By far, the number one request I get from clients is that they want their space to feel cozy. And who doesn’t? We want our homes to feel like a retreat, a place we can relax and recharge with friends and family, right? And the word “cozy” is a great way to describe this feeling. The Danish have a word for it, too, that has been sweeping through the design world. Hygge (pronounced hoo-gah), which is defined as “a quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being.” Sounds great! So, how do you make your room feel more cozy? Here are 6 common elements of “cozy” that people tend to be missing in their rooms.
Go Green
Decorating with plants (real or faux) is a great way to add a cozy and warm feel to your room. Plants help take up empty space in the corners of a room, making the room instantly feel more intimate. Not only do they help bring the outside in, but they also add a ton of character and life into the space. If you don’t see many plants or greenery in your room, trust me, go out right now and get yourself a plant! Your space will instantly feel much cozier and put-together. If you happen to have a black thumb like me, that’s OK! Fake plants accomplish the same thing, when it comes to creating cozy spaces.
Source: Modernize
Get Rid of the Clutter
Did you know that clutter in the home has been scientifically linked to stress? It’s true! I know I feel more stressed out when my house is a mess…which seems to be rather often. The hard truth is that your cluttered room is never going to look cozy and inviting. So, if you are wondering why your living room doesn’t feel relaxing, it’s probably because you have kids and your house is often messy, like mine. However, if your goal is to get a more relaxing space, it’s time to invest in some storage solutions, and/or get rid of any extra things in your room that are just taking up space.
Bring In Natural Materials
Natural materials, like wood, baskets, leather, and stone, have a special way of making a room feel warm and inviting. Something about our inherent connection to the outdoors and to things that are or were living…blah blah blah. Wood furniture will always be a staple in the design world because of the way it helps to warm up a space, but there are other ways to incorporate natural materials. One of my favorite ways to cozy up a living room is to add a large basket on the floor next to the sofa or console table to hold throw blankets and extra pillows. I love the texture of the basket, and having soft blankets always at the ready. Wood plank walls, leather ottomans, beams (see our faux wood beam), stone bowls, and natural wall decor are other great ways to add a cozy feel with natural elements.
Layer it On!
You know who does a great job creating cozy spaces? Pottery Barn! I love to look through their catalogs at all of the cozy living rooms and bedrooms. How do they do it? Layers! Add cozy layers to your room with pillows, ottomans or poufs, rugs, throw blankets, and window treatments. All of these elements will help make your room feel more cozy because they add depth to your space, which makes it look more comfortable and welcoming.
Source: Pottery Barn
A chair by itself may be inviting, but a cozy chair that you want to cuddle up in with a good book (and a glass of wine) has layers. By simply adding a plush pillow, and a chunky throw blanket, you can take a comfortable corner chair and turn it into a cozy Sunday-morning retreat!
Source: Pottery Barn
Not only do rugs do an important job of defining a space, but they also add softness, texture, and warmth. You can even layer different rugs for added character, including adding area rugs over wall-to-wall carpet.
Source: Decoraid
Source: Overstock
Window treatments are another layer that can add softness to your room, and help smooth out hard edges, like walls and windows. While windows with beautiful trim can be a design feature all on their own, window treatments like drapery and roman shades are a great way to increase the coziness level in the room. To add softness without drawing attention, opt for drapery in white or other light, neutral shades.
Source: Pottery Barn
Add Texture
When you think of a cozy and warm space…a space where you want to relax and unwind, what comes to mind? If you are like me, it includes layers of soft textures, like chunky knit throws, faux fur pillows, and a fluffy rug. Having a variety of textures in your room adds style and character, and is an important element of interior design. Texture is not just the way something feels when you touch it, but also can be a mix of patterns that create visual interest. So, make sure you have plenty of texture in your room with soft throw blankets, plush pillows in a variety of materials and coordinating patterns, window treatments, and cushiony rugs. But don’t forget to add texture in other ways, like incorporating wood, baskets, wall decor and accessories that have texture to them.
Set the Mood with Lighting
Lighting plays a big part in how we feel both inside and outside our homes. Bright, natural light during the day is energizing and invigorating. Dim lighting and candlelight in the evening creates an inviting atmosphere for relaxation and socializing. Candles are a huge part of Danish culture, and creating the hygge lifestyle. To make your room feel more cozy in the evenings, burn scented candles, turn on lamps with soft lighting, rather than harsh overhead fluorescent lights, huddle around a roaring fire with family and friends during the colder months, and light your outdoor fireplaces in the summer. Note: the dim light from your phone and TV do not count as ways to create cozy lighting…turn them off in exchange for quality time with family and friends.
There you have it…six easy ways to make your room feel more cozy! Time to break out the lounge wear and fuzzy socks, a good book, and your beverage of choice, and settle into your cozy new space. Relax and enjoy the serene moment – you deserve it!
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