The concept of coziness is subjective. A cozy space is usually one that makes you feel comfortable, happy, and content. Maybe it’s a place you can curl up with a mug of cocoa and your favorite book. Maybe it’s where you gather with friends and family to laugh and talk after a long day.
Surround yourself with things that make you feel at home, and coziness will follow.
What Makes a Cozy Space Feel Cozy?
Coziness is a feeling that’s hard to describe. The Danish language has a concept called hygge, which translates loosely as “coziness,” but is really more about appreciating cozy moments. It doesn’t matter if you’re gathering around the fireplace with family or enjoying your morning coffee alone. Hygge is used “when acknowledging a feeling or moment, whether alone or with friends, at home or out, ordinary or extraordinary as cozy, charming or special” (Hygge House).
The truth is, any home can be cozy if it makes you feel cozy. The trick is to incorporate materials, colors, lighting, and other design elements that you love.
Here are some ideas.
Materials
Choose cozy fabrics like fur (or faux fur), velvet, knit, or whatever else gives you that homey feeling. Interesting textures can also make a room feel more comfortable. Wall applications, wood paneling, rustic accents, raw fibers, and organic textiles are all great options when incorporated smartly. Natural wood is another great way to add warmth to a room.
Colors
Any color can be cozy since color preferences are very subjective and vary from person to person. If you want your space to have a restful feel, use patterns sparingly and stick to a tonal color palette (different shades in the same color group). If you’re working with a very small space — like a cute reading nook, a small bathroom, or a sunroom — know that light colors are great for visually opening up small spaces.
Lighting
Harsh lighting can make an otherwise cozy space feel like an interrogation room. Choose soft, warm lighting. Using multiple fixtures and lamps creates a cozier feel by bringing in light from multiple angles. It also gives you the option to customize the amount and type of light to the time of day and even your mood.
Make it your own.
Surround yourself with what you love. Listen to your instincts and choose design elements that make you happy, and you’re sure to feel relaxed and comfy in your space.
Cozy Interior Design Ideas: Furniture, Accessories & More
Cozy interior design isn’t just about aesthetic. It’s also about function. You don’t want your bed and couch to just look comfortable. You want them to be an absolute joy to sit, lie, and sleep on. Whether or not you plan to incorporate new furniture, the right accessories can help make any room feel charming and homey.
The way you arrange your furniture and accessories matters too. A living room fireplace is often a great focal point. You can also help a room feel balanced by making use of the whole space. You might fill unused corners with bookshelves or floor lamps, for example.
Consider incorporating:
- Plush cushions and pillows
- Warm blankets and faux-fur throws
- Soft rugs that feel luxurious to walk on
- Floor and/or table lamps with warm lighting
During the summer, you can still make your space feel cozy by bringing in your favorite flowers or other plants from outside. Summer-themed scented candles are great for evenings too.
Cozy Bedroom Ideas
If there’s one room you want to feel cozy in, it’s the one where you rest your head at the end of the day. Consider these cozy bedroom ideas:
- Soft, luxury sheets
- Big, knit blankets
- A light, fluffy duvet and cover instead of a regular comforter
- Lots of comfortable pillows
- A rug for your feet in the morning
- Warm lighting with lamps and candles
- A small sitting area where you can enjoy tea or coffee in your pajamas
Most importantly, you want your bed to be luxuriously warm and comfortable, but during the hotter months of the year, you might want to temporarily store those big blankets in your linen cabinet and replace them with some lighter summer blankets, like these.
Let Karen Linder Help You Design the Cozy Space of Your Dreams
Are you hoping to make your home cozier? At Karen Linder Interior Design, we can help you create a space that works with your lifestyle and gives you the content, homey feeling you’re looking for.
Call us today at (503) 515-4745 or contact us online.