You may very well be living in your dream dwelling but something feels off. A house can be huge, immaculate, and even well decorated and still feel like it is lacking something. What’s often missing is a feeling of comfort or a coziness that people want to feel not only when they are having people over, but also when they are ready to lounge themselves. If your house feels a bit cold to you, we can help. Read on for five tips on how to give your home a more comfortable feel.
- Add Throw Blankets and Pillows
Even the highest quality leather couch you can find can sometimes feel a bit cold. A casually laid out throw blanket can take a harsh feeling leather couch and turn it into a furry haven for watching TV. And while pillows are often removed from couches when people want to lounge, they still provide a casual look that can take your room’s look from cold to comfy. What can even make the room or rooms appear more laid back are statement pillows. Whether it’s got a cheeky saying or a photo of your dog on it, these will take an area from serious to silly while still managing to looking stylish.
- Light Up the Room
Nothing can cozy up a room quite like a string of strategically placed twinkle lights. It adds a bit of whimsy, which is just what a stuffy room can often use. Let the wild rumpus start! Candles are another simple touch. When lit, the warmth it adds to a room can be quite magical. If you’re into that kind of thing, go for ones that will add your favorite scents. Some of these are quite “out there” these days, with some candles claiming to smell like certain cities or this cheeky Old Books candle for book lovers.
If you feel like your room could use more natural light, consider opening it up with some windows and/or French doors (if the room leads to the outside). As an added bonus, natural light can often make a small space look bigger. Lastly, is there anything more soothing than the light and warmth that comes from a fireplace? If you don’t already have one in the room and/or rooms you’re looking to make more comfortable, it could be time to add one. Don’t forget to put the fuzzy rug in front!
- Add Area Rugs
Tile and hardwood floors can be quite stylish but can also lend themselves to a room that doesn’t feel quite as cozy. If it’s a large room that’s not carpeted, consider adding some area rugs for literal and metaphorical warmth. Whether you go for a traditional Oriental rug or some retro shag, these can add a casual vibe to any room. Plus your feet (and your pets!) will thank you. The masterminds behind Frontier Properties have said that they always add these for staging purposes when trying to sell a home. Area rugs warm up a room in an instant.
- Perfect Your Paint Colors
Think your paint colors don’t affect the comfortable feel of your home? Think again. As this TrueValuePaint.com article notes, “Warm colors like red, yellow and orange can produce feelings of warmth or aggressiveness, while cool colors like green and blue can be calming or depressing.” This CountryLiving.com article is also worth a look, as it suggests paint colors that will surely make a room cozier. The Peachy Gold, Subtle Pink (don’t judge this one ‘til you take a peek!), and Rustic Green are our faves. The rooms shown with these colors on the walls are warm and inviting—just what you’ve been seeking.
- Pepper With Casual Furniture
If you bought your furniture from a store with the word “Modern” in it, chances are it looks amazing but is about as comfortable as sitting or lying on a morgue table. We’re not saying you need to sell these pieces, per se, but you can add some comfy touches to counteract their effects. A beanbag chair always adds a fun touch, especially on movie nights—although you’ll have to battle the kids for a spot. A cozy sectional is also a must on these nights, as no one wants to watch a flick while lying on something that’s rock hard. And, of course, the papasan chair is the ultimate in comfortable chic. When shopping for furniture, it’s simply a matter of envisioning what it’ll be like for lounging nights. Make sure to “try it on” for your lifestyle.
Have a house that feels a bit sterile despite your best efforts? Try adding these five touches and it’ll be the cozy retreat of your dreams.
