Take Inspiration from 10 of the Dreamiest Winter Homes on Houzz
Imagine spending snowy days in these cosy winter retreats, then recreate the mood at home
The coldest months of the year are the best possible excuse for total and utter indolence! Make the most of the chilly days by embracing the best this season has to offer, from curling up on long, dark evenings, good book in hand, to sipping a warming hot chocolate by the fireside or retreating to the warmth of the kitchen and cooking up a feast of delicious goodies to enjoy with family and friends.
Your setting for such indulgence is key, and these 10 cosy homes are the perfect spots in which to imagine holing up in this winter. Which would you pick?
Your setting for such indulgence is key, and these 10 cosy homes are the perfect spots in which to imagine holing up in this winter. Which would you pick?
Enjoy real flames
Wouldn’t you just love to spend the long months hibernating and padding around this gorgeous Scandi gaff?
If you’re lucky enough to live in a large, open-plan space, consider investing in a vintage-style cosy wood-burner, like this Swedish kachelofen (originals are hard to find, but look out for reproductions). It will not only heat the room, but act as a stunning focal point, too.
For stylish ways to stash your wood pile, check out these ideas
Wouldn’t you just love to spend the long months hibernating and padding around this gorgeous Scandi gaff?
If you’re lucky enough to live in a large, open-plan space, consider investing in a vintage-style cosy wood-burner, like this Swedish kachelofen (originals are hard to find, but look out for reproductions). It will not only heat the room, but act as a stunning focal point, too.
For stylish ways to stash your wood pile, check out these ideas
Kick back and relax
Never mind the winter months, you could spend all year long chilling out in this superb, chalet-style home complete with wooden beams and soft green painted panelling. With loads of spaces in which to curl up and relax, and a healthy dose of sheepskin (real or faux) – essential in the dream winter home – it’s the perfect bolthole.
To recreate the mood, pile up your sofa with cushions and throws, kick off your shoes, treat yourself to a generous mug of cocoa, select your favourite box set, and relax…
Never mind the winter months, you could spend all year long chilling out in this superb, chalet-style home complete with wooden beams and soft green painted panelling. With loads of spaces in which to curl up and relax, and a healthy dose of sheepskin (real or faux) – essential in the dream winter home – it’s the perfect bolthole.
To recreate the mood, pile up your sofa with cushions and throws, kick off your shoes, treat yourself to a generous mug of cocoa, select your favourite box set, and relax…
Surround yourself with books
Whiling away long winter afternoons would be a pleasure in a room like this, lined wall-to-wall with books. In this bright space, pale, wood-panelled walls help to maximise every scrap of winter sunlight, while the warm wooden flooring lends further cosiness. The built-in sofas offer plenty of space on which to kick back and relax.
If there’s a tome or two you’ve been meaning to read, create a reading nook with a comfy chair, lamp, and space to rest a hot mug or glass of wine.
Whiling away long winter afternoons would be a pleasure in a room like this, lined wall-to-wall with books. In this bright space, pale, wood-panelled walls help to maximise every scrap of winter sunlight, while the warm wooden flooring lends further cosiness. The built-in sofas offer plenty of space on which to kick back and relax.
If there’s a tome or two you’ve been meaning to read, create a reading nook with a comfy chair, lamp, and space to rest a hot mug or glass of wine.
Go for laid-back interiors
What a view… But it isn’t just the scenery that’s inspiring in this welcoming, neutral bedroom. This is a spot that calls for lazy lie-ins and cosy early nights.
Cut yourself some slack this winter by ducking out of the ironing and making your bed with relaxed linen sheets, like these ones, which look all the better for being a little crumpled and imperfect. Add instant texture and warmth to your boudoir with a luxurious fluffy rug and revamp a tired armchair by draping it with a sheepskin. Then, with all that hard work complete, just roll over and go back to sleep…
What a view… But it isn’t just the scenery that’s inspiring in this welcoming, neutral bedroom. This is a spot that calls for lazy lie-ins and cosy early nights.
Cut yourself some slack this winter by ducking out of the ironing and making your bed with relaxed linen sheets, like these ones, which look all the better for being a little crumpled and imperfect. Add instant texture and warmth to your boudoir with a luxurious fluffy rug and revamp a tired armchair by draping it with a sheepskin. Then, with all that hard work complete, just roll over and go back to sleep…
Get busy in the kitchen
Any self-respecting fantasy winter home needs the comfort of a toasty, heat-storing stove, such as an Aga, to simmer stew, bake the perfect pavlova or – can’t cook, won’t cook? – heat up your PJs (it’s a valid use for the warming drawer, surely!).
