6 ways to instantly make a home cosier and more inviting
We inevitably spend more time indoors over the winter months as the nights get longer and colder — and, according to interior designers, there are a few easy ways to make your home feel cosier, to help create a relaxing retreat with a few simple tweaks.
A cosy home encourages slow living with an inviting space to unwind and recharge. Ambient lighting, candles and an assortment of comfortable textures are initial building blocks for creating a more welcoming home, but you can use plenty of other techniques to update your space.
“A cosy home space offers a ‘mental retreat’,” says psychologist Dr Lara Zibarras. “Soft lighting, candles, and calming scents like lavender positively affect the nervous system, helping us feel more relaxed and supporting better sleep.
"Dim lighting and gentle scents act as signals for our brains, prompting us to switch off from the day’s stresses. By creating a ‘safe-haven’, we associate certain cues – like low lighting or a soft blanket – with calmness, training our minds to relax."
Interior designer Nicolene Mausenbaum echos this sentiment, telling Country Living: "The Danish concept of Hygge is more appropriate than ever to embody at this time." 'Hygge' is a feeling of contentment enjoyed alone or with loved ones evoked by comfort and cosiness.
Nicolene continues:"Though an integral part of Scandinavian culture, creating a warm atmosphere and enjoying the good things in life has inspired homeowners worldwide — and the trend shows no sign of slowing down."
6 ways to make a home feel cosier this winter
We asked interiors experts for ways to make a home feel cosier over the festive season and beyond.
1. Add in a warm colour palette
"Colour is so important in helping to create cosy spaces," Georgie Wykeham, of Georgie Wykeham Designs, explains. "Warm colours with red undertones, especially in north-facing rooms, really help to create warmth.
"My all-time favourite colour to use is a lovely warm pink or terracotta. You can also use paints to create depth and warmth; this is often especially impactful on joinery, using one colour on the joinery and another at the back adds to the cosy feel."
If painting your home is too much effort, you can still lean into a new colour palette using cushion covers, throws and accessories. If your colour scheme is neutral, using different shades of the same colour or similar complementary colours can look striking and luxurious.
"Consider warm, earthy hues like deep reds, burnt oranges and rich browns, which evoke feelings of warmth and comfort," Nicolene suggests.
"If soft pastels are more to your liking, the still-on-trend blush tones, soft blues and muted yellows will help create a calming and relaxed atmosphere. Add a pop of colour with accents of jewel tones like emerald green, deep teal or even mustard yellow to brighten the colour scheme."
2. Layer your lighting
Lighting is the key to a cosy space; even if you change nothing else, adding warmer lights and candlelight can completely transform a space.
"Combine overhead pendant lighting with table and floor lamps and even some accent lights to create an inviting space," Nicolene explains.
"A simple fix is to choose warm-toned bulbs to emit a soft, warm glow, but if changing your fittings is an option, it's always a great idea to opt for dimmable lighting to help adjust the intensity of the lighting to suit the atmosphere you wish to create in your interior."
Georgie suggests working from the bottom up when it comes to layering lighting. She says: "I often work from the floor up, table lamps, floor lamps, joinery lighting if applicable, picture and wall lights and then a ceiling pendant or directional spots to light up specific elements of a room. If possible, it helps to have two circuits: a 5amp circuit for low-level lighting and a second circuit for wall and ceiling lighting — even better, use a dimmer system!"
3. Set the mood with candlelight
Candlelight is a key principle of Hygge and can help to create a cosy atmosphere in just about any space.
Nicolene suggests: "Scented candles are also a timeless classic to appeal to the senses." Try maxi tea lights dotted around in glass ramekins and dishes or coloured tapered candles in mismatched holders for a kitsch, vintage look.
4. Layer soft furnishings
Layering is the key to a cosier space, particularly when creating a cosier atmosphere in larger or more rustic spaces. "Try a few rugs on top of rugs or in larger rooms," Georgie explains. "Rugs can also help to zone a space, which helps make it feel more cosy."
Opt for soft and tactile textures like velvet, cashmere, faux fur and fleecy material. "Soft fabrics naturally create a cosy atmosphere," Chris Morgan, from Ronseal, explains. "Simply adding some plush cushions and blanket throws can help to create a welcoming, den-like environment."
5. Build up accessories
Clutter gets a bit of a bad reputation, but building up accessories can add warmth and character to a room — just make sure it's kept tidy and organised to keep things from looking chaotic.
"I always think lots of books create a homely space," Georgie explains. "Books on shelves or piled on an ottoman or coffee table look effective; the more, the better! Trays and flowers all add to the build-up of a room. Artwork is also brilliant for adding layers — and I love full walls."
Nicolene echoes this sentiment, adding: "Always remember to add a personal touch to any space by including favourite memorabilia, books and keepsakes that reflect your personality and give the authentic feel of a warm, inviting home."
For those trying to create a cosier space in an open-plan room, building up accessories around a focal point can help to create a more inviting look. "If you have an open-plan room, create focal points around a fireplace or beautiful statement artwork, arranging comfortable furniture to create conversational areas," Chris suggests.
He continues: "Other areas within the same space can be set up to suit different purposes and multi-generation family units, like intimate reading nooks, large seating areas for family and friends, or even a games area. Catering to each generation's creature comforts while still in the same room further enhances the mutual enjoyment of your home."
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6. Prioritise functionality
Part of what makes a space feel homely and comforting is its practicality. A comfy corner of the sofa with a designated space for a book and warm drink and a throw or blanket nearby, if it gets a little chillier, is guaranteed to boost serotonin — it's all about making your spaces easy to navigate and as comfortable as possible.
"You need to think about what that space will be used for; are you looking to entertain and host? Or do you want to sit down and relax?" Chris explains.
While Georgie agrees:"Functionality also really helps with a warm and inviting feeling; lots of little tables for drinks is imperative!"
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