So when it comes to living rooms, it’s natural that we’d look to limewash to help deliver a decent texture. Its hand-painted look and range of colors make it an ideal living room idea – you can go cozy with a darker shade, for example, or help bounce light around with an off-white for a brighter space.

With that in mind, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite living rooms with limewash walls that showcase the versatility of this wall finish – and will hopefully inspire your next decorating project.

1. BUILD UP TEXTURE WITH A FLUTED APPLICATION

The living room in this Tribeca apartment sees layers of texture built up through the use of limewash and the fluted plaster application on the alcove walls on either side of the fireplace. ‘Our decision to incorporate limewash into the design was driven by a desire to introduce a sense of imperfectness and human touch, a quality difficult to capture with manufactured items,’ says Artem Kropovinsky, founder of interior design studio Arsight. ‘The hand-applied technique allowed us to create an intimately crafted and bespoke environment.’

Artem chose a green-grey paint color for the limewash that complements the oak flooring and marble trim and fireplace. ‘This color not only complements the existing materials but also creates a cozy atmosphere, reminiscent of natural stone elements,’ he adds.

2. ADD A PLAYFUL TWIST WITH AN UNEXPECTED COLOR

This space’s existing Saltillo floor tiles helped define Los Angeles-based studio Taylor and Taylor’s scheme. ‘[The tile] had a thick glossy finish on it: we had that stripped down and wanted vibrant walls that played off the pinks in the warm floor tones,’ says co-founder Jonathan Taylor ‘These clients were particularly creative and were game for an especially vibrant trim color that really helps the whole space pop‘.

3. USE LIGHTER LIMEWASH TO BRIGHTEN UP A DARKER ROOM

At first glance, you might not even spot the limewash texture that adds interest to the walls of this Brooklyn home – but look closer and you can see how this subtle limewash paint idea helps add lightness, layers, and a subtle contemporary touch to this living room and its period features. 

‘We love using limewash in our projects because it brings depth to the space by creating variation in the way the light hits the subtle variations on the wall,’ says Sarah Zames, founder of New York Studio General Assembly, who designed this project. ‘Not only does limewash create a more textured feel, but there are also many health benefits to using it over traditional paint.’

4. OR EMBRACE THE DARKER SIDE WITH A MOODY HUE

The myriad shades of limewash paint mean that you can conjure up very different feelings with the same textural finish. Lighter hues will help light bounce around, greys will maximize a modern industrial aesthetic, and darker colors help to make this wall finish even more cocooning – as this cozy living room shows.

‘I was focused on creating the experience and feeling of a traditional den, but in an organic and fresh way,’ says Madeline Hause, founder of Madeline Interiors, who designed the space. ‘Painting the walls with Portola Paint’s dark side limewash brought the dark, cocooning feeling without the heaviness; the movement in applying the limewash brings an airiness to the space.’

5. USE LIMEWASH TO CELEBRATE PERIOD PROPERTIES

Thanks to its versatility, a limewash wall finish is a popular paint idea – but of course, limewash plaster itself dates back centuries. That makes limewash a strong choice for period properties – and it creates a beautiful contrast with features like coving and original fireplaces.

For Downshire Hill, a project by London architectural and interior practice McLaren.Excell, the brief was tricky: the building was part listed, part 20th century. ‘It was a welcomed challenge by the studio,’ says co-founder Luke McLaren. ‘The listed nature of the building meant externally we needed to be mindful and sensitive in approach. Inside, however, it was an entirely different story. We could peel back decades of wallpaper and layers of successive paint schemes to reveal the original lime-plastered walls. We found these to have a beautiful, natural texture of their own and so we decided to celebrate the beauty of this most traditional material unapologetically.’

A limewash coating helped seal the surface and homogenize the color palette throughout the house. ‘In revealing the building’s origins, the lime plaster speaks to the wider design narrative but in our true-to-studio approach we’ve worked towards a contemporary aesthetic without compromising integrity,’ Luke adds.

6. MIX LIMEWASH WITH A PALETTE OF CONTRASTING TEXTURES

This cinema room by London studio Run For The Hills is a masterclass in how to bring texture to walls, incorporating limewash in a way that feels homely, but also surprising. ‘We love finding ways to use gorgeous design elements in unexpected ways, so opted to design some glazed partition screens embedded in the wall of the entrance hall through to our cinema room,’ explains founding creative director Anna Burles. ‘We worked with Perla to fabricate them in a low sheen, contrasting against the interesting textured limewash paint.’

