Having a lounge that feels like a big hug at the end of a long day, is what really feels like home to me. Having a space that is inviting, wholesome and relaxing for you to retreat in, can bring much joy and grounding to everyday life. I think so often the word cosy is associated with colder seasons, “cosy knits, jackets and throws”, but actually the word cosy means ”to give the feeling of comfort." So, tell me- why you wouldn’t want the heart of the home to feel this way?
There are a few things you can look at to creating this space in your home, such as colours, textures, lighting and even smells. The way the furniture is planned out and the elements that allow you to store and de-clutter, all contributes to the feeling of sanctuary.
Living rooms are used for so many different reasons, whether it’s the hub of the home for all the family, or just somewhere you retreat to in the evening. Cosy interiors evoke the feeling’s of relaxation, happiness and restoration.
Choosing the Right Color Palette
Although cosy, means comfortable. Comfortable can mean so much to different people, so I am a little open with my advice here. Perhaps you’re one for a dark, moody space that feels like a cocoon or perhaps cosy for you is neutrals that feel unimposing and light.
Colours evoke different emotions depending on the tone that is used, thus making this aspect of interior design so very personal.
I would encourage you to take a moment as cosy colours, aren’t always what you think. Focus more on the saturation of the colour, the deeper and more intense a colour is, generally will create a more cocooned and warm feeling in the space, whether that’s light or dark hues. So, first decide what colour you like the look of, how much natural light you have or perhaps what flows with the rest of the home, cream, blue, red and even grey can all be considered as long as the tone emits the right feels, you’re on the right track.
Once you have the main colour in the bag, decide how this will be used. Monochromic spaces, basically means you’re using the same colour throughout, perhaps with varied tones to add interest and dimension. Combinations of colours, is the most common decor choice, using complimentary accessories or focal walls to create a harmonious scheme.
Whichever the method, ensure there is balance and thought behind the use of colour. A colour pop occasional chair is a great feature, however consider adding an colour match artwork or a vase too, just to allow it all to make a little more sense and feel less random.
Comfortable and Inviting Furniture Selection
So with any interior designing, we look to space planning for logic and sense of a room. Very often, the living room is planned around the television, not a faux pas but simply logic! Think about how that space is going to be used, perhaps just for chatting, reading or watching the children play. The furniture arrangement is important to make the space flow and function correctly. Commonly, if the space is big enough, i'd bring the sofa’s off the wall and centralise them in the middle of the room. This just makes a big area, feel more useable and refined. However, if you don’t have space, consider one chunky, plush sofa to snuggle into with perhaps an occasional chair for balance.
Plan the space that is best for the activity. Face sofa’s opposite each other to aid conversation, don’t have your back to a fireplace and keep furniture away from obstructing natural light. Some of the basics to think about, as well as zoning, if you’re blessed with a larger room think about zoning the space with tables and seating to avoid the space feeling bare. Cosy rooms, are generally confined to smaller floor space to make the room feel warmer so don’t be afraid to zone your room to get the right look.
Make the best use of the space, without congesting it and then look to the fabrics and upholstery you use. Velvet, boucle, wools and weaves all scream comfort and cosy to me, having a soft feel which is warm but chic. Leather seating is sometimes really the most practical choice for some, which is fine too and i’ll discuss how that can be layered in the next section, to give the same feeling whilst still being functional.
Layering with Textiles and Throws
Whatever main fabrics you use, layering them with other textures helps create depth, interest and warmth to a space. Think of it, a little like dressing yourself, Cotton top, wool coat, velvet skirt and leather boots. Combining a range of materials, in similar colours and tones brings a your overall look and feel together. There are a range of accessories for interiors to add into your layers to make the space feel cosy, such as scatter cushions, throws, rugs and pouffe’s.
Mixing textures, is usually quite easy if you follow the same type of colour and vary the tones so there is a some contrast and not clash such as, cream, beige and brown. All the same colour but different depth. When it comes to pattern however, this is a little more tasking but not impossible. You need to try and consider how the colour combinations work, the pattern scales and then texture. If you are in doubt, choose two/three colours that work in your scheme, get one velvet plain, one animal print/ geometric with two of the colours and one weave texture which combines all colours.
My advice to all my clients, is that accessorising is the best way to keep a room fresh for different seasons. It may be that during the summer, you want to swap in some light linens and cottons and for the winter bring in some chenille and wools. You don’t need to change the whole room, to make the same feel seasonal, just be open to changing of the colours and textures of the soft furnishings.
Image Credit: Ikea
Creating Warmth with Lighting
When it comes to lighting in a room, first look at the natural light, it may be that your lounge is streaming with natural light so you want to avoid heavy window treatments to allow the space to feel the warmth of the sun during the day. Or, perhaps the room isn’t so light, and is used more in the evening when the sun is down. Whatever, your room is like naturally, lighting is important to carry out task and function. The lighting can also change the way the colours in the room are viewed, thus changing the whole mood of a space. Cosy rooms, are generally lit with a warm white light and layered.
There are three main types of artificial lighting in a space, task, ambient and accent which combine together to create a scheme. Consider using lamps around the room, to carry out tasks like reading, seeing the remote control or even to just sit and have a chat. Ambient lighting, such as spot lights and central pendants, are great for an overall room and perhaps you could put these on a dimmer so they are less overbearing when the room is used for relaxing. Adding in accent and decorative lighting, such as LED strip lighting in shelving, wall lights or in floor lighting is another feature to emphasise artwork or architectural features etc. Having the ability, to switch some of these lights on allows the space to dim down and creates a relaxing ambience for your cosy lounge.
