Life moves fast. Work, family and constant notifications can make home feel like just another stop in the daily routine. Your home should be the opposite – a space that slows things down and helps you reset. Here are some practical ways to make your home more comfortable, calm and inviting.
Start by Simplifying
Clutter is the visual equivalent of noise. It’s there, can you tune it out or does it hinder your ability to relax? Start with your surfaces, keep your counters clear. If it’s not used daily, store it away. You’ve likely accumulated a collection of knicknacks – but one quality statement piece is going to stand out much more than a shelf full of stuff from Home Goods. Less “stuff” means more room for breathing space.
Warm Up with Natural Elements
We’ve discussed this numerous times in these blogs, incorporating natural elements into your space. Think about how certain settings or destinations have made you feel. How can you incorporate natural materials into your existing space? Think wood, stone, leather and plants. Consider a reclaimed wood shelf, live-edge piece from a local craftsman or a few indoor plants. Earthy tones age well and have been proven to create a sense of calm. Personally, my family loves weekends when we are all home and build a fire in the fireplace.
Layer Lighting for Comfort
Lighting sets the mood more than any paint color can. Use warm bulbs instead of sterile white ones. If there is not existing wiring for sconce lighting, consider table lamps to add softer lighting in the evening hours. Dimmer switches (with dimmable fixtures!) are worth every penny, letting you dial in the scene you. I am a big fan of the Philips Hue line and all of their customizable features.
Create Spaces That Invite Rest
Every home should have at least one spot to “slow down”. A calming corner, a breakfast nook, a back patio. That reading corner should have a great chair and soft lighting. Morning sun is the best feeling while eating in a breakfast nook. The quiet back patio is the best place to start the day with coffee or end the day with your favorite beverage. Where in your home can you create a space that makes you want to stop and pause?
Use Scent and Sound to Set the Tone
Cozy isn’t just what you see, it’s what you experience. This time of year homes are filled with scents both natural and artificial. If you are like me, and affected by artificial scents, try something more subtle like cedar, vanilla or eucalyptus. Frame TVs have been used in decorating and much more common over the last half decade. Consider one of the many YouTube channels that have natural sounds or a relaxing playlist of your favorite music. Opening a window for several minutes a day, no matter the weather, will reset the mood of any room.
Make It Personal
When a job closes and we go out to get photos and videos, we ask that the space reflects the homeowners, and not feel staged. Why? Because people live in cozy homes. Take time to frame your family photos, and display artwork that is meaningful to you or your family. Display items that tell your story, not some random piece you purchased for your second apartment during your mid twenties era. Think of a framed map of a place you love to visit or grandfather’s old tools. These small touches remind you that your home is yours.
Creating a cozy home isn’t about obtaining more stuff, it’s about curating an environment that allows you to reset, refresh and refocus. When your home reflects you and your family and supports how you live, every room becomes a place you actually want to be in.
Leave a Reply