For the paints, Anna played with contrast, using harmonious shades with differing textures: ‘eco-gorgeous brand Earthborn’s solid Olive Green “lifestyle” block color up to a crisp dado height paint line to create a rich, cozy setting, and then Bauwerk’s gorgeous textured limewash in deep green Hawthorn, applied with a brush to create a cloudy, vintage style dramatic effect,’ she explains. ‘The multiple layers add depth and creative character to the space – we love the two-tone effect of the paints, and the pop of wallpaper in the background. We, designers, love our layering!’

7. USE THE TEXTURED FINISH TO EMPHASIZE ARCHITECTURAL CURVES

The sumptuous curves in this living room by New York’s Studio Giancarlo Valle are emphasized by a limewash finish that envelops walls, cupboards, and ceiling. Because of its texture and the way light plays off it, limewash paint can be a strong choice for highlighting architectural details in this way: the changeable matt texture draws attention to the three-dimensional elements of the space. 

Coupled with boucle sofas, statement painting, and sculptural ceramic floor light, this space embodies the meaning of Minimaluxe.

8. OPT FOR COOL GREY TONES FOR A STRONG CONTEMPORARY SCHEME

whereas warmer-toned limewash can soften spaces and work with traditional settings, cooler tones like grey have much more of an industrial interior design feel – and therefore fit in well with contemporary spaces. 

But for anyone who’s put off by the idea of colder shades, let this living room by Los Angeles, CA-based Aesthetics Studio reassure you: the hand-painted effect of limewash ensures that this look still feels homely rather than commercial. ‘I love the use of limewash paint as it can add both subtle depth and texture to any space,’ says the studio’s founder, Victoria Adesanmi. ‘Personally, I gravitate towards things that have a slight patina and elements of wabi-sabi.’

9. GO TONAL WITH THE REST OF THE ROOM’S SURFACES

A surefire way to create a soothing living room scheme (because who doesn’t want one of those?) is to opt for a tonal approach to your palette. Limewash is a great wall finish choice for a scheme like this because its texture helps differentiate it from similar colors. Elsewhere, opt for stone flooring and upholstered furniture that can capture the same tones – and, again, add extra texture that’s always helpful in a scheme like this.

For Studio Andrew Trotter, this approach worked wonders in creating a restful space. ‘An earthy tone lime wash was chosen for the interior and exterior walls of the house,’ says Marcelo Martínez, studio manager and partner. ‘Based on this choice, the floor material and furniture were chosen, always seeking to achieve an air of lightness and calmness.’

10. CREATE A TWO-TONE WALL WITH TEXTURE

Two-tone walls are a commonly seen idea, but in this scheme by Montreal-based architectural firm AtelierCarle, a warm neutral limewash on the upper half of the wall is paired with a smooth grey-paneled statement fireplace on the lower half – a game of contrasts that pays off for this space thanks to its high ceilings. Note the use of concrete on the floor and wood on the roof, too – each material supporting its counterpart on the wall. 

Tags: limewash walls, how to limewash walls, limewash paint for interior walls,

The post 10 Living Rooms With Limewash Walls That Prove That This Textural Wall Finish is the Perfect Cozy-but-chic Finishing Touch appeared first on Arteresting Decor.

But there are tactics interior designers use that ensure the decor creates a great look without a crowded feel. Along with clever small living room organizing and great small living room storage, they’re the solution to a cluttered room.

We’ve asked the experts to share their advice here so that creating a room that’s clutter-free and beautifully curated is a breeze.

How Can I Make A Small Living Room Look Less Cluttered?

Successful small living room ideas result in space that doesn’t lack essential pieces. good looks or personal touches – but there’s no denying that it is easy to fall into the trap of overfilling the room.

But whether we’re talking apartment living room ideas or those for a house with modest proportions, there are interior design strategies that ensure a living room ticks all the boxes and feels spacious. These are the tricks you should know…

1. THINK SCALE

There are two elements key to ensuring a living room doesn’t look cluttered. ‘Scale and symmetry are the driving factors in making a space feel big and easy to read,’ says Peter Spalding, interior designer, co-founder, and chief creative officer at Daniel House Club. 

‘A small living room can easily seat as many people as a bigger one if you are careful about the size of the upholstery you select,’ he continues. ‘A lot of manufacturers have “studio” or “apartment” sofas – buy these. An even better approach is to go to your local secondhand store, buy a sofa from the 1960s, 70s, or 80s and have it reupholstered. These older pieces are much better scaled to small rooms.’

2. REPOSITION FURNITURE

Where you locate the furniture can help in avoiding a cluttered feel. ‘Pull your furniture away from the walls and float some pieces if you can,’ says interior designer Artem Kropovinsky of Arsight.

