How to create a warm + cozy home
Have you ever walked in to someone’s home and immediately felt comfortable, like the house was wrapping you in a hug? That’s what we call warmth.
Now, have you ever walked into a home that is beautifully designed, spotless, filled with stunning art and furniture, but somehow still feels cold and empty? You guessed it, that space was lacking warmth!
We want to enter the homes we create…and exhale, feeling at ease. After all, home is the heart of everything. How do we create spaces that help you exhale?
We add WARMTH!
WARMTH IS A FEELING
Defining warmth in the home can be tricky, because ultimately every person will have a different version of what makes them feel relaxed. For some, it may be a clutter-free, white oasis (I’m raising my hand here). For others, it may be the freedom to not have everything in order and rather feel unattached from a to-do list, including the growing pile of laundry (somehow, also me).
To find your definition of warmth, ask yourself these questions:
What is the feeling you want to have when you are home?
What do you need to add to or subtract from your home to achieve that feeling?
How do you want to use your space? Is it to entertain, relax, read, play, or foster relationships?
Think about what takes priority in your home. When do you feel most at ease in your home?
Is there a room or even a chair you gravitate towards that feels cozy? Why?
Your answers to these questions will give you a clear idea of what warmth means to you. Now take a minute and run through the list. Gather your thoughts. Let’s talk about how to create it!
BUILDING BLOCKS OF WARMTH
Have you ever heard the word Hygge. Prounouced hue-guh, Hygge is a Danish word used to describe a quality of coziness and a feeling of contentment or well-being. In the past few years, this idea has become popular in America and has especially influenced designers. Though the Scandinavian style may not suit everyone, we can take some great tips from the Hygge lifestyle to incorporate into our own homes. Cornerstones of a Hygge Home are natural light, candles, a sitting nook with books close by, a warm color palette, and of course simplicity.
Another foolproof way to create warmth in your home is to keep it personal. Display objects that have a special meaning, showcase photos or art depicting your favorite travel destination, and throw in a family photo or two. These small details will make all the difference in transforming your home. The beautiful part of creating warmth is that it doesn’t take a lot to accomplish! Warmth is mostly created in the final layers of a room with styling. You often don’t necessarily need to invest in furniture or art to make your space feel like a haven. It only takes a few right touches.
HOW STYLEBERRY ADDS WARMTH
Finally, I’ll spill some secrets for how we like to create warmth in the home. First up, my personal favorite, texture! I think texture is the number one cozy element. (I wrote more about that here: Why Wovens Belong in Every Home) There is nothing better than wrapping up in a silky soft blanket in a sea of fluffy pillows wearing your favorite sweats. You know exactly what I’m talking about! Not only do we feel cozy with texture present, but our eyes love it too. When a space has multiple layers and materials, it’s inviting. You don’t want to sit and relax on a shiny, hard surface, right? The goal is to create a soft place to land at the end of the day.
The other way we like to create warmth is with natural elements. When we bring the outside in, we get a feeling of refreshment and peace that we often find in the outdoors. Natural wood furniture is a great way to do this, with a coffee table, credenza, or bookshelf.
Introducing nature through art is another favorite strategy. We look for stunning landscapes or a delicate painting featuring water for ultimate cozy vibes.
Last but not least, we incorporate greenery into every single space we style. If you don’t have a green thumb, there are plenty of realistic options you can buy. Either way, greens will instantly up the warmth of your space.
Creating warmth takes baby steps. Ready to try? Simply let the feeling you want to have at home guide you and you’ll be a hygge pro in no time! To help get you started, we pulled together a few things that will jumpstart your quest to cozy.
