10 Beautiful Ways to Make Your Home Cosier
Check out these designer ideas for upping your home’s comfort factor during the chillier months
Roisin Lafferty
16 January 2017
Houzz Contributor and founder of Kingston Lafferty Design, an award winning Interior Architecture and design house based in Dublin, that works on residential and commercial projects across Ireland and Europe.
Houzz Contributor and founder of Kingston Lafferty Design, an award winning Interior... More
It’s the best time of the year to hibernate in the comfort of your own home. But how comfortable is it? And how cosy? Whether you’re planning projects to ensure a more inviting space for next winter, or could do with a few quick-fire tips to boost your abode’s snug factor right now, read on.
Paint walls dark
Should you feel inclined to get the paintbrush out, opt for a dark wall paint, such as navy or deep grey, to warm up the space. It’ll make a room feel more intimate, as well as providing a statement backdrop on which to mount art, mirrors or decorations.
Don’t forget your floor colour when picking the perfect inky shade for your room, and try out a few samples. Here, the grey and brown tones in the pale parquet floor complement the deep blue beautifully.
10 ways to give a dark blue living room the wow factor
Should you feel inclined to get the paintbrush out, opt for a dark wall paint, such as navy or deep grey, to warm up the space. It’ll make a room feel more intimate, as well as providing a statement backdrop on which to mount art, mirrors or decorations.
Don’t forget your floor colour when picking the perfect inky shade for your room, and try out a few samples. Here, the grey and brown tones in the pale parquet floor complement the deep blue beautifully.
10 ways to give a dark blue living room the wow factor
Layer up
Add extra blankets and cushions to your sofa or bed during the winter months so you can really snuggle up. It’s a detail that can change the whole mood of a room, too. For example, this neutral-coloured, chunky-knit throw instantly turns up the dial on this room’s paint palette from cool to cosy.
If you have a wooden bed frame, in particular, do channel the power of soft furnishings and accessories for a softening effect. With an upholstered headboard, the extra layer will add a new textural dimension to boost cosiness.
Add extra blankets and cushions to your sofa or bed during the winter months so you can really snuggle up. It’s a detail that can change the whole mood of a room, too. For example, this neutral-coloured, chunky-knit throw instantly turns up the dial on this room’s paint palette from cool to cosy.
If you have a wooden bed frame, in particular, do channel the power of soft furnishings and accessories for a softening effect. With an upholstered headboard, the extra layer will add a new textural dimension to boost cosiness.
Settle in with a stove
If you’ve always wanted a real fire in your home, now’s the time to put one in. It’s easy to prioritise other projects when the weather is warmer, but think about how much you’d appreciate a real fire right now, and think of next winter!
Stoves are an easier option to install, as they come with a flue, so there’s no need to tear down the ceiling and build a chimney. Create a feature in the space with the logs, too – display in rustic baskets or stacked by the fireside.
If you’ve always wanted a real fire in your home, now’s the time to put one in. It’s easy to prioritise other projects when the weather is warmer, but think about how much you’d appreciate a real fire right now, and think of next winter!
Stoves are an easier option to install, as they come with a flue, so there’s no need to tear down the ceiling and build a chimney. Create a feature in the space with the logs, too – display in rustic baskets or stacked by the fireside.
Add a soft touch
If you have benches or stools in your living or dining room, add cushions and throws to them for a more relaxed, cosy vibe. Faux furs and hides are also useful, both as rugs and chair or sofa covers, for an extra bit of texture and warmth.
If you have benches or stools in your living or dining room, add cushions and throws to them for a more relaxed, cosy vibe. Faux furs and hides are also useful, both as rugs and chair or sofa covers, for an extra bit of texture and warmth.
Pick the perfect textiles
The use of particular materials in winter will make your home look, as well as feel, more inviting. Add soft furnishings in wool, velvet, suede and faux fur for instant cosiness. Also, consider patterns such as herringbone and plaid for a fashionable update.
The use of particular materials in winter will make your home look, as well as feel, more inviting. Add soft furnishings in wool, velvet, suede and faux fur for instant cosiness. Also, consider patterns such as herringbone and plaid for a fashionable update.
Choose warm lighting
Create a cosy atmosphere with warm lighting in your living room, dining area or bedroom. Filament bulbs give off a soft glow, while also adding a little design touch. Install them in a pendant above the kitchen island, a wall light in your living room or a bedside lamp for an all-round warm glow.
Create a cosy atmosphere with warm lighting in your living room, dining area or bedroom. Filament bulbs give off a soft glow, while also adding a little design touch. Install them in a pendant above the kitchen island, a wall light in your living room or a bedside lamp for an all-round warm glow.
Warm up wood
If you have a wooden floor – or, indeed, other hard flooring – in your home, simply adding a large rug can instantly change the feel of the room it’s in. Go for a thick-pile rug for extra softness under your feet and added texture in the space.
If the flooring is wood, be mindful of its colour, pattern and grain when picking your rug, so the two complement each other.
