Mainstream modern design

Target's new home furnishings line Modern by Dwell Magazine launches Tuesday at select Target stores and online. It's aimed at consumers who love the mod look of an Eames chair and George Nelson sunburst clock — but find many retro designs a bit spendy for their budgets. The 120-piece collection is a collaboration between Target and the shelter magazine and includes many midcentury-inspired accessories, tabletop and home decor pieces priced under $100. Condo-sized furnishings, including a lounge chair and bookshelf, range from $49.99 to $399.99. Go to Target.com.

Traverse the Arb trails

Cross-country skiers and snowshoers are admitted free from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 31 at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. The winter wonderland offers 8 miles of designated cross-country ski trails and separate snowshoe trails through woodlands, wetlands and prairies. The Lost Pond Trail, a 1K fairly level path meandering through maple and basswood forests, is a favorite among cross-country skiing fans. Skiers bring their own gear. Snowshoe rentals and maps available at the Visitor Center.

While warming up inside, gaze at the live decorated trees and holiday trimmings in the Visitor Center and Snyder Building through Jan. 1. Go to arboretum.umn.edu or call 952-443-1400.

Getting cozy

For all the frigid months ahead when weekends are meant to be spent indoors, creating a cozy environment becomes a primary focus. Nothing makes winter more enjoyable than bundling up in a luxe throw with a cup of tea and relishing in a fragrant scented candle with a good book or a Netflix binge session. Unfortunately, while we're busy crossing off dozens of presents on our holiday shopping list and getting our homes ready for entertaining season, our wallets aren't exactly flush with cash for redecorating during this time of year.

Luckily many small tricks can make your home feel extra cozy without shelling out a ton. That's why we put together a list of some easy ways to make the place you live the coziest, comfiest winter cave ever — without breaking the bank.

Faux fur. A faux-fur throw feels luxurious. Whether it's placed on the back of a chair, draped over the arm of a sofa, or even layered over a footstool, the plush texture screams "high end" while providing warmth. Outposts like CB2 and World Market often have faux-fur blankets for less.

Candles in clusters. Candleholders, votives or even simple white pillar candles in various sizes grouped together in clusters make a home feel cozier by creating a warm ambience. They are the ultimate mood setter, and they're available for pennies.

Books on books. Books are an incredibly affordable decor trick for making a home cozier, as they can be purchased en masse without breaking the bank and lend your space the collected feel of a library. Hit up garage and estate sales, and keep in mind that schools often hold book sales around the holidays, during which old hardcover books can be snatched up in dollar bins.

Poufs. Moroccan and similar poufs are far less-expensive seating options than chairs and sofas, and they project a laid-back and inviting vibe. The cushy pieces close to the ground beckon guests to gather around for a relaxing affair, versus the harder lines of more traditional seating options.

Embrace the undone look. No need to shell out thousands of dollars on your bedding — by embracing the undone look that's characteristic of vintage linen, you can create an inviting bed that won't break the bank. Bonus: Linen is a durable fabric that will last far longer than your average cotton sheets, so you'll only have to buy them once.

Dark paint for depth and drama. A can of paint is one of the most cost-savvy ways to transform a room. Though white walls have their place, the airy Scandinavian look isn't the warmest aesthetic. Instead, deep, dark colors like black, slate-gray, green, burgundy and navy, together with layered textures like faux fur and velvet, evoke the feeling of a cozy hideaway. Try painting your white room — or even just your trim or fireplace — in a dark tone for winter, and tell us it doesn't instantly get cozier.

Art adds personality. You know what doesn't scream cozy? Sparse walls. Nothing makes a home feel more lived-in and personal than walls covered in a collection of art and photographs. Thankfully, it's easy to cover your surroundings with interesting visuals without spending much — from old movie posters at flea markets to the multitude of online sources for surprisingly inexpensive art.

Embrace wood accents. Wooden pieces, be they a footstool, a bench or a side table — especially when paired with the aforementioned items — evoke the feeling of a ski lodge. If wood pieces aren't in your budget, a basket or pile of artfully arranged chopped wood feels just as impactful, even if you don't have a fireplace to burn it in.

DOMAINE