‘This creates some space and makes your room look less crowded. You can also use shelves or nightstands that are mounted on the wall to save some floor space.’

3. DIRECT THE GAZE UPWARDS

Draw attention to a small room’s height for a more spacious feel. ‘Buy some tall étagères or bookcases and fill them with books (not exclusively accessories),’ says Peter Spalding. 

‘These will give your room some much-needed towering architecture and make your eyes read the entire height of the space you have. Finding these with doors on the lower 30 inches will provide storage space for things you don’t want to see.’

4. EDIT ACCESSORIES

Beware of an excess of decorative accessories on display in a small living room – it’s easy to overfill the space. 

‘Keep your surfaces neat and free of unnecessary clutter,’ says Artem Kropovinsky. ‘A few carefully selected accessories can add character and charm to your room, but too many can make it look disorderly and chaotic. Store your items in baskets, drawers, or cabinets that match your decor.’

5. SWAP TWO TABLES FOR ONE

Clever furniture selection can swerve the trap of an overloaded floor plan. ‘If the sofa has to float in the middle of the room, find a narrow sofa back table and put a pair of lamps on it so you don’t need lamps on side tables,’ recommends interior designer Peter Spalding.

6. SIZE UP

It may come as a surprise, but you need to size up some elements of a small living room the avoidance of clutter.

‘If small rooms need smaller-scaled furniture, often they benefit from really big art or a mirror,’ explains Peter Spalding. ‘I like one singular piece, about 5 feet wide and nearly as tall, hung only 6 inches above the sofa back. This will tightly anchor your furniture grouping in the room and introduce a sense of order. If art is too small, it seems to float on the wall, making no strategic contribution to the scheme.’

And while gallery wall ideas are an excellent way to display favorite images or objects in many spaces, they aren’t a great option for small living rooms. ‘One oversized art piece versus a gallery wall lets the space feel less cluttered visually,’ explains interior designer Aileen Warren of Jackson Warren Interiors.

7. PLAN THE WINDOW TREATMENT

An uncluttered look requires the room to feel bigger in every dimension so focus on how high curtains should be hung. The way to ensure a small living room doesn’t look stuffed? ‘Hang your curtains as close to the ceiling as you can,’ says interior designer Peter Spalding. ‘The more connection points you can make between floor and ceiling, the taller your room will become.’ 

8. CHOOSE THE RIGHT RUG

Be mindful of the dimensions of a rug relative to the dimensions of the room for a spacious effect.

‘The right size rug is very important,’ says Aileen Warren. ‘Go big on the rug –everything should sit comfortably on the rug. A rug that’s too small won’t unify the pieces.’

Peter Spalding agrees and recommends, ‘Do your best to find a rug that fills the whole room, coming within about a foot of the walls.’

9. ELIMINATE VISUAL CLUTTER

What clutters a small living room can be over-large or too much furniture and too many accessories, but don’t neglect the aspect of visual clutter, which will also make it feel hectic.

‘To reduce visual clutter, it’s important to blend design elements and find balance in colors, patterns, and textures,’ says Jennifer Matthews, co-founder, and CCO at Tempaper & Co. 

‘While you can still incorporate bold colors into a small space if that’s your style, the room will have a better flow with design elements that complement each other. Adding too many outliers that stray from the overall color scheme will pull your eyes in different directions and make the room feel cluttered.’

10. BE SELECTIVE WITH STORAGE FURNITURE

Places to tidy away all that needs to be kept in a small living room are, of course, crucial, but be mindful of their aesthetic.

‘Always be on the lookout for things that have a lot of storage, but are not designed exclusively with storage in mind,’ advises interior designer Peter Spalding. ‘So many storage-forward pieces recall college dorm life and diminish the impact your space will have. But a beautifully refurbished trunk for a coffee table feels very nice and holds a lot of whatever you need to store.’

FAQS

WHAT MAKES A LIVING ROOM LOOK CLUTTERED?

A living room can look cluttered because the furniture isn’t scaled to the room, there is too much of it, or there is an excess of decorative accessories on surfaces. 

‘Large furniture, such as sofas, tables, and desks, are often needed in a living room, but can make the room feel much tighter and smaller than it actually is,’ says Challie Stillman of Resource Furniture ‘With multi-purpose furniture pieces, you can transform any room and have the furniture act as an extension of a space’s architecture.’

Edit accessories for display, too, so they don’t fill surfaces. Changing them around and moving items in and out of storage somewhere else in your home allows you to continue to enjoy everything you’ve collected without cluttering the room by displaying it all at once.

HOW DO I MAKE MY LIVING ROOM COZY BUT NOT CLUTTERED?