If installing new circuits around the room, isn’t as easy for you. Candles are also a beautiful way to create a cosy atmosphere. Not only the wonderful smell emitted, but the subtle flickering of the deep yellow flame, really gives a warm, inviting and chilled out feeling to the space, whether you’re winding down or entertaining.
Introducing Natural Elements
When creating a cosy space, the word soft often comes to mind. Soft colours, fabrics and materials for your furniture. In this case, my advice would be, try and incorporate elements of earth, that feel natural and biophilic. By having elements that are natural, within the home such as plants, trees and materials like wood, give an instinctive connection to nature that allows us to feel calm, improves wellbeing and makes us more productive.
There are so many ways you can soften your space, and bring in textures using this biophilic design method. Consider plants as a starting point, its the easiest way to bring the outdoors in, and if you’re like me and don’t always have the best relationship with indoor plants, then there is so much in the way of artificial plants too. By adding in plants, this can also be the pop accent colour you need to layer your scheme, even if you decide on a monochromatic colour way for your room, a plant can be a genius statement.
As well as plants, when it comes to furniture and accessories, woods, stones and even glass are a great way to go. By using these materials, you’re moving towards a really timeless scheme that brings in textures, colours and form to the room.
Image Credit: Soho Home
Personalising with Décor and Accessories
Whenever I design spaces for my clients, I always leave areas for personal touches. It’s the key way, to make you feel at home in your space. Whether it’s a vase you inherited, photos of your babies or a cherished gift. Having something that’s apart of your life’s journey, provides a natural comfort in the home.
There are many way to display photos, and it doesn’t mean all the pictures need to work together. Consider changing the frames, so they fit in with the scheme you have created to give a cohesive look. Could you create a gallery wall? Or perhaps the console can be styled around a beautiful collection of frames. Keep your cherished mementoes apart of your home decor for a truly cosy feel.
However, I have to say it’s important to balance clutter and styling. Storage is vital to avoid a space becoming overwhelming, by-passing cosy and moving into chaos. Especially if you have little ones, a place to store their books and plastic toy monstrosities away when they’ve gone to bed allows you to truly enjoy your own cosy environment without the mess.
Cosy Fireplace and Entertainment Area
So after discussing how the furniture can be arranged around the tv or perhaps the fireplace. How can we make it all feel apart of the space? Storage in the home, is a fabulous way to hide clutter for a more comfortable scheme. Built-in media units is a great way to incorporate discrete hideaways as well as making these elements feel encompassing.
The fireplace in a room, whether its electric or gas really epitomises cosy. Similar to the affect of a candle, the flicking light gives a stunning glow to the room, especially during the evening. There are so many styles, from traditional stone surrounds to contemporary recessed models. There are many types of bespoke joinery, that can be built around for practicality and completeness. So, if you can have the seating planned around a fire that would be the best layout for truly cosy room.
However, I am aware it isn’t always possible for a fire and perhaps your snug space, is for Netflix and family movies nights. The television has really become the focal of rooms, and in the past it may have been a huge faux pas. But let’s embrace it! Still consider how bespoke furniture, whether that is simple shelving, or fully built in media units can help incorporate the screen into your scheme vs having it as a stand along piece on a wall looking a little like an eyesore. Build the room around where you’re sitting, for a fully cosy feel.
Embracing Hygge and Minimalism
Hygge is a Danish word, which first appeared in the 1800s and was associated with wellbeing. In recent times, the word has organically moved into the realm of Interiors, since a lot of how we feel is associated with home. Hygge evokes the feeling of extreme cosines, through the way you design your home.
Making a cosy space doesn’t need to be complicated, it is actually a very simple. The feeling of calm and happiness as mentioned, can differ for us all. However, soft and comfortable textures, the warmth of a fire or candles and clutter-free space is a place to start to creating a cosy and comfortable room to enjoy time for you or sharing with loved ones.
Image credit: Pinterest
Inviting Scents and Aromatherapy
Candles have been used in a variety of way, to evoke the feeling of comfort and calm. Churches, spa’s and even yoga classes. The warmth of the flame, the flickering of the light and more particularly the smell emitted can evoke emotions of happiness, calm and relaxation.
There are so many scents and essential oils around, that evoke positive and sometimes negative emotions in each of us. It is really about choosing the one that makes you feel secure and happy, such as Vanilla, Lavender, Jasmine or Oud. For the same reason, retailers spray scents into stores to make you feel a certain way in the space so you keep returning, you should consider the same to complete the feeling of peace, safety and joy within your home. Make is your place, you can’t wait to come back to.
Conclusion
There is so much joy in creating a living room, that is cosy, comfortable and brings joy whether you are reading a book, watching a tv series or making memories with loved ones. Home should feel like your safe space. Whatever cosy is to you the tips discussed above can really contribute to getting you on your way to creating your space.
Always input your personality, cherished items and photos within your space so it feels more you. The feeling of comfort is often associated with familiarity, so make space for your favourite pieces and photos.
There are no set rules only recommendation, comfort and cosy is a personal feeling so keep swapping and changing until you get the room that good for you.
