Our homes are where we hide out from the world; they’re where we stumble home after a long day of work and curl up with a good book; they’re where we spend the majority of our time with our families. Given how precious our homes are, many of us are looking for ways to improve the cozy feeling of our space. We want something that feels inviting; a place that friends don’t want to leave; a place where memories can be formed.
The following will look at some of the things you can do to improve how welcoming and comfortable your space is. We’ve paid special attention to including things across a variety of budgets, so no matter what your financial situation is, you’ll be able to find something that works for you.
Go Green With House Plants
No, we’re not talking about ditching all the plastic (though that’s a great idea too). We’re talking about getting more house plants. Yes, plants need a little bit of love and care; they need to be watered, and every so often, for luscious plants, you want to be getting some nutrients into their soil, but the impact they can have on your space is well worth the effort.
Besides being beautiful, indoor plants help keep the air in your home clean. That’s right; the air is literally fresher and more full of oxygen if you have lots of plants around. They also boost our moods, reduce anxiety, improve concentration, and reduce allergies. That’s a lot of benefits for something so lovely, now isn’t it?
Lighting Is Everything: New Lightbulbs
When you’re trying to create a certain mood in your space, the lighting is where you’re going to want to begin. Foremost, get some new lightbulbs (and think about whether you want bright daylight or a warm, glowing, softer light). You’ll be shocked by how much switching your lightbulbs can improve how welcoming your space feels.
If the lights are too bright, we’re stuck with the sterile feeling of a dentist’s office (and also, no one looks their best in that kind of lighting, do your guests a favor and get rid of the scary-face lighting). If the lights are too dim, things feel spooky and eerie. As a bonus, newer lightbulbs tend to be energy efficient, so your utility bill might be less than expected next month.
Lighting Is Everything: Natural Light Maximization
While you’re working on the lighting, consider the sources of natural light in your home, namely your windows and skylights. Natural lighting has countless health benefits for us, plus it is the most inviting and soothing option we have. To maximize the light that is already all around you, consider hanging a mirror opposite a large window. You might even want to hang a refracting item in the window to play out the natural light (and create gorgeous soothing light patterns on the walls and floor).
Relax and Unwind With a Sauna
Some of us want to boost the coziness to another level. That’s where an indoor sauna comes in. It also is fantastic for our health. (Have you noticed yet that the things that make space feel better are all things that actually are better for us?) Saunas have been around for thousands of years and are beloved across a variety of cultures.
More Natural Textiles
Over time we accumulate items like pillows, blankets, sheets, curtains, cushions, rugs, couches, and fluffy chairs. This tweak doesn’t have to be a complete redo right now, sort of alteration, but rather, it can be part of the shopping tactic you keep in mind when looking for new textiles for your home whenever you need them. Many modern-day materials are made of synthetics and plastics, which, while dirt cheap, are not so comfortable, don’t last as long, build static, and leach toxins into the water when washed or into the air when heated. Scary, right?
Examples of synthetics include rayon, spandex, polyester, microfibre, and acrylic fiber. Beyond these negatives of synthetic textiles, natural ones tend to last longer and feel better on our skin. Consider linen, wool, cotton, and other similar natural fabrics for the textiles in your home. Nothing makes for better cuddle sessions with the whole family in front of the tv than truly soft blankets and comfy pillows.
The above tips should help you find a few ways to bring about a cozier feeling in your home. Don’t feel pressured to add everything at once or spend more than you can comfortably afford, as nothing will make your space less cozy than you stressing about money. It’s more than okay to make small changes gradually over a longer period of time.