To make a living room cozy but not cluttered consider all the elements of the interior including color, the materials palette, and lighting, which can all contribute to creating a space that’s snug and comfortable without compromising the sense of space.

Cozy living room ideas can include light wall colors that visually stretch the space, but needn’t create a cool atmosphere. To keep the space comfy choose those with warm undertones or add warm color in pieces such as sofa pillows, a rug, or artwork. 

Choose materials such as wood, rattan, wool, and faux fur: none of which will make the room feel cluttered but will make it visually and texturally appealing and cozy.

Scale furniture like sofas and armchairs to the space, but choose designs you can sink into (if you don’t mind plumping the cushions) for a cozy feel, or dress couches with pillows to make them super inviting.

Layer lighting, too, uses a selection of sources to create warmth and intimacy.

The post How Can I Make a Small Living Room Look Less Cluttered? 10 Must-know Solutions appeared first on Arteresting Decor.

In my opinion, it’s a challenge worth pursuing. Grey is an incredibly versatile color, after all, and it can be matched with any style of interior – a true chameleon. Grey also pairs effortlessly and beautifully with almost everything, from colors to natural materials and textures. 

If you are in two minds about how cozy going all-out grey in the living room can really be, we asked some top designers to show us how to use this living room paint color in a way that feels both cocooning and timeless.

10 COZY GREY LIVING ROOMS AND HOW TO ACHIEVE THEM

1. PAIR GREY WITH JEWEL TONES

When it comes to bringing warmth, there’s no better color that goes with grey than a jewel tone, which has inherent coziness. These colors, derived from gemstones such as sapphire, ruby, and emerald, have a natural warmth and saturation which makes them a dynamic and eye-catching partner.

‘This living room was for a young family who wanted to inject color and life into their new period home while still having a neutral backdrop to the spaces so they could evolve,’ says Róisín Lafferty, founder of Kingston Lafferty Design. ‘The base palette of the greenish grey jewel tone was used throughout the living space on the walls, ceiling, doors, and woodwork, and joinery so that the key features of the space like the bold pendant and colorful side tables could make a stronger impact.‘

2. EMBRACE THE COMFORT OF A CURVACEOUS COUCH 

One great staple of a cozy living room is a curving sofa, that has an inviting, welcoming visual; a piece you want to curl up in and sleep. Add to that, a soothing grey color scheme, and you have a room that will make you feel incredibly snug. 

‘This living room is in a contemporary extension to a traditional property,‘ says Róisín. ‘The clean lines and angled forms of the architecture are in a crisp white, and the dark charcoal grey was chosen to have a stark contrast to this and provide the perfect backdrop to the vibrant blue perspective sofa. The curves and bubble-like forms of the sofa create a dramatic focal point in the room, and the metal shelving blends perfectly with the wall so the only things your eye is drawn to are the deliberately contrasting items that are displayed.’

3. CREATE A COCOONING FEEL WITH COLOR DRENCHING

A color-drenched room creates an enveloping feeling as if you’re wrapped in a warm hug. A warm tone of grey, with blue or yellow undertones, can make that magic happen. 

The other advantage of painting the ceiling and walls the same color is that all key architectural details in your room get highlighted. The ridges and curves pick up light and shadow better, adding interest and depth to your space.

‘Grey is the go-to color for many home renovations but does not consider a cool grey wall paint when the perfect warm grey is right there hiding in plain sight,‘ says Julia Mack, founder of Julia Mack Design. ‘Warm grey offers a bright, off-white tone with a lively airiness during the daytime and cozy warmth at night. Elegant and sophisticated, walls shine bright with the versatility when paired with cool greens, blues, and black.’

4. COZY UP A GREY LIVING ROOM WITH WARM METALLIC ACCENTS

Pairing grey with warm golds, brass, and coppers brings a warm accent that stops grey from looking too flat, dull, or lifeless. For an elegant living room, choose the coolness of grey with these metallic touches, used sparingly, to keep the space feeling more grounded than glamorous. 

‘We wanted to create a moody, tonal space for this client’s living room,’ explains interior designer Sarah Montgomery. ‘For that, we used different shades of rich greys in the room, and pared it with pops of gold for a rich, elegant feeling.’

5. CONSIDER SUNKEN SEATING ZONED WITH COLOR

If you’re planning on redesigning a modern living room, and have an open floor plan, then consider the sunken seating trend for a cozy space. This is a great and unique way to segregate a conversational space without solid walls. The U-shaped, curving design, as well as the feeling of being cocooned, radiates snugness.

To further add a soft distinction to this living room, designer Michelle Gerson used grey to zone this comfy seating area, helping the couch feel cozier within this large and lofty living space.

