When you want your space to feel like the visual equivalent of snuggling up in bed on a crisp fall day — no plans forcing you to leave the coziness of your covers — then a warm color palette will do just the trick. Reds, browns, creams, and more can help create a welcoming ambiance in a space, no matter what your style.

That’s because there’s no one-size-fits-all way to use a warm color palette in the design of a room. You can create a moodier look by selecting slightly darker, richer tones, or opt for a cozy, more minimalist vibe by relying on lighter tans and creams. You can even strategically mix in a few cool colors to create a sense of balance in your space.

Looking for inspiration on how to nail a warm color palette in your own home? Take a look at these 12 designer spaces to get started.

1. Retro comfort

A warm, cognac-colored leather couch grounds this living room with a retro vibe, while burgundy, coral, and ochre accents add to its groovy ’70s feel. A colorful rug lays a playful foundation for the space, while white walls and elevated materials — like a marble coffee table — add a touch of sophistication.

2. Soft romance

Consider this a lesson in the art of contrasts. In this living room, dark cranberry accents and natural warm textures like reclaimed woods and jutes, come together for a cozy effect. Gentle hints of blues and lilacs round out the space for an overall romantic appeal.

3. Cozy spice

Anchor your space with a rust-colored statement piece — in this case, a rust velvet bed from The Inside — and surround it with warm neutral accents, like wood and brass. The result is a space that’s bright and breezy, yet still as comforting as a cinnamon sugar doughnut in early fall.

4. Elevated neutral

Looking for the ideal neutral sofa color? Consider fawn: a golden brown hue that’s equal parts warm and chic. In this living space, Interior Define’s Winslow sectional anchors the room, while earthy-hued details — like a taupe rug and leather accent chair — create an elevated sense of ambiance. 

5. Pop of warmth

Never underestimate the power of a good accent hue. We’re especially partial to on-trend rust, which can instantly add a warm, sophisticated look to a space. Here, Interior Define’s Rowan chair makes an impact in an otherwise neutral living room.

6. Golden touch

An easy way to add warmth to an all-neutral space is with golden accents. By swapping out your sheets and pillowcases, you can give your bedroom a seasonal refresh that results in  instant coziness.  

7. Sweet toffee

A warm color palette doesn’t have to be moody or even earthy, for that matter — this sweet English Roll Arm sofa from The Inside in Nutmeg Luxe Velvet is a great example. This piece pairs perfectly well with cheerful pops and blue and yellow, to create a bright, happy space.

8. Desert deco

Southwestern design is a classic warm color style — and it’s hard not to see why it’s so popular. In this living room, rust, coral, browns, and neutrals come together to create a space that’s a little boho, a little modern, and very cool. Pops of nature add a sense of harmony.

9. Simply chic

Nothing says “sophistication” quite like a neutral space that leans heavily into warm taupes, creams, and browns. The key is to bring in color in super-subtle ways, like an earth-toned rug with pops of green and burgundy. Paired with a neutral bouclé bed (like this one from Interior Define), the finished space is refined and chic. 

10. All-out texture

If you love your neutrals, you can still create a sense of warmth in your space by opting for pieces with plenty of dimension and texture. In this dining room, wood, cane, canvas, sherpa, and jute details create a perfectly cozy environment.  

11. Woodland suite

Never underestimate the power of a good animal print! A fawn-printed bed frame from The Inside weaves warmth into this bedroom in a fun, cheeky way, taking an otherwise simple bedspread to the next level. The rich olive green adds a touch of cool contrast.

12. Beyond black and white

Warm up a high-contrast color palette with accents of ochre, from pillows and throws to art. All you need to make a cool space — like this black and white interior — feel more welcoming and livable are a few pops of warmth.

Want expert advice on your own space, straight from an interior designer? Get started today with our style quiz.