Just recently I moved to a new apartment. But I didn’t experience the expected joy from the move. I could sit in my favorite Starbucks until the night: work, relax and be inspired. It was more comfortable there than at home. When I felt that I was already 80% coffee, I realized that it was time to return home.
I wondered why I don’t feel drawn to it? Why is it more comfortable in a noisy coffee shop? And in general, what little things make a house a home? And here are the recipes for a cozy home that cannot be exchanged for a cafe. Tested by personal experience.
Organize soft lighting
In the evening, turn off the main lighting and use additional soft light. A lamp and a floor lamp with warm glow bulbs are suitable for this. With this lighting, interior items become softer. Warm light will not interfere with watching TV and will be enough to read a book.
You can create a romantic atmosphere with the help of garlands. Choose not those that are usually hung on the Christmas tree, but neutral, light colors.
It will look good on the headboard, curtains or windowsill.
How to understand what cold and warm lighting is? Look at the color of the light bulb. Yellow is warm, about 3000 kelvins, cool white is about 5000 kelvins. The higher the indicator, the colder the light. The color temperature of the candle is 1850 K.
Tip #1: Ask questions
Well, I decided to make changes in the house. But where to start? Read a smart book, magazine, watch design tutorials on the Internet, or maybe hire a designer? But this would not make the apartment any more comfortable, because everyone has their own concept of “comfort”. It's something personal.
I started with something simple - with questions: “What kind of atmosphere in the house do I generally need? How would I like to feel in each room?”
Don’t rush to throw out old furniture and buy new furniture. The apartment will not become more comfortable. Ask the question: what do YOU want? And for each room, choose at least three symbol words that describe the atmosphere you want to create.
A very cool book on this topic “Breathe Freely”. Makes it clear that before you start global changes in your home, you should first understand yourself.
Add some greenery
Place several plants on a table or make a shelf. If you don’t have time to care for flowers, pay attention to unpretentious plants.
For example, chamedorea can live without light, while succulents only require watering once a week.
Other easy-to-care plants:
- Epipremnum aureus;
- Nephrolepis sublime;
- Philodendron ivy;
- Dracaena;
- Aglaonema;
- Zamioculcas;
- Dieffenbachia;
- Scindapsus;
- Ficus benjamina.
If you don’t want to bother at all, you can put fresh cut flowers.
Tip #4: Don't underestimate the importance of the sofa
The sofa is an interesting thing. It’s like an eminence grise: it doesn’t seem to be the basis of the interior, but it influences everything in the room. The sofa carries a great emotional load - it is a place where you can relax and unwind, chat with family and friends, wrap yourself in a blanket and watch TV with your significant other. Take his choice seriously.
“Well, I’ll buy something cheap for the first time,” I mistakenly thought. Mine was uncomfortable and hard, and it broke quickly. I had to go in search of something new and high quality to make the apartment comfortable.
Quality is expressed in beauty and convenience. When choosing, look at the neatness of the seams, the coating, and most importantly, the filler. The ideal filling is down with a thin layer of foam.
A minute of theory: LPPU or latex polyurethane foam is the ideal solution. Unlike simple foam rubber, the bubbles in which burst under load (this causes the coating to sag and lose its shape), latex does not suffer from use, but returns to its original position every time. You can check this by sitting on the couch. See how quickly it gets back into shape. Another surefire way is to ask a consultant or ask to look and touch the layer.
Don't skimp on a decent sofa - this is your comfort. We even have a whole article about this: “How to choose a good sofa?” And how to make it more comfortable - see below.
Arrange the pottery
Ceramic dishes and hand-made interior items can add coziness. The peculiarity of ceramics is that it does not have an ideal pattern, which emphasizes its individuality. You can buy exclusive options on Instagram. Small workshops are careful with each product, which is especially nice.
Another option is to take a clay modeling workshop. This way you can make a ceramic decoration or tableware with your own hands in 1 lesson.
Tip #10: fireplace!
If there is a fireplace in the house, then 50% of the cozy plan has been completed! Because fire is warmth, calm, peace, comfort. An alternative is an electric fireplace: there is no need to add firewood, it is impossible to get burned, there is heat. In general, if you have the opportunity to purchase this magical thing, don’t hesitate!
These points helped me bring the apartment closer to the cozy ideal. But there is another important detail - the comfort in the house is created by its people.
Your comfort is you and the emotions you bring. Positive or negative, they charge every corner.
And here is the ideal formula for comfort: spiritual gatherings with family and friends + love + 10 tips listed above, and you will never trade your home for a noisy cafe.
