How to Make a Contemporary Living Room Feel Cosy
Embrace the change in season by upping the snug factor
Susannah Hutchison
23 November 2018
Houzz Contributor
The angular lines and sleek surfaces that are the hallmarks of contemporary rooms are undoubtedly stylish, but they can lack the cosy appeal of more traditionally styled spaces. In the winter months, most of us spend more time indoors, so check out these ways to make the idea of an evening at home with your feet up on the sofa even more appealing.
Expose some brick
Neatly plastered white walls are a contemporary design staple, but see how cosy this seating area looks with its one exposed brick wall.
The rough, textural feel of the masonry provides a welcome contrast to the adjacent plastered walls and crisp furniture in the rest of the room.
If brick isn’t an option in your home, a wood-panelled wall will achieve a similar tactile feel.
Neatly plastered white walls are a contemporary design staple, but see how cosy this seating area looks with its one exposed brick wall.
The rough, textural feel of the masonry provides a welcome contrast to the adjacent plastered walls and crisp furniture in the rest of the room.
If brick isn’t an option in your home, a wood-panelled wall will achieve a similar tactile feel.
Soften with velvet
Expansive glazing is great on a sparkling sunny day, but as the evenings draw in, it can feel a little cold. What’s needed is some soft texture. A plush, velvet sofa like this one makes the space instantly more inviting.
If you don’t want to invest in a new sofa, soften up an existing one with throws and cushions.
Look for throws and cushions in the Houzz Shop.
Expansive glazing is great on a sparkling sunny day, but as the evenings draw in, it can feel a little cold. What’s needed is some soft texture. A plush, velvet sofa like this one makes the space instantly more inviting.
If you don’t want to invest in a new sofa, soften up an existing one with throws and cushions.
Look for throws and cushions in the Houzz Shop.
Paper a wall
The designers of this living room have used wallpaper to add a cosy feel to the modern space. By choosing two different but toning designs, they’ve added interest while ensuring the patterns don’t overwhelm the room.
Choose clean-lined furniture and lighting to keep the look contemporary and uncluttered.
The designers of this living room have used wallpaper to add a cosy feel to the modern space. By choosing two different but toning designs, they’ve added interest while ensuring the patterns don’t overwhelm the room.
Choose clean-lined furniture and lighting to keep the look contemporary and uncluttered.
Get the light right
Good lighting is key to creating the right atmosphere. Use wall lights, spots, pendants and lamps for a layered effect that’s warm and inviting – and don’t forget to fit dimmer switches where possible.
This room combines different types of lighting in different positions, from ceiling spots to a cluster of pendant lights, a floor lamp, and an LED strip beneath the wall cupboards to create a soft glow lower down.
Need some expert help? Find lighting professionals in your area.
Good lighting is key to creating the right atmosphere. Use wall lights, spots, pendants and lamps for a layered effect that’s warm and inviting – and don’t forget to fit dimmer switches where possible.
This room combines different types of lighting in different positions, from ceiling spots to a cluster of pendant lights, a floor lamp, and an LED strip beneath the wall cupboards to create a soft glow lower down.
Need some expert help? Find lighting professionals in your area.
Team with timber
Wood adds natural warmth to a space, whether it’s thanks to furniture, fittings, or even just a neat pile of decorative sawn logs near the fireplace.
The timber elements in this room provide a cosy contrast to the clean lines, plain walls and glossy modern storage furniture.
Wood adds natural warmth to a space, whether it’s thanks to furniture, fittings, or even just a neat pile of decorative sawn logs near the fireplace.
The timber elements in this room provide a cosy contrast to the clean lines, plain walls and glossy modern storage furniture.
Fire up
You can’t beat a fire for giving a snug feel to a room, and you don’t have to have a traditional mantelpiece to make it work in your contemporary living room. There are many clean-lined designs on the market, including letterbox-style fireplaces and wood-burning stoves like this one.
If your home doesn’t already have a fireplace, you might need to hire a professional to install a flue. Alternatively, consider a bioethanol fire, which doesn’t need a flue and is relatively easy to install.
No chimney breast? No problem. See alternative ways to create a feature in your living room.
You can’t beat a fire for giving a snug feel to a room, and you don’t have to have a traditional mantelpiece to make it work in your contemporary living room. There are many clean-lined designs on the market, including letterbox-style fireplaces and wood-burning stoves like this one.
If your home doesn’t already have a fireplace, you might need to hire a professional to install a flue. Alternatively, consider a bioethanol fire, which doesn’t need a flue and is relatively easy to install.
No chimney breast? No problem. See alternative ways to create a feature in your living room.
Treat your toes
Hard flooring, from wood to polished concrete, is a popular and practical choice in a contemporary living room, but it can feel a bit unforgiving underfoot. So why not warm things up with a luxurious rug?
Choose a large one with a texture that’s a delight for toes. Viscose, silk and wool are pleasingly soft, or try a sink-into faux fur number.
Tell us…
How would you warm up a space for winter? Share your ideas in the Comments section.
Hard flooring, from wood to polished concrete, is a popular and practical choice in a contemporary living room, but it can feel a bit unforgiving underfoot. So why not warm things up with a luxurious rug?
Choose a large one with a texture that’s a delight for toes. Viscose, silk and wool are pleasingly soft, or try a sink-into faux fur number.
Tell us…
How would you warm up a space for winter? Share your ideas in the Comments section.
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Bannock, Your story is very interesting. Thank you.
For a quick update, adding a variety of textures is the most straightforward way to up your living room’s cosy factor.
If your living room is a good size, you can afford to be experimental with rich colour.
Adding prints that are synonymous with cheerful country style can be another simple way to make your living room feel more inviting.
Yes to all! Wall texture or wall paper can definitely cozy up a room, in addition to Neutral colors, wood, and last but not least rugs. I invite you to visit my online store for a stunning collection of handmade Moroccan rugs that would bring warmth and character to your space.
https://bohoconvention.com/