on Instagram

4. Create a Comfortable Play Space with a Soft Durable Rug

To give your child the optimal hang-out space, layer in a soft and durable rug where they can play without inhibition. Whether you choose a rug with a modern-color block pattern, a traditional medallion pattern in a bold color, or a colorful kids print, make sure it will stand up to wear and tear! We recommend wool rugs for superior durability, but there are many synthetic options that are also fade and stain resistant for easy care. Fun patterns, bold colors and unique details can really help bring your child’s special space to life—adding beauty while creating memories they'll never forget!

5. Dress Up the Windows with Custom Window Treatments

When dressing the windows for your modern luxury kids bedroom, functionality and convenience are key. Black out drapes or roman shades are great for those all-important toddler naps or Saturday sleep-ins during the inevitable teen growth spurts! But that doesn't mean you can't have fun with it. Add a sense of luxury by coordinating fabrics or get creative with trim or cornice shapes to add unique flair. You can even customize the finishing touches like scalloped edges, pom poms, or tiebacks to create that charm you and your child will love.

6. Invest in Fun Pieces to Add a Unique Design Factor

Adding a unique design element to your kid’s bedroom can really bring the space to life!  A bright red desk chair or a vintage dresser with cute knobs could be the perfect way to add some pizzazz. A small tent that they can crawl into with a good book, or a cozy bean bag chair they can sprawl out on while they play, are both great additions. A hip hanging chair, adorned with colorful pillows, will add life to any corner and give your child a special place to unplug, relax, and embark upon imaginative adventures. An oversized giraffe will turn your little one's room into a whimsical jungle. Or if you’re feeling extra daring, try incorporating a neon sign over the bed or hang some string lights on the wall. These small details can help add an unexpected twist to your kid’s bedroom that is still luxurious and totally comfortable!

7. Kick-it Up a Notch with Decorative Lighting

When it comes to designing a modern luxury kids bedroom, don't forget the lighting! Lamps can be a really fun way to add beautiful elements as well as practicality. We love table lamps with custom shades and a reading light for late night fairytale journeys. For an extra special touch, why not add a fun and unique chandelier or bedside sconces? This will help you create a personalized look that your children won't forget!

8. Involve your Child in the Design Process

Creating a modern luxury kids’ bedroom for your boy or girl isn't just about the furniture and design elements; having them involved in the process is key. Letting them help pick out colors, furnishings, artwork and accessories will make the space all the more special. And we think there’s no better place for design inspiration than a kid’s imagination! 

Save this blog post for later on your Pinterest Kids Room Ideas Board!

With these interior design tips, you can give your kids the modern luxury kids bedroom of their dreams. For more interior design inspiration and tips to decorate your Orange County home, be sure to sign up for our newsletter!

How to Decorate Your Orange County Home Using Masculine Interior Design Style

Bedroom designed and styled by Viève Interiors

If you’re anything like me, you’re following a slew of interior designers on social media and blogs who share images of airy designs with soft color pallets. But every now and then, you come across an image that’s strikingly different in the best way. It’s bold, it’s moody, it’s functional, it’s masculine interior design style. 

What is masculine interior design style? It encompasses simple lines, strong materials and comfort. It can even be elegant, industrial, modern, contemporary, or bright. But the best description we have heard of masculine interior design style is this: “a bold, yet functional [design] trend which takes inspiration from the lifestyle of a man”. As with women, no two men are the same, so masculine interior design style is definitely up for interpretation and personalization. But with all design styles, there are some characteristics that can help inspire you to create a space that has a masculine flare. 

Before we get into it, we wanted to point out that using masculine interior design style doesn’t necessarily mean you are decorating a bachelor pad. This dramatic design style is perfect for a game room, a sexy bar, or a cozy guest room. Even if you’re set on a more feminine feel, incorporating elements of masculine design is a good way to balance more feminine curves or floral patterns in your home for a look that feels right for all family and friends.

1. Choose rich, deep and dark room colors.

One of the most prominent aspects of a masculine room is the color scheme. Usually, masculine design style features darker hues of blue and green, plus varying shades of gray and brown, as well as black. The key is rich, deep, dark colors with decorative accents in lighter colors to create contrast. This creates a dramatic vibe. You can easily incorporate these colors using interior paint, decorating home fabrics or small accessories. 

Masculine office space designed by Viève Interiors

Photo credit: @masculine_interiors

Photo credit: @havendesignandconstruction

Photo Credit: @leahkoubainteriors

2. Accent the room with strong materials. 

Another key defining characteristic of masculine design style is to incorporate materials including metal, wood, stone and leather. These materials naturally exude a more masculine energy and also tend to come in more masculine and neutral colors. Focus on key pieces of furniture like a leather chair or sofa, the bed frame, or our personal favorite, an impressive, live-edge dining table. You could also consider adding these elements into other parts of your home like sky beams, light fixtures, and appliances.

