Nine Ways To Create A Cozy Space
Create a cozy space for after a long day of work or maybe even a longer commute in a new snowfall. Here are nine tips that are inexpensive and easy ways to create a cozy feeling in your home.
1. Consider a warm, neutral palette.
Creams and beiges are naturally warmer colors but grays can be warm too if you choose one with a warm undertone. These grays or “greiges” tend to appear more like taupes. Even without repainting or buying new furniture, you can warm up your decor inexpensively through pillows, throws, and wall and tabletop decor.
2. Make your fireplace the focal point.
Arrange your furniture so the sofa is perpendicular to the fireplace with two matching chairs placed opposite the sofa. A coffee table in between acts almost like an arrow, pointing toward the fireplace. If that arrangement isn’t possible, try facing the sofa to the fireplace and placing chairs on both sides of the sofa so your grouping of seating creates a U-shape.
3. Add light.
Push curtains aside and add more lamps to your space. A living room should ideally have a triangle of three lamps. Floor lamps not only brighten up a dark corner but soften the empty angle. Choose light bulbs that have an orange vs. blue hue. Strategically place an attractive, large wall mirror opposite windows to reflect natural light back into the room.
4. Add more candles.
I don’t have a fireplace so I love WoodWick candles that ever so slightly give me the feeling of a crackling fire. The fragrances also seem more natural to me and aren’t overpowering as so many candles are. WoodWick candles are expensive but they burn a long time and are worth every penny to me!
5. Bring in a few natural elements.
Put sprigs of pine boughs or other evergreen foliage in a vase, especially around the holidays. Transplant house plants from plastic pots to natural, clay pots. Add texture to a wall with woven baskets made from natural materials. Use a gnarly piece of driftwood as decor.
6. Add your favorite books.
Even if you’re not a reader, coffee table books often have few words and beautiful, large photographs that can remind you of memories of an extraordinary vacation. Books are also a great way to add height to a grouping of decor items and create a pleasing layering effect.
7. Add personal touches.
Only add decor that holds emotional value to you and that helps tell your story. Display things your beloved grandma made, a landscape painting your sister gave you, favorite photos from childhood, and items from your travels.
8. Layer textures.
Just like we like to layer clothing in the winter, do the same with your home. Stick to neutrals for foundational pieces like your sofa and chairs but add one or two other dominant colors to your overall decor theme. Using those theme colors, add variety through different textures in pillows, rugs, wall art, and tabletop decor.
9. Create that cozy corner.
Whether it’s a sofa or a comfy chair, add a side table and lamp, some pillows, and a soft throw. Now you’re all set for a hot cup of tea or cocoa to watch the snow gently falling.
Your home should bring you the feeling of ease, contentment, and comfort. Fill your spaces with what makes YOU happy!