While the spirit of a home is established by the people that live there, it can certainly be supported with meaningful possessions and furnishings that spark joy.
Even if you are only home to lay your head, eat dinner or watch TV, these activities are far more enjoyable in surroundings that reflect your personality and boost your mood. A cold and impersonal room is quickly transformed with a few finishing touches.
Plenty of us have embraced bringing nature into our homes in the form of a selection of houseplants. This is a great way to feel more connected to our environment and bring a sense of calm to our spaces. It’s a good way to show refreshing the feel of a space doesn’t have to mean an overhaul or renovation.
The same approach should be taken when aiming to make staying at home a treat when its cold outside. Something as simple as turning on a table lamp rather than using overhead lighting can make a big difference.
Here are some steps to take and the items we love for a cosy-feeling home right now.
Tips for a cosy home
Add texture
Soft touch: Baya velvet cushion; Coco Republic Sorrento rugs; Arflex Katrin chair from Studio Italia
Modern, clean and serene spaces are stylish but they don’t scream ‘nestle in.’ Change this by adding a few textured pieces that look plush, feel soft and can be layered up.
You could choose furniture finished in smooth and sophisticated but gentle finishes such as velvet, that work well in both winter and summer. Then, add removable items that can be kept in place or just used for the season, before being stored. Think cushions, throw rugs and linen in the bedrooms.
If you favour a more minimalist approach, choose textural furnishings that are natural or neutral in colour like soft whites, beiges and tans.
Heavier fabrics, such as wool, velvet, or flannel, help retain heat in a room, too.
Soften the lighting
Rather than harsh bright overhead light, seek out softer, warmer light sources. You could install dimmers or low-watt bulbs for a gentler glow.
Add warm-toned lamps to side tables, or add fairy lights, or candles on a coffee table.
Wrap up in wool
Luxury wool blankets from Loewe, Deadly Ponies and The Wool Company.
There’s nothing like the warmth of wool to keep off the chill. Its natural insulation properties and durability make it a great investment in winter.
Purchase a good quality wool or cashmere throw and keep it within reach in the lounge on couches or nearby, if you’re using outdoor furniture.
A blanket also makes harder or sleeker furniture more inviting.
Add a rug
Place a plush rug underfoot, even layered over existing floors, especially if you have a hard finish like concrete or wood floors in living areas.
Sheepskin or high-pile rugs feel especially comforting.
Add a touch of colour
A minimalist palette is stylish but for an instant lift in the vibe of the room that doesn’t have to be permanent, add a pop of warmer colour. While a bigger undertaking, warmer tones for the walls also makes a space feel soft, not stark.
Tidy, sort and declutter
An unexpected tip perhaps, but there’s less likelihood of relaxing into a cosy space when you can see things that need putting away and visual clutter. That’s because for many of us, cosy also equals calm, and a overfilled space has the opposite effect.
Scentscape your home
Cosy candles: Jo Loves Log Fires Candle; Glasshouse Fragrances Fireside in Queenstown Candle; Ecoya Vanilla & Tonka Bean Candle
Scent is an important sense and it can stimulate nostalgia and help deliver an uplifting vibe to a room.
Light a scented candle or diffuse essential oils (e.g., vanilla, cedarwood, or lavender) to gently scent the space with elements that are instantly comforting to many people.
Home cooking also gives the same effect like freshly baked cookies or a sweet and warm pudding in the oven.