If you have a wooden floor – or, indeed, other hard flooring – in your home, simply adding a large rug can instantly change the feel of the room it’s in. Go for a thick-pile rug for extra softness under your feet and added texture in the space.
If the flooring is wood, be mindful of its colour, pattern and grain when picking your rug, so the two complement each other.
Expose natural elements
Stripping a space back to its natural beauty can really enhance it – this characterful stone fireplace in a snug room with exposed beams is a perfect example. Yes, stone may be a cold surface, but the warm hues of many varieties will not look at all chilly, especially if paired with soft throws and cushions.
You might not live in a rustic old building like this one, but you could consider peeling the plaster off your walls if you have warm-hued, vintage brickwork beneath it. Do consult an expert before going ahead!
Stripping a space back to its natural beauty can really enhance it – this characterful stone fireplace in a snug room with exposed beams is a perfect example. Yes, stone may be a cold surface, but the warm hues of many varieties will not look at all chilly, especially if paired with soft throws and cushions.
You might not live in a rustic old building like this one, but you could consider peeling the plaster off your walls if you have warm-hued, vintage brickwork beneath it. Do consult an expert before going ahead!
Embrace hygge
Hygge means, broadly, ‘cosy warmth’ – but also much more – and this Danish concept is currently taking the design world by storm. The philosophy behind it is about embracing warmth, comfort and cosiness and spending time with the people you love. The Scandinavians tend to do cosy very well, with plenty of natural materials and use of layered textures, so we’re definitely taking this tip from the Danish.
Check out more ideas for embracing hygge in your home
Hygge means, broadly, ‘cosy warmth’ – but also much more – and this Danish concept is currently taking the design world by storm. The philosophy behind it is about embracing warmth, comfort and cosiness and spending time with the people you love. The Scandinavians tend to do cosy very well, with plenty of natural materials and use of layered textures, so we’re definitely taking this tip from the Danish.
Check out more ideas for embracing hygge in your home
Make a reading nook
Find a spot in the house where you’re not making the most of the space and turn it into a reading/relaxation nook. Bring in low lights, plus a spotlight for reading, cushions, blankets and a side table on which to rest your cuppa (or glass of wine). If it’s by a window, embrace the natural light, or frame it with draping curtains for extra cosiness.
How do you cosy up your home during the winter months? Share your tips in the Comments below.
Find a spot in the house where you’re not making the most of the space and turn it into a reading/relaxation nook. Bring in low lights, plus a spotlight for reading, cushions, blankets and a side table on which to rest your cuppa (or glass of wine). If it’s by a window, embrace the natural light, or frame it with draping curtains for extra cosiness.
How do you cosy up your home during the winter months? Share your tips in the Comments below.
Related Stories
More Rooms
The 5 Most Popular Laundry Rooms on Houzz Right Now
Get decorating ideas for your laundry or utility room from these most-saved photos on Houzz
Full Story
Dining Rooms
The 5 Most Popular Dining Rooms on Houzz Right Now
By Kate Burt
Vintage furniture, great lighting and top tables – feast your eyes on dining room ideas collated from your own clicks
Full Story
Colour
8 Clever Ways to Use Strategic Colour Blocking in Your Home
By Kate Burt
Paint can do so much more than refresh your walls. Explore ways to highlight features, zone areas and trick the eye
Full Story
Utility Rooms
15 Richly Coloured Utility Rooms
The trend for strong, earthy tones has reached the utility room, with hues from plum to ochre to deep green adding depth
Full Story
Kitchens
Which Kitchen Worktop Colour Should You Choose?
By tidgboutique
Consider these popular colours and styles to get the look you want, no matter which material you use
Full Story
Colour
8 Ways to Work a Rust Red and Blue Palette in the Bedroom
By Kate Burt
We’re seeing variations of this combination all over Houzz right now. Check out these tips for trying it yourself
Full Story
Colour
Creative Ways to Make a Feature of Structural Beams
Turn your RSJ into something more than just functional with these clever ideas from our Houzz Tours
Full Story
Gardens
9 Ways to Enjoy Colour in Your Garden All Year Round
By Kate Burt
However your garden grows, you can add colour with hardscaping, furniture and accessories
Full Story
Gardens
What Will We Want in Our Gardens in 2024?
Discover the gardening trends homeowners will be bringing into their outdoor spaces this spring and summer
Full Story
Kitchens
What to Expect at the Biggest Kitchen, Bedroom and Bathroom Show
Plan ahead with our rundown of what’s in store at the kbb Birmingham event this March
Full Story
It could also be worth looking at window film? My husband and I recently invested in insulating window film for our home and we've noticed a considerable change in how warm it feels. Would recommend going to Guardian Window Films as that's wh we went through http://www.guardianwindowfilm.co.uk/
Where did the beautiful chandelier come from?
Picture 8 is the only one that comes close to looking cosy IMHO. And even that one has issues for me - the lighting in the alcove cabinets either side of the fireplace is not right and wicker furniture is uncomfortable, so can never be cozy!