Dining room designed by Viève Interiors

Photo credit: @jlv_creative

Photo credit: @havendesignandconstruction

3. Design for comfort and functionality. 

Any good interior designer will make sure to balance the aesthetics of a room with functionality. And when it comes to masculine interior design style, it is pretty evident that comfort and functionality are at the forefront. You won’t see a lot of wasted space or nick knacks in this design style—every desk, bookshelf, chair, sofa, bar cart, pool table, or decorative box, etc. has a purpose. 

Photo credit: @havendesignandconstruction

Photo credit: @havendesignandconstruction

4. Focus on simple and clean lines. 

Effortless simplicity is at the heart of this design trend. And clean, simple lines are the key. Masculine spaces have very clean, tailored lines.  In addition to using more linear and simplified furniture, you can tie a masculine room together with the clean lines of your flooring, drapery, bookcases, wall finishings, backsplashes, the tub or shower, and so much more.    

Photo credit: @masculine_interiors

Photo credit: @jlv_creative

5. Don’t forget the finishing touches. 

Along with tip number three, the finishing touches are really what make a space your own. Don’t forget to hang artwork, prints, mirrors and shelving that speaks to you. Fill in empty spaces with meaningful sculptures or oversized plants. With masculine interior design style, the finishing touches are often inspired by nature, so look for pieces like the matching bird photos we used in this Orange County bedroom! 

Bedroom designed and styled by Viève Interiors

Photo credit: @havendesignandconstruction

For more interior design inspiration and tips to decorate your Orange County home, be sure to sign up for our newsletter, here.

Everything You Need to Know to Decorate Your Home with Throw Pillows

Everything You Need to Know to Decorate Your Home with Throw Pillows

Looking for a quick and cost-effective way to transform your living room or bedroom? Add new throw pillows to your sofa, bed or other furniture pieces! Changing up your decorative pillows can change the entire look of a room with very little strain on your wallet (or schedule 😉). Here is everything you need to know to decorate your home with throw pillows!

How to choose the perfect throw pillows?

When shopping for the perfect throw pillows, you’ll want to take into account the colors, textures, patterns, and fabrics in your home. You’ll also want to consider the shapes and sizes of the pillows, what filling you like, and finally, price. The perfect throw pillow should play up your style and tie your room together by using fabrics in complementing colors, and a mix of patterns, textures, and materials. 

Pro tip: Think of your throw pillows as accent pieces that can bring character to your space. Aim to mix and match a variety of colors, textures, patterns, materials and sizes. We’ll show you how to do this without making it look like a jumbled mess.

What is the right color for your throw pillows?

The number one thing to think about when picking new throw pillows is color. The wrong color throw pillows can wash out a space or even worse, clash with your decor making the design feel disjointed. It’s important to blend the colors of your throw pillows with the room by repeating the colors that are in your furniture and decor in your pillow scheme. For example, if you’ve chosen bold-colored drapery, make sure to have a few throw pillows in that same color. 

It can help to stick to three main colors that complement each other. Since throw pillows are usually one of the last things you or your interior designer will buy or have custom-made, this simple trick will easily balance colors around a room making it feel harmonious and complete.

Pro tip: You don’t necessarily have to match colors exactly. Opting for varying shades of an accent color can look just as lovely. To guarantee your space looks cohesive, stick with a pallet of a few colors that go well together and add in some neutrals for balance.

What patterns, textures and materials should your throw pillows be?

Patterns, textures and materials—oh my! There are so many options available that getting started can be extremely challenging. We’ll walk you through a few interior designer tips in each category to help you feel less overwhelmed. 

Patterned Throw Pillows

There are a few ways to mix and match patterns: 

1. Choose patterned pillows that are all within the same color scheme (example: all hues of blue). With this approach, you can choose as many different patterns as you like while still creating a cohesive look.

2. Pick up to three patterned pillows where each pattern incorporates at least one of the main colors in your space. To help get you going, pick a “lead” pattern that incorporates all of your main colors. Keep in mind that your “lead” pattern can have as many colors as you want in it as long as it contains all of your main colors. From there, you can add two more patterns that have at least one of your main colors in it. 

3. Use patterns of different scale. Example: a large floral could be combined with a medium scale stripe, and a small polka dot or a solid.

4. Repeat patterns. Example: does your ottoman have a pattern? Try repeating it with a pillow!

Pro tip: Get custom pillows made if you need to!

Textured Throw Pillows

Good news—textured decorative pillows are not hard to come by! A quick Google search will show you a slew of options for any home’s style. Adding in textured throw pillows is a great way to incorporate a tactile element that stimulates your sense of touch in addition to sight. So, how do you mix textured pillows with your patterned pillows? The first rule (really the only rule) of thumb is to stay within your color scheme. Other than that, make sure you love what you get! 

