Home. A place to return to.
There’s nothing more inviting than a warm atmosphere—a well-loved, practical place to rest and connect. Warmth goes beyond thick layers and restful colors. Like many qualities, it’s something intangible that you just know when you feel it.
As the air cools and nights grow longer, it is this idea of warmth that we’re looking to capture at home, a welcoming embrace of comfort that nurtures and restores us. There are a variety of ways to make a space feel warmer, but here are a few favorite tips to start curating a cozy room that’s unique to you.
Consider Colors
Color is one of the most important aspects of designing a warm room. Using organic, nature-forward tones and warm shades throughout can instantly brighten a space to make it feel more inviting. Consider incorporating warm-toned natural woods and rich colors for a familiar, welcoming feel. Tip: Undertones can change the appearance of any item you style. Pay attention to the undertones of furniture, paint, and decor to ensure they don’t look too cold when placed together.
Let the Light In
Harsh, cool-toned lighting can sometimes make a space feel cold and uninviting. Try using softer, warm light to make a space feel cozier. For example, you could switch out fluorescent lights for warm-toned bulbs or keep the curtains open, relying on natural light instead. Lamps are also a great way to keep a soft glow in the room. Check out our guide to all things lighting for an overview of bulb tones, tips for styling, and more helpful advice.
Get Green
One of the quickest ways to add life to a space can be, well, adding life! Pick up a few plants, real or faux, to place throughout your home for a vibrant sense of energy. Tip: Try styling a plant on or near a contrasting or cool-toned item to soften its look. The soft, organic shape of plants can help distract from any harsh lines or hues.
Layer in Texture
Comfort is key when trying to keep a space cozy. Rely on fluffy, warm, and inviting textures when accessorizing, like a knit throw blanket, patterned pillows, or velvet accent chair. A coverlet—a lightweight, textured bedding layer—can be a cozy way to add dimension to the bed during cooler months, as well.
Light a Candle
Fire is about as warm as it gets—so use it to your advantage! Scented candles styled throughout your home can surround the senses with comfort. Similarly, incorporate some tapers and candlesticks for a vintage-looking, delicate glow. You could also try installing or turning on a fireplace for a more dramatic effect.
Make A Statement
Statement pieces are (arguably) one of the most fun ways to help a space feel more inviting. Show off your personality with patterned rugs, shiny metals, wallpaper, bright curtains, accent chairs, and colorful pillows to achieve a lived-in look. Plus, pieces with unique details are often eye-catching—and can be great conversation starters!
Choose Comfort
A warm room can be a retreat. Prioritizing comfort in commonly used areas, like a living room or guest room, can serve as a reminder to slow down for a moment, to linger and rest—and invite company to do the same. Soft curves can also make a space appear more inviting, so take note of shapes when styling larger pieces, like sofas and accent chairs.
Oftentimes, layers are essential to a welcoming and comforting space. Play around with mixing different textures, colors, materials, and aesthetics until you find something you enjoy. Tip: Keep the functionality of the space in mind as you design—part of a warm environment is a sense of ease and usability.
Warmth transcends an aesthetic—it’s a feeling. As the seasons change and we look to rhythms of ease and comfort, we hope this guide inspires a special space that feels like your favorite place to be, year round.
