5 Tips for Making Your Living Space Cozier this Winter
It’s getting chillier by the day…
Click here to watch the segment on Global Morning News.
and maybe you’re looking for ways to make your home feel a little more snug, heading into the winter months.
We’ve been spending a lot more time than usual inside our homes, and I know some of you are extra aware of what you want to change. Or, at least you know you need a change but don’t know where to start.
With winter just around the corner, it’s the perfect time of year to make your living room extra cozy, so here are some tips for ways you can create a snug and stylish living space.
“The temperature outside is dropping, but it doesn’t have to inside your home.”
Lighting sets the mood
Lighting is something that can often be overlooked but really does make such a difference in your home. I always recommend LED bulbs for energy efficiency, especially ones with Bluetooth capabilities like this one and this one.
You can adjust the brightness and warmth of your lighting from your phone, schedule when your lights come on and go off, and you can even find ones that can be set to any colour of the rainbow, like these ones I have at home. I find they make such a difference for my mental health in the winter.
Close your seating circle
Create more intimate gathering areas where you and your loved ones (in your household or bubble) can enjoy each others’ company and connect, while disconnecting from your handheld devices.
Close the circle of seating by adding another chair or, if you don’t have the space, a pouf or an ottoman will do the trick. And if you can, move that seating area close to the fireplace for added coziness!
Fireplace focal point
The biggest component of warmth is an efficient fireplace and/or efficient heating in your home. Whether it’s a wood stove, a gas insert, or electric heating, literal warmth is a given for upping the level of cozy in your home.
However, if you are concerned about energy efficiency (which most of us are), you can update your gas fireplace to a more energy efficient one, or if you don’t have a fireplace, put on more layers and set your TV to that yule log. ;) I know it’s not the same, but it’ll do the trick!
“Sweater weather, warm blankets, and fuzzy socks. ”
Layer on the textures
A great way to easily change things up both visually and to the touch without investing too much is adding layered décor to your room.
I’d suggest keeping your colour palette simple and using varying textures to add that warmth with knits, quilts, velvet, faux fur, and woven cushions, and layered rugs to ground it all. Even if you have broadloom carpet, don’t shy away from the idea of adding an area rug to up the cozy-ante. You’ll thank me later!
As for colour, I personally love earth tones and textures that are both on trend and timeless.
Don’t skip the scents
The final touch to round it all off – finding the perfect scent to wrap your home in a big old hug. If you’re up to it, try making your own natural room scents like this aromatic simmer pot, a homemade room spray, or really just any freshly baked goodies – these are my favs. Any of these options will be sure to brighten your mood!
If you’re looking for some amazing candle scents, a new favourite of mine is Slow Sunday from Canvas Candle Co. (They have many other delicious scents like Best Coast, Sister Sister, and Spa Samui!) Their products are made with 100% North American grown soy wax, phthalate free fragrance oils, pure essential oils, natural cotton wicks, and reusable vessels. All good things!
photo credit Jennifer Pallian
photo credit Canvas Candle Co.
Now, it’s time for me to enjoy my cozy living space. I’ve got my lights set to “cozy”, my TV set to “yule log”, my quilts and plush pillows fluffed on the sofa, and my favourite candle lit, filling the room with the homiest aroma. I hope these tips help you enjoy your cozy home even more, too!
All the things,
Most of the featured décor items shown are supplied through CF Interiors.
Please note, some links in this post are affiliate links. If you click through and purchase a product, I’ll be compensated at no cost to you. I only recommend products I use myself.
Hello! Catherine here.
I’m a Vancouver-based interior designer and love all things creative! I’ll be sharing things that inspire me, posting design tips and DIY projects, chatting about all kinds of topics, and hopefully inspiring some people to make little changes at home to create an environment that is functional, beautiful, and a perfect reflection of you!