Fabrics for your throw pillows

Another way to spice up the look of your home with throw pillows is by mixing and matching materials. This is a way to add another level of interest. In fact, different materials have different textures, so by pulling in a variety of materials you can kill two birds with one stone. Try mixing a leather accent pillow in with other soft cotton pillows for a masculine element or add a velvet pillow in against some linen pillows for a classic lux look. Fabrics for your throw pillows come in many materials including: 

• Cotton 

• Microfiber

• Suede

• Chenille

• Velvet

• Leather

• Polyester

• Linen

• Satin

• Silk

• Faux Fur

• Wool

Pro tip: Don’t be afraid to buy something bold! 

What sizes and shapes of throw pillows should you buy?

If you’re aiming for a more modern interior design style, you’ll want to mix and match the sizes and shapes of your throw pillows. You can choose from:

• Round 

• Rectangular

• Square 

• Tube/Bolster

Try using a long rectangular “lumbar” pillow or bolster pillow in front of some square pillows as an accent on your bed. If you want a more traditional style home, symmetry is key. Take your sofa for example. Whatever pillows you use on the left side of the sofa, you’ll want to make sure to recreate the look on the right side with the exact same pillows. And remember pillows should go from large in the back to smaller in the front.

What inserts should you put in your throw pillows?

Now that you’ve decided what sizes and shapes of throw pillows that you want, it's time to decide what inserts you’d like to buy. This will depend on your personal preference or any allergies among you and your family members. Some common options include: 

• Feathers

• Down

• Alternative Down (Polyfill)

• Polyester Fiber

• Memory Foam

• Shredded Memory Foam

• Gel

• Wool

• Kapok Fiber

For a full pros and cons list of the 12 major throw-pillow-filler insert options, check out Types of Pillows Inserts/Fillings – How to Choose the Right One? 

How much do throw pillows cost?

According to Home Decor Bliss, “Luxury throw pillows may cost upwards of $50 to $250 or more, especially if custom-made. Throw pillows are often expensive due to the fabric used, shape, and design. It is possible to find inexpensive throw pillows, but the quality of construction, level of design, and comfort may be sacrificed.” 

We couldn’t agree more. While spending $250+ on a throw pillow may seem expensive, it is important to remember that quality pillows will last longer and can completely transform a room. 

Pro tip: Add in a few custom pillows amongst other more affordable ready-made pillows to elevate your design without breaking the bank.

Where can you shop for the perfect throw pillows?

You can easily find throw pillows in your favorite home-centered retail stores or online. However, if you’re having a hard time finding the perfect pattern or colors to tie your room together, or you still can’t quite figure out how to best mix and match, you can hire an interior designer to help you. 

At Viève Interiors, no project is too big or too small. We’d love to help you with any and all phases of your design project, including helping you to find the perfect throw pillows for your living room sofa or the final touches for your master bedroom bed. Give us a call at 949-610-7800 or email us at info@vieveinteriors.com. 

Save this blog post for later on your Pinterest Home Decor Ideas Board!

15 Interior Design Elements to Make Your Home Feel Cozy for the Holidays

Picture this: you’re snuggled up on your sofa under a warm blanket, drinking a cup of hot cocoa, surrounded by beautiful greenery, your favorite scented candles, and a warm fire! What do you feel? Cozy! Now that winter is coming, you’re probably getting ready to dress up your home for the holiday season. To help, we’ve put together our favorite 15 interior design elements to make your home feel cozy for the holidays.

1. INCORPORATE TEXTURE 

Texture as an interior design element can enhance your home with the use of baskets, wood bead garland, or a soft rug or blanket that draws attention to different details throughout your home. Rougher textures like warm rustic wood help make a space more lived in and homey while soft fabrics and furs are inviting and intimate.

2. ADJUST YOUR LIGHTING 

The light fixtures and light bulbs you use in your home have a profound effect on the mood and tone of your house. The whiter and brighter the light bulb, the more stark and harsh the lighting will feel, leaving your home about as uninviting as a cold hospital room. For winter time, try using “soft white” light bulbs (2700 Kelvin or lower) to give off a warm and inviting glow.

3. Fill Your Home with Candles

Candles are a great interior design element that bring tranquility and a cozy feel to your home. Candlesticks with golden accents can be used as center pieces on the dining room table and as an additional décor element on mantles or coffee tables. Choose earthy and spiced candles to bring the enticing aroma of winter into your home.

4. USE EARTHY TONES 

Earthy tones provide an inviting, warm and friendly feeling during winter time. Since earth tones are inspired by mother nature, you can easily incorporate earth tone colors by bringing nature into your home—add house plants, pine cones, real wood and other interior design décor that uses natural elements. This season, focus on warm camel or deep brown tones, rusty red-oranges of fallen leaves, or golden yellow-orange like the sun to warm things up in your home.

