The holidays are over and you're slowly getting your house back to normal. But that doesn't mean you have to pack away the cozy, comfortable feeling all those holiday decorations add to your home.
With some simple decorations or re-arranged furniture, you can keep the cozy feeling for the rest of the winter season. Here are 5 simple tips that can help.
1. Coziness is in the details
Every family has traditions and memories that are unique, so celebrate those differences with subtle reminders around your house. Just remember not to go overboard. A little here, a little there can go a long way to creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. But too much will look cluttered and chaotic. Try decorating your home with some of the following:
Family photos. Groupings of family photos should be first on your list. Find shelf space or side tables that could use a personal touch, and then add a few family photos. The frames don't have to match, but they should coordinate…and they should have the same design as the mood you're trying to create. If it's coziness you seek, try adding rich wood frames and classic designs to your décor.
Heirlooms and antiques. You'd be surprised what an antique camera can add to a display of family photos. Or how an antique vase can set the tone for an entire room. These items are inexpensive to purchase at an antique store, but if you have a family heirloom with a story it's even better.
Personal or seasonal touches. Remember, your family and your community are unique and should be celebrated. So, for example, if your family took a unique vacation to a sandy beach last year, you can fill a decorative jar with the sand and surround it with a photo or two. Or, you can simply bring natural elements-such as pinecones or autumn leaves-inside and place them in a large bowl or dish with photos or candles.
Warm the senses. Don't forget to fill the air with a fresh fragrance that fits the mood you're creating. Often, those fresh scents are the first things that visitors notice. So consider lighting scented candles, purchasing plug-in air fresheners with seasonal scents, or just baking homemade cookies before company arrives.
2. Setting the scene
This time of year, you're probably re-arranging some of your rooms after taking down the Christmas tree or packing away holiday decorations and candles. Before you settle back into your old layout though, take a few minutes to think about how your furniture can add to the coziness of your house.
Start with the seating. For instance, can you place the sofa and a few armchairs so they're facing each other-making it natural and comfortable for people to sit and visit? If you have a fireplace, this is the perfect time of year to make that the focal point of the room (you can always arrange your seating around the television once the winter season is over). Area rugs and throw pillows can help tie the furniture together and create a cohesive, warm feeling.
Also look for cozy corners where you can place two chairs and a small game table for checkers or cards. For even smaller spaces, consider placing a single chair, a lamp, and a stack of books or magazines for an inviting retreat.
3. A soft, warm glow
One of the easiest and most inexpensive ways to set the mood in a room is to adjust your lighting. Remember, those bright overhead lights are often harsh on the eyes and don't help create the warm atmosphere you're seeking. Try adding a few floor lamps, small table lamps, and even wall sconces for softer, more indirect lighting. Also, use lower wattage bulbs in your lights for a more relaxed environment.
During the day, make sure you're taking full advantage of the natural light that enters your house. For example, don't place larger, dark-colored objects too close to your windows; even if they don't block the light, they'll make the window feel smaller and will overpower the natural light that's trying to enter.
Finally, don't forget that the best light source is sometimes a candle. You can set a single candle on a table or create a grouping on a mantle, in a fireplace, or on a wall sconce. You can even place them in front of a mirror to heighten the impact. But don't feel like you have to overdo it…even small votive candles can make a big difference.
Of course, if you have young children or are concerned about a fire hazard in a certain location, you can opt for the warm glow of a fake candle. There are a number of sizes and options available today. Most are inexpensive and look quite real.
4. The fabric of our lives
Adding color and texture to your living space is another way to establish a mood. For example, consider using tablecloths not only on your dining room table but also on end tables in the living room. Chair covers can also warm a room. Finally, don't overlook the power of simply draping warm-colored throw blankets over a chair or loveseat. Not only will this add to the coziness of your room, but it also makes the space feel more inviting to friends and family.
5. A reading retreat
Now that the craziness of the holidays is over, it's the perfect time to relax and catch up on your reading. To help make that goal a reality, remember to design a space that's conducive to it. This may be as simple as setting out a small stack of books you've been meaning to read. Or you can actually get creative with your space and establish a reading area. You don't need much space to do this - just a chair and a lamp. To help add to the coziness, look for a small table to hold your books. You can even tip a small antique crate on its side to use as a bookshelf…that way you have function and the right mood-setting style that fits with the rest of your cozy décor.