6. PLAY WITH THE CONTRAST COLORS

Usually, cool greys tend to have a very crisp, almost icy look to them. Of course, they are a better, warmer choice than bright white as they do not look clinical or create a glare in the interiors but it’s always better to complement them with more earthy tones of browns and tans, and even black. 

If you have light grey walls and a couch, consider a deeper color for the rest of your furnishings like the rugs or living room curtains. Perhaps add pop-colored cushions. Toss in the likes of yellows, pinks, and natural woods for a softer interior.

‘Grey is a great neutral color for living rooms because it allows the flexibility to mix in color through accent pillows and accessories and even change out colors seasonally without changing the room’s main aspects,’ says Lauren Lerner, founder, and principal designer of Living with Lolo.

7. EXPERIMENT WITH THE WARMTH OF GREY THROUGH MATERIAL TONES

Grey can be a wonderful backdrop for earth-tone living rooms as a color that complements natural materials yet sets a modern tone that does not make the room feel too dated or too rustic. 

‘The palette for this room was derived through a skillful blending of disparate influences for which our client had a deep appreciation and desire to see incorporated into the interior design and decoration of her home,’ says Edward Yedid, founder of GRADE New York. ‘Raised in Tel-Aviv, our client was inspired by the aesthetic of Mediterranean/Middle Eastern baths which led to the muted range of blue, green, and grey along with the use of textured stones and geometric patterns.’

‘Also relevant to the design (more so than the color scheme) for our client was to inject a cool, 1970s European design sensibility which came through in the more earthy tones and vintage furnishings,’ Edward adds. ‘Cerused oak millwork creates a unifying effect within the room and a harmonious complement against the overall deep color scheme.’

8. WARM UP THE LIVING ROOM WITH WOOD FLOORING

Pairing grey-painted walls with wooden living room flooring is a shortcut to giving this color a cozier edge. A deep palette of wooden accents can create various styles and moods, and by layering it with grey, you double down on a feeling of timelessness, coziness, and decadence.

‘The moody tone encapsulated the design thesis in a historic dwelling, manifesting the sophisticated atmosphere and rich detailing that belongs to a limestone in the Upper East Side,’ says Melissa Lee, founder of Bespoke Only. ‘The hue sets a sumptuous base, complemented with the wooden flooring, creating a calming presence.’

9. HIGHLIGHT YOUR COLOR PALETTE WITH COZY LIGHTING

Your lighting scheme plays an important role in making a grey-painted living room feel cozier at nighttime.  Consider uniquely designed living room ceiling lights for ambient lighting and draw attention to specific areas, features, and corners of the room with open spots. Consider wall washing, like in this project by YSG Studio, to give a vertical area some attention. 

The warm, yellow lights will ensure the visuals are always cozy, so avoid cool light colors that will make a space feel stark and unwelcoming.

10. BRING DOWN THE ROOF WITH PAINT FOR A COCOONING FEELING

Sometimes too much grey can make a room feel slightly uninviting. This neutral color works great in partnership, and with complementing tones and natural materials can work well to create the look you desire.

If you have a grey living room that feels too clinical, consider bringing the ceiling down to create a more cocooning feeling. This can be done by adding storage on the ceiling or even painting it a bright tone. 

The painted ceiling will also highlight the architectural value of the room. In this project by Joshua Smith Inc, the coffered ceiling becomes even more pronounced with the white and orange tones. The color adds an umbrella effect over the dark sofa, and the feeling created is like sitting inside a den.

11.  ADD SNUGNESS WITH GREY FURNISHINGS 

Layering can help create a cozy interior, and warm up a grey space. Choose a light-toned grey for the walls, and complement it with darker-toned grey furnishings. Anchor the room with a grey living room rug, and give the room depth and character. 

‘In this living room we aimed to create a moody, layered space that was both cozy, yet welcoming,’ says Kristen Pena, founder of K Interiors. ‘The grey boucle textile from Holland & Sherry is the perfect shade of grey that reads neither warm nor cool, but when layered with the natural wood tones in the space and other greys, creates a vibe of accessibility and a cozy factor. The texture of the grey fabric also adds to that feeling.’

The post 10 Cozy Grey Living Rooms That Prove This Shade Can Be the Warm, Comforting Backdrop We’re All Craving Right Now appeared first on Arteresting Decor.

There are countless cozy room ideas to incorporate into your home, but creating a coherent, cozy house can prove more difficult. While cozy living room ideas and cozy bedroom ideas may be more obvious, incorporating cozy decor in other areas requires more thought. 

