Eight Tips for Adding Warmth and Coziness to Your Home
With Thanksgiving behind us and some cold months ahead here in the Pioneer Valley, it feels like time to settle in by the fire, curl up with a good book, pour a cup of tea, and luxuriate in the coziness of home. The Danish call this feeling of coziness hygge (pronounced "hue-gah"), which the Oxford Dictionary defines as “a quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being.”
There are parts of our homes that tend to spark feelings of coziness naturally; A breakfast nook with the morning sun slanting in, a comfy couch with a blanket draped over the back, or any spot near a fireplace. If your home contains these things, congratulations—hygge slam dunk! But if not, never fear. There are plenty of other ways to infuse your house with a feeling of warmth and comfort this winter.
Boost your home’s coziness factor by adding any of these elements:
- Rugs. Not only are they kind to your feet on chilly winter mornings, rugs can really soften the vibe of a room and create defined and inviting areas within a larger space.
- Blankets and throws. They’re great for warmth, of course, but also for adding a touch of softness to more modern, angular furniture.
- Pillows. Well…what’s cozier than a pillow?
- Plants, flowers, or fruit. Anything organic, really—even a piece of beautiful driftwood—will bring softness and a sense of comfort to a room.
- Texture. Whether achieved through fabrics, prints, or objects with different surfaces, texture can make a space feel more inviting.
- Books. Stacks of them. Preferably somewhere near an overstuffed chair and a reading lamp.
- Soft, warm light. So break out those candles, fairy lights, or Edison bulbs for an instant feeling of warmth and comfort.
- Good smells. Whether its from bread baking in the oven or a woodsy-scented candle, the right smell will trigger a sense of “home” like nothing else.