The temperature is dropping and the sun is setting earlier. Depending on where you live, the leaves may be falling…or maybe it’s snowflakes already. Either way, winter is officially on its way in many parts of the world.
And that means a new opportunity to connect with housewares consumers as they ready their “nests” for winter. Just like soon-to-be parents who want to get their homes in shipshape before a new baby arrives, our nesting instinct kicks in when we sense it’s time for the shorter, colder days of winter.
For one, people start to gravitate toward home products and décor that channel a comfy, cozy vibe. That can mean anything from plush throw pillows and blankets to soothing lighting accents like candles and lanterns.
Consumers are also likely to be on the look-out for practical products that improve their home environments such as space heaters and humidifiers.
Winter Color Trends
When it comes to winter colors, many people lean toward warmer hues. Browns—which have been trending in the last year–will certainly have a place in neutral and nature-inspired winter aesthetics.
But don’t rule out other hues. For example, vibrant blue is “cheerful but cozy… the perfect combo for winter,” says Hadley Mendelsohn, senior editor of House Beautiful.
Winter Décor Trends
Firewood and their holders evoke feelings of warmth, while wooden items or antlers can channel a ski lodge vibe. Houseware design elements that will likely resonate include nature-inspired ones such as pinecones, fir trees, animals and birds. Anything with texture will create warmth and feelings of comfort. Think plush area rugs, waffled kitchen towels and hand-crafted pottery.
In fact, textured objects are expected to be popular long past winter. “For 2023, we’re going to be seeing more dimension on everything from wall treatments and textiles to furniture and decorative accessories,” says Danielle Blundell, executive home director at Apartment Therapy, in Home-Decor Trends That Will Be Popular in 2023.
Winter Lighting Trends
Warm lighting has the power to create a comfy, cozy vibe, but it also has the psychological power to boost our moods on winter days with less sunlight.
Lighting accents can include anything from candles and lanterns to table and floor lamps. (Looking for some cute candle holders that offer both light and a cozy vibe? Check out these Candle Cuddlers from FIFTYEIGHT.)
Winter Scent Trends
When marketing and merchandising, make sure to remember our sense of smell. Wintery-feeling scents like pine, cinnamon and vanilla can be soothing, while bright scents like citrus can be uplifting.
Candles and diffusers (including this Serene House model perfect for winter) are wonderful small additions to our winter homes. You can also showcase cookware while demonstrating how to make a scented stovetop infusion.
Home Environment Winter Trends
And of course, there are the practical powerhouses of the winter: space heaters and humidifiers. Many housewares brands are now offering multi-function models like the pureHeat 2-in-1 Heater and Air Purifier from Greentech, and the Quilo 3-in-1 Tower Fan, Cooler and Humidifier from Honeywell, which can be used throughout the year.
And don’t forget—some customers are lucky enough to live in warmer climates where entertaining outdoors might not be out of the question in winter months. Outdoor gas heaters or attractive throw blankets may be all they need to extend the life of their outdoor spaces.
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