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Kelsey Mulvey Kelsey Mulvey Kelsey Mulvey is a lifestyle editor and writer. She has written for publications like Wall Street Journal, Business Insider, Wallpaper.com, New York Magazine, and more.
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Regardless of size, style, or location, one thing’s for sure: Home should be your happy place. It’s where you’re able to retreat from the rest of the world to kick back, relax and … you know, get a little cozy. When you think about cozying up your place, draping a throw blanket over your couch, lighting a soothing candle, or snuggling up with a warm beverage might be the first things that come to mind. But if you want to take the next step to up your home’s cozy factor year-round, there are other ways to weave comfort into your overall decor scheme.
“Styling your home doesn’t take a ton of money or effort,” says Molly Torres Portnof of DATE Interiors. “It’s an incredibly effective way to usher in warm, cozy vibes as long as it’s done with intention.” So, where to begin? To help, I chatted with a few designers to share tiny, thoughtful tweaks to make your space feel infinitely cozier. From a refined color scheme to a surge of textures, here’s proof that comfort and style can go hand in hand.
Try your luck with textures.
When it comes to making your home cozy, a little bit of texture can go a long way. “If you want to create a truly cozy space, you need to be thoughtful in layering in the cozy,” says Candace Shure of Shure Design Studio. “Variety is key here, and considering how you want to experience the space will help guide your decisions for adding in which cozy elements for maximum effect.”
A throw blanket and some plush pillows are great ways to start, but why not kick things up a notch? Interior designer Christine Vroom recommends “a textured paint like lime washing or plaster, or a really plush rug.” You can mix and match textiles in the same color, too.
Lean into layered lighting.
Texture isn’t the only thing you should layer in your home: A mix of lighting can be the bright idea you were looking for. While you can ditch the overhead lights for table lamps, floor lights, and sconces, you’ll also want to invest in the right bulbs. “I would check to make sure all your lighting temperature in your house is the same,” recommends Alina Wolhardt of Boston-based firm Wolf in Sheep Design. “The key is 2700K temperature for a warm light. You also want to make sure you have dimmers installed, which is a fairly simple thing to do.”
Find statement foliage.
Not only can a houseplant improve your mental health and your home’s air quality, but it can also offer a comforting charm. “You don’t need to overdo it, but pick one corner of your house in your living room and maybe your bedroom where you can potentially add a statement plant or tree,” Wolhardt says. For a place to start, take a look at these indoor trees that are suitable for every type of plant parent.
Streamline your color scheme.
From provoking productivity to creating a sense of calm, color can play a major role in your home’s overall vibe. When it comes to keeping things cozy, designer Linda Hayslett encourages you to keep your colors to a minimum. “An easily accessible tweak in making your home feel cozy — without going overboard or into some major construction — is to pick two to three colors that are similar in hue and stick to only those colors for furniture and accessories,” she recommends. For a fail-proof combo, Hayslett is a big fan of pairing cream with chocolate and tan.
Curate your collections.
They say the devil lies in the details, but it’s those small touches that make your home feel incredibly cozy. Instead of treating those little accents as an afterthought, put your personal items on full display. Jessica Shaw of The Turett Collaborative says this is an especially smart move if you have a collection of vinyl records, vases, or anything.
“Groupings of things that you enjoy will deepen your own appreciation for them and create curiosity in those who visit,” says Shaw. “This kind of cozy is one of the best, as it promotes an emotional warmth as well as physical.” Try to arrange your items in a compelling, visually intriguing manner, but if you need some pointers, you can’t go wrong with the rule of three.
Add personal art.
A picture might be worth a thousand words, but walls filled with personal photos and pieces can create a tapestry of your life story. “Adding art or pictures that are meaningful to the homeowner is an instant way to make a space cozy,” says Emily Del Bello. Take a walk down memory lane by creating a gallery wall of your favorite moments or sprinkle in some unconventional items like a sports jersey or a framed silk scarf. The result? A space that’s both cozy and conversation-sparking.
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