Get your favorite things with history
Restore your grandmother's chest of drawers or a table that has been passed down from generation to generation. One such thing can become a key element of the interior. If you don't have such a piece of furniture, you can buy it from vintage shops, stores or collectors.
An alternative way is to purchase modern furniture and use sandpaper to remove the paint layer and artificially make the piece look antique.
Warmth of wood
The color and structure of wood have a beneficial effect on the psyche. Interiors that feature a lot of wood or wood imitation are calming and warming. If you want to create coziness in your home, incorporate the color and pattern of wood into the decoration, furnishings, and decor.
Floors, walls, and ceilings can be made of wood. Ceiling beams (wooden or imitation wood) are perceived very positively.
Update your bed linen
It is better to take a set of bed linen in white. If you already have a basic set, you can move on to bolder, brighter colors. You can also experiment with textures. A blanket peeking out from under a blanket looks cozy: you can decorate any blanket this way, regardless of thickness and density. In winter, I recommend trying soft fleece bedding.
Color scheme for a cozy room
A properly selected color palette creates a cozy atmosphere in the room. The white design of the walls harmoniously combines with any color scheme of furniture facades and textiles. Warmer versions of ivory or milk will help soften the coldness of the base tone.
Light shades in the room Source homester.com.ua
A beige palette creates a cozy home. A beautiful, delicate shade visually makes the room sunny and comfortable. The color should be combined with light brown or rich chocolate. The matte finish of dark furniture resembles a velvet coating.
Comfortable design in sand color Source yandex.ua
A cozy room is achieved by using pastel shades. Muted tones hide the aggressiveness of the base and bring a feeling of home comfort to the interior. Looks luxurious:
- sunny vanilla;
- delicate lavender;
- fresh pistachio;
- warm coral;
- gray-blue.
Cozy room in muted colors Source yandex.ua
Cozy interior in pastel colors Source postroika.biz
There are no toxic, intrusive shades in a cozy room. Single bright accents harmoniously resonate with the main design. The variegation of a pillowcase or poster on the wall is softened by the calming atmosphere of natural colors and a neutral background.
Colorful details in a cozy interior Source yandex.ua
In a cozy home, you should not focus on contrasting colors. The monochrome of white and black is complemented by a gray palette. Ash shades will smooth out the sharpness of the transitions between the base colors. To enliven the coldness of the design, use warm colors. Bleached oak looks elegant on the floors and furniture fronts.
White and black cozy room Source yandex.uz
Cozy color combination in the room Source yandex.ua
Hang new curtains
If you have light linen curtains, consider changing them to any heavy ones with a warm lining.
You can consider jacquard fabric or synthetic padding as a lining. This will make the room warmer by insulating the room with thick fabric.
Tip #8: Invest a piece of yourself
Just imagine, after a long renovation, you enter an apartment. The house is unrecognizable, everything is stylish and new. Walk around the apartment as if through a museum, looking at every detail. Sit down on a chic and soft sofa and look around. Everything seems beautiful, but you feel uncomfortable. And all because all that remains is to add yourself.
Photographs, paintings, books, memorabilia tell our story. With the proper arrangement of these items, you get a living house that tells the story of the owner.
We make the home ours through:
Books
This is what we love and admire. Through books we are able to talk about our hobbies without even naming them. Therefore, there is no need to put them in boxes and store them in a closet.
You can make stacks of books on the floor. You can place them on shelves, diluting them with candles, figurines, photographs.
Photo
I love lively, random shots. They accurately convey our emotions and state at the moment of the past. These are the kind of photos that should be stored not on your smartphone, but on the walls of your apartment. Read how to do this here
Print, hang or place anywhere in the room. Fill it with emotions.
Paintings and drawings
You surround yourself with creativity that inspires.
Hang pictures on the wall or simply place them on a table, mantel, or lean against the wall to create a carefree atmosphere. (For information on how to do this, see the article “How to hang pictures without headaches?”)
Create a reading nook
To create a reading corner, you can use a chair with a lamp, a loggia or a wide window sill. Add pillows, a quilt or blanket to the corner. Take hot tea with you.
This cozy place will additionally encourage you to read that very book that has been lying on the shelf for a long time. In a new place, you can not only read, but also leaf through a glossy magazine or watch a TV series on your tablet.
In one of the projects of a private house, I made a hanging chair - a bubble for a relaxation area. The effect of security is created inside such a chair, so it is especially pleasant to spend time there with a book.
