It's great to have your home renovated and upgraded once in a while, but not everyone can afford this. Renovating takes time and money and sometimes we lack one of those things. But don't worry, there are ways you can change how your home looks and make it a cosier place to be. In a few simple yet effective steps, you can change the mood or the room and give it more personality. But because we all spend a lot of time in the house, we want it to be cosy and comfortable. It's your safe haven and you deserve only the best.
Add Comfortable Cushions
Adding cushions is one of the easiest ways to make your home a cosy place. They're a budget-friendly option that can change and improve the interior décor. Just imagine how comfortable you’ll be while sitting on your sofa, reading a book, and being surrounded by soft and pretty décor pillows. They come in many sizes so you can mix and match them as you wish.
Combining several sizes and thicknesses can create a nice form and texture in the room. Arrange them starting from the biggest to the smallest to get a nice symmetrical look, or randomly arrange them for a more artsy look. The shape is also something to consider. The basic square one evolved a long time ago. We now have rectangular, triangular, oval, circles and even randomly shaped cushions.
There are no rules on what shape should your cushions be, but if you want a cosy space, stick to round and rectangular pillows. When it comes to colour, neutrals are the way to go. Bright tones can sometimes be overstimulating to the brain, but neutrals such as white, grey, beige, or brown shades have a calming effect. If you’re a fan of patterns, don’t exaggerate. Keep it simple and elegant.
A cosy home allows you to play with textures. It gives the space more depth, brightness and nuance. Leather, velvet, linen, silk, cotton, wool, and feathers, are just a few of the choices you have. Decide what you like best and add one or two textured pillows in each room. Keep in mind that some people don’t feel comfortable with textures. So, if you don’t live alone, ask the other residents how they feel about some textures.
There are several types of cushions you can choose from. The throws are very popular. They're mostly decorative and don’t offer a lot of head support. The breakfast cushion on the other hand is much more comfortable. It's usually rectangular and people often use it as lumbar support on the sofa or armchair. Floor cushions took the market by storm. They stole the hearts of homeowners that enjoy a cosy lifestyle. You should give them a chance. At the end of the day, whatever you choose, stay true to yourself and your style.
Add Soft Lighting
The lighting you have in the house has the power to set a mood. The right lampshade and brightness can make you feel like you’re in the most comfortable place on earth. Table lamps are considered task lighting and can help you focus on details. Using a warm, yellow glow lightbulb can give you the effect you want.
Floor lamps are also good for this purpose. Wall scones are an excellent option. They look like floating stars on the wall and can give you an extra pinch of cosiness. Dimmer switches are a must. You can easily control the brightness in the room according to your mood. Rope lighting looks great under the table, around the bathroom mirrors or around countertops. You can bend the rope as you wish and install the lights almost anywhere you want.
Paper lanterns are a great décor piece. Layer a few around the room to illuminate the space. By themselves, in a nice neutral colour, they can perfectly complement the decor pillows and enhance the space. Candles are inevitable in this situation. Their flickering light will calm your nerves and unclutter your mind. Buy some scented candles for a more enjoyable experience.
Make Room for Plants
Besides looking pretty and can act as a house décor, plants also purify the air in the house. They'll make the space warm and inviting. There are many indoor plants native to Australia that can beautify your house with their presence. Each plant requires special care. Some like more water, some are thriving from sunlight and some love to stay in the shadows.
Get to know the plants before buying them. Make sure you have enough space to keep them inside. There are plenty of places you can settle them in. The living room is a great way to start. Around windows or balconies, doors are perfect for plants that want sunshine. You can even cosy up your bathroom with cute succulents and cacti. You can even match a few decorative pillows with a similar design.
Incorporate a Fire Element
A fire element doesn’t necessarily mean having a fireplace in the room. Yes, fireplaces are awesome but not every house has the capacity or structure to hold one. That's why there are other options that can contribute to the cosiness of the space. If you do have a fireplace, there are plenty of ways you can decorate it and enhance its beauty. Things like mirrors, plants, firewood and neutral colours are a good way to start.
Candle flames are one way to do it. Adding a painting with the sun or a decorative plate with it can add a subtle calmness to the room. By adding subtle details with the colours, red, orange and yellow, you’re contributing to the whole cosy atmosphere. Dragons and phoenixes are also an option. Lanterns are a very rustic, farmhouse décor, that when settled in the right setting, can create an incredibly calming sight.
Style a Throw Blanket
Throw blankets are perfect for the winter months. Besides keeping you warm and comfortable, they can also be a great décor. You can use them to add a pop of colour and bring a new texture to the room. You can style them in many ways. Hanging them on the back of the sofa is a good way to start. Plus, you can easily reach it when you want to take a nap.
The same thing goes for the armchair as well. You can throw it on the armrest or just behind your back. There are plenty of ways you can drape and fold the throw blanket to make it a nice decorative element. If you want to take it a step further, you can buy a basket and arrange your throw blankets inside and place it next to the fireplace or the sofa. This way they’ll be close by when you want to cosy up and enjoy the day.