How To Make Any Room Feel More Cozy
DESIGN
STORY BY VIRGINIA BESHEARS
Depending on where you live, it's likely that spending time outdoors currently consists of however long it takes you to get from your car to your door. That may last largely between now and March. Personally, I'm a Texas resident and it's almost 70 degrees outside today, but the unpredictable state of affairs has me wanting to wrap myself in cocoon of blankets and stay home.
If you’re hankering for some extra warmth in your space, be it temperature or vibe-wise, here are just a few ways you can infuse a bit of coziness into any room of your home.
First order of business: staying (literally) warm
A room's coziness level depends on both physical comfort and aesthetics, so start by making sure your space is actually warm and free from drafts. Seal up air leaks with transparent draft-blocking tape around windows and adhesive draft blocker strips along the bottoms of exterior doors. If you need extra heat, we recommend an oil-filled portable radiator. Unlike fan-based heaters that blow hot air, oil-filled radiators warm a room by just slowly and evenly transferring heat to the air. They're very quiet and don't dry out the air in the room.
Layered lighting
Overhead lighting is truly the enemy of coziness. A room with exclusively overhead lighting will feel reminiscent of places like commercial buildings or doctor's offices.
Having layered light sources, ie table and floor lamps, will make a room be a more pleasant and inviting space to spend time. Dimmer switches can also help you adjust the lighting to suit your mood, but if you're trying to maximize coziness, we recommend leaving the overhead lights off completely.
VIA WHITNEY & CO
Natural elements
Classic cabin-core and cottage-core are, to many, the epitome of cozy interior design, and that has a lot to do with how many natural elements are used in those aesthetics. This principle can be utilized in smaller doses by bringing a bit of the outdoors inside to warm up a space.
Natural wood is one popular way to do this, because wood works with absolutely any style. More ways include using other natural materials like stone, starting a collection of houseplants, or incorporating nature motifs.
VIA BETH DIANA SMITH
Soft textures & textiles
Layering a variety of textures and fabrics adds depth, dimension, and softness to a space. Throws, pillows, and rugs all add visual interest and make a room feel more inviting and cocoon-ish.
The textures and fabrics in your space should reflect your personal preferences. In my opinion, a sofa pillow that’s so comfy you’ll use it till its unsightly is a far better investment than a purely decorative, uncomfy pillow you have to move out of the way every time you sit.
Also, don’t underestimate the power of just a few plush accessories here and there. Small additions like a knit throw blanket draped over your sofa (and you, when you're using it) can make a big impact on the comfort and ambiance of your space.
Soothing colors
The color palette you choose for your space can have a profound impact on its ambiance and the way you feel when you're in it. Although changing a color palette isn’t as easy as adding a few throw blankets, it’s still helpful to have in mind.
Soft neutrals, earthy tones, and muted shades of blue and green create a serene backdrop that promotes relaxation and tranquility.
One of the great things about soothing colors is their versatility and timelessness. Warm neutrals, soft grays, and pale blues and greens never go out of style and provide a neutral foundation that can easily be updated with accent pieces and accessories to suit your changing tastes and preferences.
VIA CLARK AND ALDINE
As with all things related to interior design, these strategies can be implemented in large or small doses to achieve the objective for your space. If you love a room that makes you feel energized and creative but want more coziness during the winter months, you can always opt for temporary strategies, like layering in some extra blankets and oversized plush pillows that can be stashed away and brought back out every year.
