Photos By: Living Etc.

Every home needs to feel as welcoming as possible. It’s something that everyone appreciates, both the people living in it and the ones that are visiting. While a cozy ambiance means different things to different people, there are often general tips on how to achieve it. Everything from lighting to carpets, to furniture plays an important role.

Make Your Entrance Appealing

The entrance to the home is the thing that makes the first impression on people. Even the homeowners have to enter from there first. It’s important to have a welcoming ambiance because of that. A mirror is always a good idea, as it’ll give the room a more spacious feel. Another idea is to not have a lot of furniture that clogs the movement. The most important, however, is good lighting. Having the entrance well-lit means all the difference, as nobody wants to step into a dark room. A welcome mat also helps set the mood.

Have Appealing Textures

Nobody likes flat and lifeless surfaces. They remind us of many different things, and none of those is home. Having nice textures is one of the best ways to achieve a sense of coziness in the home. Textures like fluffy carpets, or smooth furniture, or just things that people like to touch all add towards a cozy feeling. Things like these can really make any room feel comfortable, and as long as that room is well-lit, it will feel both spacious and very cozy. “Using prints will instantly add interest to a room’s motif while creating a whimsical effect. Moreover, this will allow you to sprinkle in a bit of your own personality.”, states Linda Fennessy, Marketing Manager with Kitchen Magic. 

Create Good Mood Lighting

The first mistake a lot of people do when they create mood lighting is that they focus on it creating romantic situations only. If a room has only bright lights coming from only one source, then it’ll feel like an office. Mood lighting comes from several different light sources with different strength and if done right, makes a great home improvement investment. If they’re adjustable, then that’s even better. Those sources can be anything from ceiling lights to double wall lights, and with several of them you can make your room feel differently with a simple flick of the switch. Considering finding which lighting is ideal for you with the help of sites like Lampwise.

Pillows and Blankets are Essential

When you create several layers of blankets and pillows, you’re weaving comfort into the room. That’s when you create a space where people would love to sit down. A great interior design idea is having a few blankets and several pillows on a sofa, or a chair can really make a difference. Even better if they’re in different shapes and sizes. Some of them can be for warmth, and others for mere comfort.

Don’t Spread out The Seating

A largely overlooked part of any cozy environment is the seating. When you have furniture that’s too spread out, then there is no sense of intimacy in the room. That can create a feeling of distance between the people in the room, which can feel completely opposite to coziness.

People always love to sit in cozy environments. There’s just something special about seating down somewhere and not want to get up. Creating a cozy atmosphere is nice for everyone, and very healthy for the soul.

Photo: Instagram

When the central heating system starts coming on and you dig your fluffy slippers out from storage, you know you can begin to think about making your bedroom cosier for the colder months.

Pay Attention to Bedding

Given the bed is the focal point of most people’s bedrooms, it’s easy to make your room look elegant without too much hassle. The shops will start selling their autumn/winter ranges and you will be spoiled for choice with regards to the bedding you can choose from! Go for something in a warm tone such as pumpkin, taupe, plum or teal to make the space feel as cosy as possible, and use layered bedding with a few colours in it to create a sense of warmth. Keep an oak blanket box at the bottom of your bed filled with new autumnal sheets and soft spare blankets for the ultimate nesting space! This will also be the perfect go-to storage space for guests that stay over, or just when you need to grab an extra blanket in the middle of the night in the middle of winter!

Accessorize Your Space

Accessories are the perfect way to alter the space you have and create some interesting focal points within the room. Hanging pictures and a feature mirror can really create a sense of depth within the room and brighten up the space. Introducing scented candles, incense and wax burners will create an atmosphere and introduce a sense of zen to the room with the fragrances you choose. You can also choose scents that remind you of the season – there are so many scented candle brands out there nowadays to choose from! Think of vanilla or berry scents for warmth, or opt for scents that remind you of pine forests and snow for a fresher feel. Adding greenery to your space can also help create a welcoming atmosphere – choose a bunch of your favourite flowers, or a creative looking houseplant for a natural touch and bring the outdoors indoors.

Photo: Stylyze

Lighting is Key

Lighting is a really important feature that can really make or break a room, but one that gets overlooked quite easily and is often forgotten when creating a space. In winter, it goes without saying that you will be using the lighting you have more regularly – you will be inside more, and the nights will start to get darker earlier before you realize it. Invest in some lamps to transform the vibe of the space – this can be achieved with soft lighting and by placing them at multiple points throughout the room. Low wattage warm-toned bulbs (40 or below) will create a comfortable space in which to relax, watch movies or read – however you like to relax! Fairy lights can also add a delicate playful touch to a room when chosen well. There are a variety of shapes out there that could match with a theme and help bring the room together. Still having trouble with your room’s lighting? Check out our guide to bedroom lighting.

Colour and Texture

Colour and texture are so important to integrate into the space of the room when thinking about any of the above steps. Different textures will introduce a sense of warmth – this is a little-known designer’s secret! A space without texture could look cold and sterile, so it’s important to think about the textures you’re including in your space – materials such as wood and textiles will create points of interest. Things such as funky lampshades and plants also add a sense of depth to the space and can help with the balance of the room. If you don’t like clutter, pick items such as these that will stand out and create interesting focal points – perfect a cosy room for autumn/winter.

Photo: Domino