On the east coast in November with less sunlight and a chilly wind you want your home to be warm and cozy. What have you done to create a warm and inviting space in your home to keep out the chill? Here are a few decorating ideas to bring a nice cozy glow!
Pillows and Throws
The comfortable accessories that turn a plain couch into a warm and inviting couch can make a big difference to the feel of a room. For example, by adding a lovely soft throw such as this chevron patterned throw from Pier1.com you can quickly add a warm feel. In the photo above are examples of beautiful warm pillow ideas also from Pier1.com. Don’t be afraid to mix different textures and fabric to match your warm and cozy color theme.
Paint
When you think of warm colors, what comes to mind? Generally, any combination that reminds you of the sun or sunset! As noted in ApartmentTherapy.com, “The reds, oranges, yellows and all the off whites that tend to this direction possess all the qualities of warmth in that they are hot, stimulating and soothing to our emotions, which crave warmth.â€Â If you have a large room and you wish to make it feel cozier, paint it a warm color to help draw you in.
Seating Area
Too often the first trouble area I notice when I walk into a room is how the furniture is arranged. I find people like to align furniture with walls which can make for expansive open areas that are not connected. These areas are not only cold and uninviting, but they make it difficult to carry on a conversation. When you set up a room, you want to think in terms of conversation areas. If you can’t hear the person you’re talking to, then the space is too far apart! When setting up, your seating pieces consider creating circles of conversational areas. I have found this change alone can make a very large impact on how a space feels and is used.
Fireplace and Candles
What says warmth more than a burning fire? Many people have fireplaces in their home but do not like to use them, a fabulous alternative is using a fireplace grate that doubles as a candle holder.
If you do not have a fireplace in your home, you can create a faux look by constructing your own fireplace surround (this encompasses the whole fireplace frame, e.g., mantel, molding, etc.), click here for those instructions. There are several options from purchasing a fireplace surround from your local home store, such as Home Depot or Lowes or going to a salvage company and picking up a mantel and surround from an antique store. There is also the option to put an electric fireplace into an existing fireplace, or purchase a stand alone unit that gives the look and feel without the mess of wood or the venting issues of gas. (Please do your research if you choose to convert an existing fireplace into a gas fireplace that it is properly vented outside and not inside your house.) Click here for ideas from ElectricFireplacesDirect.com for electric inserts or stand alone options.
Stay warm this fall and cozy up with a nice cup of tea and a good book!
For all your redesign needs contact Debbie@RedesignRight.com!
Debbie Correale is founder and owner of Redesign Right, LLC. You can learn more about her at www.RedesignRight.com. Find her on Facebook.com/RedesignRight, Twitter @RedesignRight, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Houzz and Google+.