Finding Your Style: 5 Tips for Creating a Cozy and Inviting Atmosphere in Your New Home
Photo: Ben Mack / Pexels
Whether you’re an Aussie looking at display homes in Torquay or an American looking at real estate in Tennessee, moving into a new home is exciting. Yet sometimes, the interiors of those new homes can feel impersonal and bare.
Thankfully, with a few clever design choices, you can transform an impersonal space into a personal place that welcomes you and your loved ones with open arms.
Layer different textures
Although oft-overlooked, texture is an essential element of cozy design. It adds depth, visual interest, and a tactile dimension to any space.
Start by layering a variety of different textures across the elements of your room. For example, drape plush throws over sofas or add a chunky knit blanket to give a touch of rustic charm. You can also mix different materials to create unique contrasts. For example, you could pair the softness of velvet cushions with the coarseness of a sisal rug or the smoothness of a leather armchair with the roughness of a woven basket.
Personalize your color palette
Color is hugely influential in setting the tone of your home. Trendy hues may catch your eye, but it’s important to choose colors that resonate with you to create a space that is truly yours. If you’re aiming for a calming oasis, opt for blues and greens. If you’re craving something more vibrant, however, bold pops of yellow or orange might do the trick.
In addition to color, consider shade. For well-lit rooms, darker shades work better, while dark rooms benefit from light shades brightening them up.
Opt for warm lighting
Overhead lighting that’s too harsh creates an uncomfortable feeling. Luckily, there’s a simple solution: layered and warm lighting. This kind of lighting fosters a more relaxed mood.
If you’d like to add a whimsical touch to a room, string fairy lights across a wall or bookshelf. To create an inviting little reading nook, use floor lamps with soft-hued bulbs. For all rooms, add dimmer switches to adjust the atmosphere as needed. If you’d like to create an even cozier style, consider using candles—their fragrance and flame instantly add warmth and ambiance to any space. You can create a similar effect with electric diffusers that emit a soft glow while diffusing lush scents into the room.
Infuse your home with pleasant aromas
Aromas evoke memories, set moods, and have a powerful ability to create a welcoming atmosphere in your new home. Although scented candles and aroma diffusers are a classic way to add fragrance and soft lighting, they’re only one tool in the aroma toolkit.
For example, you could infuse your home with a festive winter feel by simmering a pot of cinnamon sticks and oranges. Freshly baked bread, cakes, and cookies are also instant cozy space creators!
Decorate with plants
A touch of nature can bring life to any space. Not only do plants foster an inviting atmosphere, but they purify the air. For example, snake plants, peace lilies, and other low-maintenance plants remove toxins from the air while creating a sense of connection to the natural world.
In addition, plants are known to reduce stress. Don’t hesitate to hang trailing plants in macrame hangers, show off cacti in geometric terrariums, or construct a miniature indoor jungle in a well-lit corner of the room.
Moving into a new home is an opportunity to create a space that reflects your personality and fosters well-being. By embracing the tips above, you can transform a dull room into a cozy sanctuary. So, roll up your sleeves and start crafting your very own haven of happiness!
Its amazing the difference lighting can make in your space; its something small that has such a powerful effect!