Incorporating an Aga into your cookspace doesn’t mean you need to plump for a traditional design. The layout of this contemporary London kitchen is the perfect setting for this snowy white beauty. Hop up on the marble worktop, sip a glass of your favourite tipple, and chat to the chef while they rustle up something tasty for dinner.
Tour the rest of this Scandi-style kitchen
Any self-respecting fantasy winter home needs the comfort of a toasty, heat-storing stove, such as an Aga, to simmer stew, bake the perfect pavlova or – can’t cook, won’t cook? – heat up your PJs (it’s a valid use for the warming drawer, surely!).
Incorporating an Aga into your cookspace doesn’t mean you need to plump for a traditional design. The layout of this contemporary London kitchen is the perfect setting for this snowy white beauty. Hop up on the marble worktop, sip a glass of your favourite tipple, and chat to the chef while they rustle up something tasty for dinner.
Tour the rest of this Scandi-style kitchen
Create a home spa
When it’s cold outside, a sauna is the perfect spot to thaw out chilled limbs. In all honesty, not many of us have the house room or the budget for a home sauna like this one, but you can dream, right?
Don’t you love how this well-designed sauna and shower sit snugly into a neat floor space, while a roof light means you can shower and stargaze at the same time?
For a more affordable, down-to-earth home spa, dot some candles around your bathroom and fill the tub with heavenly scented bubbles.
When it’s cold outside, a sauna is the perfect spot to thaw out chilled limbs. In all honesty, not many of us have the house room or the budget for a home sauna like this one, but you can dream, right?
Don’t you love how this well-designed sauna and shower sit snugly into a neat floor space, while a roof light means you can shower and stargaze at the same time?
For a more affordable, down-to-earth home spa, dot some candles around your bathroom and fill the tub with heavenly scented bubbles.
Choose a pet-friendly home
A dream winter abode isn’t complete without the wistful gaze of a loving hound curled up at your feet. Pet lovers will appreciate the practicality of the wooden flooring in this log cabin retreat – perfect for sweeping away the pooch’s muddy traces. And when the weather turns nasty, a roaring fire can be lit to ensure the place stays nice and toasty.
If you have a dog – or a cat – you can both cosy up and gaze out of the window (even if the view out of yours is a rainy urban street). Rocking chairs are perfect for encouraging a contemplative mood.
See more pooch-friendly homes
A dream winter abode isn’t complete without the wistful gaze of a loving hound curled up at your feet. Pet lovers will appreciate the practicality of the wooden flooring in this log cabin retreat – perfect for sweeping away the pooch’s muddy traces. And when the weather turns nasty, a roaring fire can be lit to ensure the place stays nice and toasty.
If you have a dog – or a cat – you can both cosy up and gaze out of the window (even if the view out of yours is a rainy urban street). Rocking chairs are perfect for encouraging a contemplative mood.
See more pooch-friendly homes
Escape to the country
If the last episode of Poldark is making you yearn for a trip to the coast, picture yourself in this cute Cornish beach house. With a cosy window seat and the perfect sea view, you could spend a happy afternoon tucked up with a good book, a hot drink, and – in your daydreams at least – perhaps Aidan Turner for company.
If possible, consider creating a window seat piled up with cushions in your own home. Whatever your view, it’s always uplifting to see the sky.
If the last episode of Poldark is making you yearn for a trip to the coast, picture yourself in this cute Cornish beach house. With a cosy window seat and the perfect sea view, you could spend a happy afternoon tucked up with a good book, a hot drink, and – in your daydreams at least – perhaps Aidan Turner for company.
If possible, consider creating a window seat piled up with cushions in your own home. Whatever your view, it’s always uplifting to see the sky.
Maximise the view
A minimalist, sleek interior maximises the view of these snow-covered mountains. What a dreamy spot to spend days hanging out with your nearest and dearest – this chilled-out retreat redefines the meaning of the humble ski chalet.
While you might not have a view quite like this at home, if you do have a good outlook, consider paring back your space, too, to keep the focus on what’s outside.
Are you a fan of winter? What would your perfect winter retreat look like? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
A minimalist, sleek interior maximises the view of these snow-covered mountains. What a dreamy spot to spend days hanging out with your nearest and dearest – this chilled-out retreat redefines the meaning of the humble ski chalet.
While you might not have a view quite like this at home, if you do have a good outlook, consider paring back your space, too, to keep the focus on what’s outside.
Are you a fan of winter? What would your perfect winter retreat look like? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
The wild setting of this cute fisherman’s cottage is a wee bit reminiscent of the Burren’s Craggy Island along Ireland’s west coast. The house is a modern interpretation of the traditional A-frame building, and the white clapboard panelling sits beautifully in this winter wonderland setting, where you could happily spend the chilly months escaping.
If snow lands on your patch, make time for a walk – out in the countryside if possible – then return home and feel justified in having a lazy afternoon watching the weather.