Tip #2: Get rid of clutter
My comfort was hampered by things that I haven’t used for a long time, but it’s a pity to throw them away (“it’s a memory”). I'm sure everyone has encountered this problem (our balconies are a temple of memory for unnecessary items). Junk accumulates and collects dust over the years. And old, no longer needed, memories prevent you from enjoying the present. By the way, we have a separate article on the topic of unnecessary things and order in the house
Don’t be afraid to throw out jars, bottles, teabags, boxes - anything you haven’t used for a long time. Yes, these things were once needed, but the time has come for something truly important and new.
Spread the aroma of essential oils
Candles are often used to diffuse the scent throughout the home. I recommend replacing them with essential oils. They help keep the immune system in good shape. A humidifier is the best way to diffuse scents throughout the room.
Here are some oil combinations that are suitable for winter and autumn:
- 3 drops cloves + 4 drops orange
- 3 drops frankincense + 2 drops orange + 2 drops mint
- 4 drops orange + 3 drops cinnamon
- 4 drops of tangerine + 3 drops of mint.
You can dip bamboo sticks in oil, turn them over with the fragrant side up and place them in a vase. The effect will last for several hours.
Comfortable dining area
The design of this area needs to be given special attention, especially if the dining area is located in the living room or in the kitchen-studio. The table should literally invite you to eat.
The convenience of the dining area is created by chairs. Choose the ones that are as comfortable and soft as possible, perhaps with armrests. Cushions can be placed on the seats.
The table itself can also look appetizing: cover it with a tablecloth or put a “runner”, place a fruit bowl or candy dish in the center. If the table is located near the wall, hang pictures or posters on it with images of something delicious - for example, a cup of cappuccino or cake.
Books and magazines for visitors
Do not leave coffee tables empty - this will deprive the room of coziness. Place several magazines, a book, a photo album on it. Firstly, it is a sign to guests that they were expected. Secondly, by looking at magazines and books, guests will draw a conclusion about your interests. This is a good reason to start a conversation (useful if people visiting the house for the first time feel a little awkward).
Ottomans and pillows
Decorative pillows, poufs and banquettes add comfort and create coziness. Sofas, armchairs and chairs with cushions literally invite you to sit down. The bedroom will become more comfortable if you decorate the bed with pillows.
Ottomans and banquettes in various areas also work to increase comfort. So, for example, if there is nothing to sit on in the hallway, it cannot be called cozy. A small, neat bench will make the hallway area more ergonomic and comfortable.
Ottomans are also indispensable in living rooms. They are located near armchairs and sofas. They are often used as footrests. The owners will definitely need this. Guests may be hesitant to put their feet on ottomans, but even the presence of these elements makes the room more comfortable.
Warm floor
Stepping on ice tiles after a shower is not a pleasant feeling. Warm floors help correct the situation. They are water and electric. The first type can be installed in a country house, but only electric ones are allowed in multi-apartment buildings.
Which warm floor to choose also depends on the floor covering. Some options are compatible with tiles and porcelain stoneware, others with rolled materials and wood. Some systems can only be installed during a major overhaul, while others need only cosmetic repairs.
Smart speaker
A speaker at home is a necessary thing: listening to music improves From music‑beat to heart‑beat: a journey in the complex interactions between music, brain and heart your mood and helps fight stress. And a smart speaker can also entertain, wake up, and share useful information.
Recently, technology has been booming and almost every IT giant is trying to release a speaker. Google, Amazon, Apple, Yandex and Mail.ru Group have their own models. From all the variety of gadgets, it is worth choosing options that support a Russian-language interface - voice assistants Alice, Marusya, Siri and Google Assistant.
Heated towel rail
Wiping yourself with a warm, dry towel is much more pleasant than drying yourself with a damp one, so any apartment needs such a device. There are two types of heated towel rails: water and electric. The former are connected to the heating or hot water supply system, the latter operate from the mains.
Water heated towel rails are cheaper and do not consume electricity. But they can only be connected near water supply pipes, and they only work during the heating season or when hot water is available.
Electrical devices are more expensive, but do not have such disadvantages. They can be installed anywhere, and this can be important if access to pipe distribution is difficult.
Atlantic heated towel rails not only quickly warm up towels, but also help ensure a comfortable temperature in the bathroom. The digital control unit allows you to set and maintain the optimal heating level, and the 24h Auto mode will automatically turn on the heated towel rail at the desired time. The Atlantic line includes 142 models of different sizes and designs - you can choose a device to suit any interior.
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