This Holiday Decorate With Texture, Not Color

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This year, home for the holidays is going to take on a new, quite literal meaning. As a result, we’re thinking of ways to make our spaces feel more special, more festive, and, let’s face it, way more comfortable. Colder temperatures inevitably mean more Sunday afternoons on the couch watching Netflix or Tuesday evenings curled up by the fireplace before bed. And though the season will certainly look different, the end goal is still the same: to get cozy. Tactile textiles—think: chunky knit throws, supersoft sheepskin rugs, and tufted velvet floor cushions—can add instant warmth to any space. Choose goods in neutral tones (you can’t go wrong with an array of ivory, cream, and white) and subtle, muted colors (we’re partial to icy blues for a true wintry feel) that will feel fun in December but won’t look out of place once the holidays have come and gone.

Curling up with this hand-knit throw is like wrapping yourself in a giant sweater. It’s also an excellent gift for the homebodies in your life.

Extra seating, the kids’ favorite climb-on toy, a place to put your feet up—who doesn’t need a nubby knit pouf?

A sheepskin rug is the ultimate in cozy luxury—just think about stepping out of bed on a cold morning and letting your feet touch down on this fluffy surface. But it’s also the most versatile—it works just as well bedside as it does in a kid’s room or draped over a wood bench for extra cushion.

This plush duvet set looks—and feels—like a cloud you just can’t wait to jump into.

When you’re not staying warm under this sherpa-backed plaid blanket, drape it over your sofa or an armchair for a decorative touch.

It might be chilly outside, but you can warm up an entire room with just one piece: a chunky cable-knit rug done in felted wool. Then layer in even more texture-heavy pieces, like thicker throw blankets and pillows.

Using a mix of textures in one space adds dimension—especially if your color palette is neutral or monochromatic. Velvet accents, like this oversize button-tufted floor pillow, play well with other soft materials.

Changing out pillows—or adding a few new ones—is one of the easiest ways to freshen up a space. This cotton tasseled version has shaggy tufted detailing that will lend warmth (and modern bohemian vibes) to your home.

Catherine Dash

Contributing Editor

Catherine Dash is a freelance design editor and prop stylist based in Oakland, California (a recent transplant from NYC). When she’s not testing new products and writing about interior trends, she’s likely on set sprinkling her styling fairy dust for clients like Nate Berkus and Chairish, perusing blooms at the flower market, or wrangling her charming, yet wily, 2.5-year-old toddler Coco.

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