How To Create a Cozy Home
So currently it’s October but the colder weather has me feeling like I’m in the arctic… and maybe that’s an overly dramatic response but when you go from wearing shorts and sandals one week to wearing a jacket and boots the next week, you know that winter is on her way!
We tend to spend more time inside during the cooler months because I don’t think many people love the chilly dampness that the new season brings and let’s face it, Summer doesn’t last forever. I was brainstorming ideas of what I could write about for this month and then thought; why don’t we focus on how we can enjoy more time in our homes without having to do a major renovation and thus came the idea; How to Create a Cozy Home.
Now creating a warmer and inviting vibe in your home can be costly but I’m here to also tell you as a designer, it can also be not as expensive as one may think. And because I’m a clever gal, I’ve pulled together some of my best ideas of ways you can achieve the feeling of sitting in front of a wood fireplace in a cabin in the middle of the woods with a hot cup of tea and a good book… but you don’t need any of that because you’re still in your own home.
So I like to lean on the senses when I want mimic the “toasty vibes” so think of that when you’re planning out your space and the cozy factors;
Scents are a great way to trick the brain into thinking something is wonderful when in turn it’s not (AKA you’re not standing in the middle of a forest huffing a spruce tree, you’re standing in your kitchen full of dirty dishes loading the dishwasher for the 100th time this week). Candles are a a great way to introduce an inviting scent into your home and since I also love to shop local these are some of my fav local candle places are: Sohum Scent Bar & Maison Ora. Another way to introduce scent into your home is diffusers - I have one in my home and I like to alternate this with candles. I typically get my essential oils from Faerhaven or Sage. I also love a good room spray or sheet spray and this one from Sage is it for me!
If you’re not into buying scents or are allergic/sensitive to scents and you’d rather craft your own, a simmer pot is always something you can do and typically have everything on hand! This is honestly the perfect way to bring in those holiday season vibes with some cinnamon sticks and orange slices.
Obviously colour in a space can have a huge visual impact so if you’re feeling adventurous, an accent colour that has a warm hue can really make a space feel inviting. This can be worked into your space in so many ways like using different accent pillows and blankets, seasonal artwork, colourful accessories and even painting a room (if you’re feeling adventurous and full of energy).
Layering textiles can also play up on the coziness of space whether that’s adding a throw to your couch or chairs, layering a rug or a runner in your space, changing out bath towels etc.. I always say that you should consider using different types of textiles meaning maybe you work in a knit pillow somewhere and instead of going with a knit blanket, maybe you’ve found a plush faux fur throw that pairs nicely with it. Don’t be afraid to mix and match - this makes things visually interesting.
Think about the lighting in your home. In designer terms, I typically like a 4,000 kelvin light for my general overhead lighting. It’s a neutral soft light that isn’t too warm and isn’t too cold but for my lamps and other decorative fixtures, sometimes I will layer in something that is a 3,000 kelvin so much warmer and gives off the yellow toned light. Also if you have the option and like funky light fixtures, take a peek at a fixture with smoked glass (see before/after video of my showroom and notice smoked glass pendant lights).
Incorporating a little nature is never a bad thing and that can either be done with faux stuff from somewhere like Michaels or the real stuff from a store or even your yard. This can be really anything from plants, maybe sticks from a beautiful evergreen tree outside, fake branches with leaves on them, or a beautiful seasonal floral bouquet from the grocery store or your favourite florist in town. Really, anything that brings in a natural element into your space is good in my books because nature is so calming and if you’re able to incorporate some of that inside, it brings in a totally organic vibe!
Create a space in your home that isn’t centered around the television and by that I mean maybe a cozy reading chair or a space that you can just relax and not be as social as you are in other areas of your home. If you don’t have the space for that, you can mock up a small area even in your bedroom like a couple decor pillows and a cozy blanket on your bed that you can lay with or in your home office, a comfy office chair with a nice lumbar pillow and a moody lamp.
Setting your thermostat on a schedule seems like a no-brainer but it’s something I’ve done in my house that some people don’t really think much about. So in my home, I like to sleep at a colder temperature so I set the thermostat to a lower temp at 10pm at night (usually I’m in bed by then) so when I fall asleep I’m falling asleep in cooler comfort and then by 7am the heat kicks back on so when I’m getting up and ready for the day, the house is warming up and I’m not having to be under a thousand blankets for the morning. I love my Nest Thermostat (not sponsored, I just like it) because I can control it with my phone through their app.
Creating a hot beverage station is super fun and useful (especially for guests). I like to have an area that has all different teas and other hot beverage options available on hand. I have my kettle all set-up and ready to go as well as my coffee machine and goods to pair with it! If you’re curious by what I mean about coffee goods - check out my LTK section for that.
Personalize your space with things that make your heart happy like family photos, mementos from trips, custom-made photo albums or even family heirlooms (think antique items). These little custom things you can use in your space to make you feel just as warm and fuzzy inside as you do feel outside.
Lastly, other ways to make your home feel cozy but don’t necessarily mean you have to change or add anything into your home are things like slippers or cozy socks, a nice cozy sweater or housecoat, and even a good book. Some of these things you can tote along with you to other peoples homes just to make yourself more comfortable and also make for a great gift (if that’s something on your radar during the visit).
The list could be never-ending (seriously, I have so many ideas) but at least this is a great start and you can now look at your space and evaluate the snug-ness in your home and find ways to improve it for you and anyone who visits.
If you ever have any ideas to add to this blog OR have a topic you’d love to read about, just send me a note - I would be happy to hear from you! Sometimes the best blogs are suggestions from readers on what they would enjoy reading about, almost nothing is off the table at this point (hahaha, I’ve literally talked about my moustache).
And as always, thanks for making the trek over to read my latest blog and I hope you stay warm and cozy for the colder months to come!
Cheers to Fall,
Markie.