The Art of Cozy - How to Create a Home That Carries You Through an Alaskan Winter

As Alaskans, we have an intimate relationship with winter. We feel it in the crisp air of the first real frost and see it in the low-slung sun that casts a golden glow over the mountains. When the world outside gets quiet and cold, our homes become everything—our sanctuaries, our gathering places, our warm, beating hearts against the darkness. Creating a cozy home here isn’t just a design choice; it’s a vital part of a life well-lived.

Over the years, I’ve learned that true coziness isn’t about buying a specific set of things. It’s an art form. It’s about layering, texture, and light to create a feeling of deep comfort and soulful warmth. Here are seven essential elements I believe are key to mastering the art of cozy in your Alaskan home.

1. Layered Lighting is Everything

In a place with such dramatic shifts in daylight, mastering your indoor lighting is the single most impactful thing you can do. A single, harsh overhead light (what I call the “big light”) can make a room feel cold and sterile. The secret is to create layers of light. Think of it as painting with warmth. Use a mix of floor lamps, table lamps, and task lighting to create pools of soft, golden light. Put your dimmers on everything. This allows you to adjust the mood from bright and functional to low and intimate, giving you control over the energy of your space as the evening draws in.

2. Textiles You Can’t Resist Touching

Coziness is a sensory experience, and nothing invites touch like beautiful, soft textiles. We personally vet every blanket, pillow, and rug that comes into our store, asking ourselves, “Is this something I’d want to curl up with on a cold January night?” We believe in chunky knit throws that feel like a hug, velvet pillows that add a touch of luxe comfort, and wool rugs that warm a room from the ground up. Layering these textures on your sofa, bed, or even a simple armchair is the quickest way to turn up the cozy factor.

3. The Perfect “Sink-In” Armchair: Erin’s Top Pick

Every cozy home needs at least one perfect, “sink-in” chair. This is your official hibernation spot—the place you retreat to with a good book and a cup of tea. My top pick in the store right now is a deep-seated armchair upholstered in a rich, warm leather that will only get better with age. It has wide, comfortable arms and a supportive back that makes you want to settle in for hours. It’s a statement piece, yes, but it’s also an investment in your own comfort and well-being. It’s the kind of chair that becomes a beloved member of the family.

4. Unique Details That Spark Joy

True coziness is also found in the small, personal details that make a space uniquely yours. These are the little sparks of joy that catch your eye and make you smile. It could be a favorite scented candle, a stack of art books, or a unique decorative object. We are always on the lookout for these special items, and it’s a delight when our customers discover them. As our wonderful customer recently shared:

“I'm especially a huge fan of the pearled candles.” -Yvonne, Let's Stay Home customer

That one small detail—a beautiful, flickering candle—can transform the entire mood of a room. Don’t underestimate the power of these small, soulful touches.

5. Bring Nature Indoors (A Biophilic Design Trick)

There’s a concept in design called “Biophilia,” which is the idea that humans have an innate need to connect with nature. This is especially important during our long winters when the world outside is dormant. Bringing natural elements indoors can have a profound effect on our mood. This can be as simple as adding a few hardy houseplants, arranging some dried branches from your yard in a beautiful vase, or choosing furniture made from natural wood. These organic shapes and materials remind us of the living world and create a sense of calm and balance.

6. A Designated Spot for Your Warm Beverage

This might sound overly specific, but it’s crucial. A cozy seating area is incomplete without a place to set your cup of coffee, tea, or glass of wine. The humble side table is an unsung hero of the cozy home. It doesn’t have to be large, but it should be stable and placed within easy reach of your favorite chair or sofa. It’s a small, practical detail that says, “You can relax here. You can stay awhile.”

7. Personal Touches That Tell Your Story

Ultimately, what makes a home truly a sanctuary is that it’s a reflection of you. Frame the photos, display the heirlooms, and stack the books you love. These personal layers are what distinguish a home from a showroom. They are the heart of the space. Don’t hide your story away. Let it be the final, most important layer in your art of cozy.

Ready to create your cozy Alaskan retreat? Find your winter essentials, from the perfect armchair to unique pearled candles, at Let’s Stay Home. We invite you to come in, get inspired, and find the pieces that will make you love staying home this winter.