Luckily, designers and experts have explained how to make a house look cozy and coherent, so that you can relax in your home no matter the room.

HOW TO MAKE A HOUSE LOOK COZY

‘When you really think about it, creating a cozy home is essentially making yourself a warm and comfortable cocoon for you to hibernate in during the winter months when it’s cold and stormy outside,’ defines Rhiannon Johns, trained interior designer, and brand manager at Piglet in Bed. ‘So in contrast to the hotter summer months, where you want your space to feel as light, airy, and open as possible, creating coziness is all about adding elements that make your home actually feel a bit smaller.’ 

1. STYLE A COZY BEDROOM  

Although more obvious, looking to make a bedroom cozy is one of the best ways to add a cozy feel to your home.  

‘When it comes to the snuggle factor we like to ramp it up to eleven, so double up your throws by layering different textures; velvet and linen is a great pairing,’ suggests Georgia Metcalfe, founder of French Bedroom. ‘Complement the vintage patterned beds and cushions with nostalgic black and white photos of special moments.

‘Your bedroom should be your personal sanctuary. Dress your bed in patterns that make your heart sings, such as ditsy blooms or ruffles and frills. Add some simple extra touches, such as seasonal flowers, soft lighting, candles, and cushions, and create a room that feels like a hug every time you walk in. Opt for bedside lamps rather than wall lights to bring the lighting down, creating a warm and cozy hue,’ she adds. 

Caitlin O’Keeffe, merchandise field manager at Serena & Lilly suggests an alternative approach, however. ‘Achieving the ultimate cozy bedroom is all about simplicity,’ she argues, ‘swap out your summer whites and brights for gingham sheeting in earthier colors like green or brown. Layer a thick quilted coverlet and a cozy throw at the end of the bed for extra warmth. Complete the look with an oversized lumbar pillow that’s almost as wide as the bed. Always invest in quality bedding for comfort and longevity.

‘Dark and neutral tones and layers with textures come into play this season for the bedroom – all shades of beige, deep olive green for that pop of color, and textured whites are in for fall,’ Caitlin continues. ‘Wallpaper has also made a huge comeback, so don’t be afraid to use wallpaper with texture in the bedroom such as grass cloth or fabric to create a cozy sleeping oasis.’

It’s easy to get lost in sleep in our warm yet lightweight comforters. Colors pop on this bedding staple and they will surely be the focal point of your bedroom’s decor. Choose from either synthetic microfiber or our natural fiber cotton. Available in Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen and King sizes.

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2. WARM YOUR HOMES SCHEMES WITH DEEP TONES  

Room color ideas are a great way to make a house feel cozy, especially if you consider fall color schemes to evoke the coziest season. 

‘Paint is the quickest and most effective way to add instant impact and change the mood and atmosphere of a room. The darker the color the more light it absorbs – so reds, plumbs, and terracottas will visually bring walls inwards making a room look warm and inviting,’ explains Justyna Korczynska, senior designer at Crown. ‘Any color that is made up primarily of red or orange will make a room seem much warmer. Using two or three of these colors together will create that warm palette with tonal interest. Many think that red and orange clash, but they do in fact work brilliantly together.’

‘If you want the warmth without the drama, mid-tones are easier to live with. For example, berry tones are warm without being as intense as crimson and the earthy tones of terracotta are much softer than an orange – there’s something so comforting about this color. These mid-tones work equally well in a modern or traditional setting, with light or dark furniture.’ Shades such as these make wonderful additions as colors to make a living room look cozy while also opening the space up and being easy on the eye. 

‘Metallic shades are one of the easiest ways to introduce real warmth into your space. Gold and bronze work wonderfully well texturally as they add also add shine. These deep warm tones are versatile. They look fantastic with sleek surfaces but also with natural materials like exposed brickwork. Often full rooms of metallic paint can be overwhelming, so try feature walls or blocks of shimmer.’

‘Deep green can create a variety of moods. Used as an accent, perhaps on a plush velvet sofa, it brings a bolder pop to a neutral space whilst still looking modern and fresh. Used on the walls, it creates a cozy and enveloping atmosphere, while looking timeless and sophisticated.’

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3. THINK ABOUT HOW YOU PAINT  

Besides the color of your paint, considering how you paint your room can also have a drastic effect on the final look and feel of the space and determine how cozy or cold the room ends up. Rhiannon suggests using paint to enclose a space, making it feel smaller but allowing it to cocoon you in lush color. ‘You can achieve this through clever tricks such as painting your ceiling the same color as your walls,’ she says, ‘or alternatively keeping your walls neutral and painting your ceiling a rich tone such as olive green – something that is very on trend at the moment.’ 