5. ADD THROW BLANKETS

Adding throw blankets throughout your house is an easy way to make your home feel warm and inviting. We recommend either a faux fur or knit blanket to create the warm feeling that you crave on a cold winter's eve. Throw blankets can be added to accent chairs, your living room sofa, family room ottoman, in a woven basket, or draped at the foot of your bed. During the holiday season, you can find throw blankets just about anywhere. Personally, I love Amber Lewis' collection at Anthropologie, but you can also find great deals at your local HomeGoods, Wayfair and Amazon.

6. INCORPORATE THROW PILLOWS 

Throw pillows are an interior design element that can be easily switched out to add warmth and holiday cheer to your home. Try adding throw pillows in warm winter hues like a deep rusty red and dark emerald green, or cool icy blues balanced with cozy soft cream to sofas, chairs, or on your bed.

7. Get a Winter-Themed Front Doormat

A winter-themed front doormat serves several purposes. First, a door mat keeps the dirt on your snazzy winter boots from entering your home. Second, it reduces the possibility of slipping, especially if you have hardwood floors or tile. Last but not least, you can express yourself and welcome your guests to your home with a cheeky holiday message or a more formal and classy holiday cheer. If you love a good DIY project for the holidays, you can also design a DIY winter welcome mat.

8. ADD ACCENT & AREA RUGS

Do not be afraid to add accent and area rugs to your home. Hardwood and tile flooring can make your home feel cold and sterile. Area rugs can anchor a furniture arrangement or add color to a blank hallway all while adding cozy warmth to cold toes. Another designer secret—it is okay to use multiple rugs in one room! To save on cost, layer a smaller one-of-a-kind vintage rug over a larger inexpensive woven rug. Or add a faux fur accent rug to add warmth. Doubling up on the rugs can add to the cozy feeling of the room.

9. INCLUDE WINTER GREENERY 

The addition of holly, spruce and pine can bring in the aroma and memory of your favorite ski trip or picking out your first Christmas tree. This winter greenery is an interior design element that can be used to create beautiful centerpieces, on stair railings, or on your mantel above the fireplace. And a bed of greenery is also the perfect place to nestle in some of those fragrant winter candles!

10. HIGHTLIGHT YOUR FIREPLACE

Decorate the mantel above your fireplace with candles, greenery and pine cones to highlight your fireplace. Display firewood next to your fireplace to inspire people to use it (another way to incorporate earthy tones into your home), and position furniture around the fireplace to encourage gatherings. This is also a great place for that cozy basket of blankets!

11. Bring in Some Sparkle and Shine

Metal accents in different finishes add a magical sparkle to your holiday decor. Try incorporating some shiny silver candlesticks on your dining room table or buffet. Antique gold bells hung on a coat rack or door will also help bring in those festive feelings and holiday cheer.

12. CREATE A COFFEE & COCOA STATION 

A coffee and hot cocoa station is a creative interior design element that can easily be added to the kitchen of your home. This station says to guests, “stay a while and get comfortable!” We encourage you to place marshmallows, candies and peppermint inside the station to elevate your coffee and hot chocolate beverages. And because, let’s face it, now is the time to let loose on that diet plan, and enjoy yourself and your company!

13. SPRUCE UP WITH A SLIPCOVER 

A slipcover is a simple interior design element that can make a major difference to your overall decor. To fit in with your winter theme, consider changing the color of your sofa or dining room chairs with a slipcover. Choose a plush and soft sofa cover to increase comfortability or a velvet dining chair slipcover to add a little luxe.

14. ADD COFFEE TABLE BOOKS 

We encourage the use of coffee table books year-round, but this is an interior design element that can be easily updated to match the season. These books can inspire conversation, give people an idea of who you are and what you like, as well as invoke positive emotions. In the winter time, find coffee table books with a winter or holiday theme to get your family and your guests in the holiday spirit

15. DEDICATE A PLACE FOR HOLIDAY CARDS OR PHOTOS

There are so many creative and cozy ways to display your holiday cards—from decorative card holders, to DIY projects you can do with your kids or family (like turning cards into ornaments), to more elegant displays like hanging holiday cards over your mantle. Whatever you decide, dedicate a special space in your home to sentimental holiday cards for an extra cozy interior design feel.  

Themed photo collages are another beautiful reminder of the holiday season with family and friends. Bring out old photos from holidays throughout the years and design a holiday gallery wall. To bring even more comfort, put these photo collages in a rugged wooden frame to add texture to the walls. 

Need a little extra help beyond our 15 interior design elements to make your home feel cozy for the holidays?

We’d love to help. Set up a consultation with Viève Interiors today.