Evelyn Carson
Whether you have a small space, high ceilings, or a vast open floor plan, the right design can turn any room into somewhere you want to spend time. When it comes to interior design, cozy usually describes spaces that make you want settle in with friends or family for good conversation, snuggle up with a blanket and a good book, or relax and unwind from daily stresses.
Make sure to include a variety of textures to create depth using any number of elements: wallpaper, gloss and matte finishes, fabric upholstery, leather, wood blinds, sheer curtains, blankets, pillows, rugs—anything that adds cozy contrast. Soft, plush sofas and chairs invite you to sink in and relax, while wood storage pieces, such as benches or console tables, add warmth and depth. A big, overstuffed easy chair in a small space can create a claustrophobic or cluttered feeling, while the same piece in a large, open living room can be cozy and inviting. Recessed or track lighting with a dimmer switch provides function, while floor or table lamps and spotlighting can add to the cozy ambiance.
Choose a wooden coffee table or shelving, add some houseplants, or install grass or bamboo shades to bring the great outdoors inside. Not only can an area rug bring in additional colors and textures, it can also indicate subconsciously that “this is the comfort zone.”
Choose throw pillows in coordinating colors and a variety of textures to add interest and depth to sofas and chairs. Whether you live in a small apartment or a modest house, you’ve probably used the word “cozy” as a euphemism to describe your tiny space. a piece of furniture before you bring it home to make sure it will fit and won’t overwhelm the room. Choose functional furniture , such as an ottoman with storage space inside or side tables with drawers, to keep the room organized and uncluttered.
, such as an ottoman with storage space inside or side tables with drawers, to keep the room organized and uncluttered. Consider window treatments with clean, simple lines, such as blinds or shutters, to avoid visual bulk and allow in natural light. To make a big living room feel cozier, it’s important to use the space thoughtfully.
Choose proportional furniture; larger, overstuffed pieces can work well in a big space, but to preserve sightlines you may want to stick with lower profiles rather than something like a high wingback chair. Group seating close together and away from walls to create a warmer, more intimate setting. If you living room is long or oddly shaped, create separate spaces for multiple cozy zones.
A decorative screen can also be an effective visual cue for creating a cozy living area in large open floor plan. High ceilings can be visually stunning—but they aren’t always ideal for making a living room feel cozy.
For a warmer, more inviting living room, avoid the instinct to create a divide, which will only draw attention to how much space exists vertically.
Hang long custom draperies at the ceiling, no matter where the top of the window stops, to create the illusion of a cohesive space.
Hang framed art pieces or photos floor to ceiling for a fun gallery wall that adds charming personality, or create a feature wall with shelving and books for the cozy home library you’ve always wanted.