Paint can also be zoned to create cozy corner ideas throughout your home, especially when working with larger or open-plan spaces that you want to visually divide.

Express your style all over your home with a feature-worthy rug. They’re made from a woven, polyester chenille for a soft and textured look. Plus, choosing from our wide array of designs, you’re sure to find just the rug to match your decor. Rugs are one of the best, attention-grabbing pieces to design a room around. Use the colors within the rug to help choose art prints, furniture fabric and accent pillows.

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4. SELECT THE BEST FLOORING

Flooring ideas play a huge part in making a house look cozy. Bare wooden floors or tiles may look and feel cold underfoot unless dressed with a rug. ‘Textured rugs made out of natural materials such as jute will not only keep your feet warm, it will again add another layer of comfort to your house,’ reminds Rhiannon.

For a larger-scale renovation, however, carpet ideas may be the way to go for a cozy home. ‘Your carpet is the perfect place to start when creating a cozy living space. The texture of wool underfoot coupled with warm color or welcoming pattern makes it the perfect base upon which to shape a comfortable and inviting interior scheme,’ says Lisa Conway, marketing manager at Brintons. ‘Where an alternative flooring like wood or tiles might make a room feel stark and bare, a soft woven wool carpet, layered with accessories in cashmere, mohair, and linen will all work to soften the overall look.’

‘Heading into the colder months, layering rugs on either a hard or carpeted floor is a wonderful way of bringing even more warmth, texture, and vibrancy into a space,’ Lisa continues. ‘To create a balanced scheme, it is important to consider the composition of the colors and patterns that you’re combining, as too many can easily overwhelm a scheme. As a general rule, it is a good idea to pick out just a few colors and run them throughout the rug scheme or use a hue that harmoniously works well as a backdrop such as greys or beiges.’

‘Most importantly, choose a material that provides warmth underfoot,’ adds Jodie Hatton design manager at Brintons. ‘Wool is an excellent choice due to its natural insulating properties. Wool is often thought of as creating a warm and cozy environment which is one of its many benefits, a lesser known benefit is wool’s cooling properties, as an insulator wool can also prevent too much heat from coming through the floor and its moisture wicking properties prevent you from getting too warm.’

Our floor pillows are the perfect pick for seating in a pinch. They’re overstuffed and firm to never lose their shape and the high-quality print makes sure the design stays crisp and colorful. Available in round or square, with two size options.

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5. ADD DIMENSION THROUGH LAYERS AND TEXTURE 

Layering in interior design has always been important, but it is imperative for making a house look cozy. ‘Add warmth and layers to your space,’ suggests Caitlin, ‘drape ultra-soft alpaca or merino wool throws onto the couch or on the bed for those cooler nights as the weather begins to change. Include even more throws in outdoor spaces to round out the coziness and to make it into a more usable space year-round.’

‘Layers for fall are essential,’ reminds Rhiannon. ‘Soft cotton throws draped over the arm of your sofa and the end of your bed are not only very practical while you’re watching a movie with a hot cup of tea, but they also add texture and depth to a space, having a comfortable effect on the eye.’ 

‘Spruce up a fireplace by placing a sheepskin rug on the ground and create a cozy reading nook nearby for warm nights by the fire,’ Caitlin continues. ‘Add several textured ivory candle pillars in varying heights to add warmth and dimension to your space. Be sure to light each one at night to create that special cozy glow.’

Add throw pillows to whatever room needs an extra dose of comfy. Individually cut and sewn by hand, each pillow features a double-sided print and is finished with a concealed zipper and faux down insert. Keeping an assortment of throw pillow designs on hand is the easiest way to give any space an instant refresh. Available in four sizes.

<< Throw Pillow Styles >>

6. PLACE EMPHASIS ON SOFT FURNISHINGS

Soft furnishings can make or break a home and are considered one of the most important decorating ideas. ‘Home is all about evoking feelings of comfort and coziness, and there are simple ways to create your own cozy retreat. Firstly, invest in versatile products that can be used around the home. Bedfolk’s cotton quilt has been designed to wrap your bed up in squishy comfort, but equally, be perfect for cuddling up on the sofa,’ says Jo James, co-founder & creative director of Bedfolk. ‘You can use the same quilt around your home, or add a woven basket with a quilt wrapped up ready to be used – we’ve got quilts in baskets scattered around most rooms in our home, and they are so comforting and so useful – for guests, for babies, for us, even for our dog!’ she divulges. 

