How to Warm Up Your Home for Winter, Without Increasing Energy Bills

As temperatures drop across the UK, many of us are turning our attention indoors, transforming our spaces into warm, inviting retreats. Enter “cocooning” – the winter interiors trend focused on comfort, calm, and creating a nurturing environment that helps you slow down and reconnect with your surroundings. It’s all about making your home feel cosy, without worrying about soaring energy costs.

According to Emily Hatfield, interior designer and spokesperson for IconByDesign, this year’s winter aesthetic is deeply grounded in texture, warmth, and natural materials, a reflection of our growing desire for interiors that feel both functional and emotionally comforting.

Emily Hatfield, spokesperson for IconByDesign says: “By styling with warmth in mind, using rugs, curtains, furniture placement, and lighting, Brits can reduce their reliance on heating and save money on their energy bills.

“Cocooning is about creating a home that feels calm, nurturing and considered. In winter, that instinct becomes stronger. As the pace of life consumes us, people are craving interiors that support rest, connection, and quiet moments.”

Hatfield shares her expert styling advice for warming up your home this winter, without relying on heaters or increasing your energy bills: 

Layer textiles to trap heat
Wool throws, boucle cushions, and thick-pile rugs do more than look good, they provide insulation and help retain warmth in key living areas. “Layering textiles adds softness and warmth,” says Hatfield. “Our thick-pile rugs in tones like Nori Green remain bestsellers for a reason.”

Rethink your layout to block drafts
Furniture placement plays a surprising role in energy efficiency. “Keep seating away from drafty windows or doors,” Hatfield advises. “Bookshelves or sideboards can define cozy corners or zone open spaces. Even a simple rearrangement can make a room feel instantly warmer.”

Opt for warm woods and tactile finishes
Natural materials are central to the cocooning trend, with timber leading the way. “Walnut and warm-toned oak are incredibly grounding,” says Hatfield. “They absorb light and give a cozy, lived-in feel that metal or plastic furniture simply can’t match.”

Switch to warm, soft lighting
Bright white lighting can feel harsh during the colder months. Hatfield recommends warm-white bulbs paired with fabric or paper shades to diffuse light. “Low-level lighting, like table or floor lamps, creates ambience,” she says. “Dimmer switches or under-cabinet lighting are easy upgrades that can completely transform a space.”

Cozy up overlooked spaces
Entryways, hallways, and unused corners are often forgotten. “A hallway runner can trap heat and make transitions from outdoors feel warmer,” suggests Hatfield.

Don’t underestimate soft furnishings
Oatmeal- and caramel-toned upholstery, textured cushions, and plush armchairs are trending. “Pieces like the Mysa armchair, ‘‘mysa’ means ‘to get cozy’ in Swedish, are perfect for winter,” Hatfield says. “They offer comfort while enhancing a cocooning aesthetic.”

Avoid cold zones
“Bare floors, all-white palettes, and too much open space can make a room feel sterile,” warns Hatfield. “Glass and metal may look sleek, but without balance, they lack warmth. Thoughtful styling and natural materials bring life and comfort back into the room.”

Entertain with warmth and flexibility
Winter brings people indoors, making shared meals and slow living a focus. “Extendable dining tables in solid timber are seasonal essentials,” says Hatfield. “They’re perfect for relaxed entertaining and create a beautiful, functional focal point in your home.”

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