courtesy of Country Living
courtesy of Country Living
Adding layers can warm up the area. We need to realize that our homes are a
reflection of our own personality so we should not be completely devoid of personal items.
How can we have a warm, cozy and inviting space without looking so cluttered you
do not feel relaxed? A little knowledge of a couple of the basic design principles can
help guide you to create a fabulous cozy home.
The use of color creates an emotional atmosphere and should complement
the design. Darker shades, high intensity colors and warm hues have more weight
than lighter shades, cooler hues and low intensity colors. This in turn creates the
“feeling” of cozy and warm.
Color works magic by communicating with our emotions. It creates an emotional
atmosphere and should compliment the design. Color inspires, energizes, soothes,
and enlivens. See how switching from a cool color scheme to a warm scheme
changes the mood of a living room. This can easily be done with cushions, throws,
candles and floral arrangements. Even the most modern space can be “cozy” in
fall/winter by adding just these few elements. Perhaps a new area rug in a darker
Texture plays an important part in creating a cozy atmosphere. Think of a nubby or
faux fur throw. Add some really soft cushions. Texture is essentially a tactile
characteristic, but may be perceived by either touch or sight. Texture may be rough, smooth,
bumpy, fuzzy, grooved, or prickly. Tactile texture is felt, while visual texture is seen, imparting
impressions of textures. Visual texture is often referred to as pattern. A pine cone has a texture
one can feel as well a pattern one can see. Texture can be used to create different feelings in
an environment—smooth textures seem cold and impersonal while rough textures seem warm
and natural.
This fall I will change up the throws, toss cushions, area mats, candles and some decor
items to warmer colours with more texture. I will add bowls of pine cones, containers with sticks, and any fall like decor items I find, I think books are a great addition to a space at any time of year, however in fall and winter they add to the layered and cozy look, not to mention that we are indoors more in the fall and winter thus offering time for more reading. candles will be scented cinnamon and apple which conjures up a fall cozy feeling. My rattan mats will be rolled up and replaced with woven, patterned mats.
courtesy Design Savvy
courtesy Design Savvy