‘Another key element of creating a cozy, comforting home, is pillows. We’re huge fans of square pillows at Bedfolk – adding a pair to your bed ups the comfort factor hugely and creates a luxurious look relatively affordably. They are perfect for reading in bed or having a morning cup of tea. I also recommend adding square pillows to your sofa – it makes such a difference to have a proper, huge, pillow when snuggling up on the sofa. As well as being ridiculously comfortable, they also create a really cozy look, which is so easy to update by adding a different color pillowcase. 

‘I switch out my Bedfolk Snow (off-white) and Rose (barely pink) linen square pillowcases for Rust (our take on terracotta) and Ink (our mellow dark blue) when the evenings get colder and darker.’

Our outdoor floor cushions are the super comfy and style-forward option for outdoor seating. They’re UV coated to protect against fading and water resistant so you can avoid scrambling to bring them inside whenever there’s a touch of weather. Grab a few to have on hand whenever seating is hard to come by or for a fun option for kids to use out in the yard.

<< Floor Cushion Styles >>

7. CONSIDER A COZY KITCHEN SPACE 

Making kitchen ideas look cozy can be one of the more difficult decorating tasks. But, with the kitchen often used as a social hub for guests and family, especially during the holiday periods, creating a cozy and inviting kitchen can make all the difference when trying to design an overall cozy-looking home. 

‘Alone, the functional features of a kitchen like tile floors and stainless steel, can at times feel stark and cold. With the kitchen now being the heart of the home for many, there are lots of little design tricks you can use to inject the space with warmth and transform it into a cozy, inviting space that you can relax and unwind in, whilst still maintaining its functionality,’ reassures Lizzie Beesley, head of design at Magnet.

‘Whilst bright lights are needed in the kitchen for functional purposes, if you are looking to create a space that can transition into a cozy evening spot, it’s a great idea to invest in dimmable lighting. This will allow you to alter the atmosphere in an instant. From overhead spotlights running across kitchen worktops and dangling over an island, to rattan lamps, candles, and under or in-cabinet lighting, there are lots of other smaller lighting tricks to create a warm ambient atmosphere. The key is to dot them around the space to create zones of dark and light areas that draw you in and illuminate the surrounding features.’

‘Incorporating warm natural materials like wood, leather, and textiles in your kitchen will balance out the colder materials traditionally found in the space, such as tile and stone. With the rise of the farmhouse and country-style kitchens, these textures are also very on-trend and are a great way to add layers and depths to a design space. 

‘From wooden chairs and tables to smaller accent details such as wooden coasters and fabric tea towels, weaving in these natural materials will add textural interest to the space and make the eye wonder.’

Our natural cotton tablecloths are a great way to create the right mood for your next dinner party or everyday tablescape. Each rectangular tablecloth features an independent artists’ design, finished edges and a folded hem. They’re lightweight, machine washable and make an easy decor swap depending on the season.

<< Tablecloth Styles >>

8. LAYER LIGHTING 

‘Lighting creates a huge impact, both on and off, so think about every area of your home from the front door hallway to bathrooms and alcoves. Walk through your home and think about the mood you want to create and the light that is required or is missing,’ suggests Scarlett Hampton, co-founder of lights&lamps. 

‘Ceiling lights are perfect for darker days but may need dimming or even switching off when relaxing by the fire or TV. Think of lighting like the sun. Big and bright in the day, becoming lower and softer by night. When ceiling lights are no longer needed to see by, switch on a larger floor lamp, when the evening progresses, they can then be complemented or replaced by a more subtle table or bedside lamp. Imitating the setting sun is a great way to transition your living space throughout the day and bring peace and calm before bed,’ Scarlett continues.

Cozy up with our unbelievably soft throw blankets. Crafted with sherpa fleece, these blankets actually get softer the more times you wash them. Coordinate with throw pillows and rectangular pillows for whatever nook needs a little extra dose of comfy. Available in three sizes.

<< Throw Blanket Styles >>

HOW CAN I MAKE MY HOUSE COZY ON A BUDGET?  

There are a few ways you can make your house cozy on a budget. Consider using natural materials, or introducing warm tones such as in furniture, paint, or decor pieces – using warmer-toned lighting and candles will also help to create a cozy atmosphere for less. Opt for dark woods over light when it comes to furniture and fittings to help darken the space while maintaining an elegant feel.  

HOW DO YOU MAKE A BIG HOUSE FEEL COZY? 

To make a larger home or space feel cozier, consider using clever paint tricks such as color drenching, hanging heavy curtains, or zoning the space with furniture and rugs to help divide the space and make it feel slightly smaller, thus making it feel cozier and more intimate. 

The post How to Make a House Look Cozy – 8 Ways to Make a Snug Home appeared first on Arteresting Decor.