By Ehren Caudill
Home is not a place — it’s a feeling. Sometimes in order to make a house feel like a home, we have to add a few things to make it cozy and warm. Coziness has everything to do with soft lighting, soft fabrics, textures, and scents that make you feel like there’s no other place on the planet you’d rather be. So, whether you just moved into a new house (or your home could use a little love), here are some essentials for making your home feel cozier.
Use Lots of Texture
One of the best ways to make a room feel cozier is by adding texture. If you thought that adding texture was just throwing a, well, throw over your sofa, think again. You’d be surprised how many ways you can add texture to a room! You can add texture with plants, wallpaper, furniture, rugs, books — the list goes on and on. So, think outside the box when it comes to texture, but don’t overdo it. There is such a thing as too much texture. Without any texture, a room can feel cold and boring, and with too much texture, a room can feel busy or even dirty.
Set the Mood
Feeling cozy in your home is all about setting the mood. Floor lighting is a great way to make a room feel cozier because they are low and glowing. If you don’t want to switch out your lamps, try changing the lamps you already have or convert your overhead lights to a dimmer. That adds instant mood and can warm up your space instantly.
Cue the Curtains
Many decorators will swear by the importance of the right curtains in a room — and they’re right. The right fabric can make —or break— your room. Fabrics such as linen or velvet can make the room feel cozy and warm, while sheer fabrics can give a colder vibe. To add extra comfort to your space, opt for voluminous curtains to make the room feel fuller.
Light Some Candles
Candles add a glow to the room, as well as offer soothing seasonal scents. Clean, fresh, and citrus scents are perfect for spring and summer, while spicy and green scents create a festive feel during the winter. So, think about what scents are synonymous for those colder months to you, and purchase candles that will work with that motif. Just be careful when using candles, though. Candles may work in some rooms and present a safety hazard in others.
Add a Rug
Rugs not only make a room feel cozier, but they are also another place where you can add texture. You may want to layer your rugs to add some personality or even use a shag rug for warmth and volume. For living rooms, designers suggest going louder with the patterns and colors you choose, while for bedrooms they suggest going for a more peaceful neutral rug. Sweet slumber will be guaranteed.
You want your space to be inviting and warm year-round, but especially so in the winter. These design elements will make your room feel like it’s giving you a big, happy hug every time you come home.
