Have you ever felt that even the neatest and most modern interior feels alien and cold? Is it worth being surprised if there is minimalism, glass, and perfectly flat walls all around? How to make the house not just stylish, but truly warm and cozy? This article features expert tips from leading designers, shared with Livingetc. Read on to find out how to create a space you want to come back to every day with just a few decisions.
Many people are familiar with the feeling of tedious sterility: everything is comfortable and new, but there is no desire to stay in such a space for an extended period. Studies in the field of psychology confirm that home coziness enhances emotional well-being, promotes family harmony, and helps reduce stress levels (according to the American Psychological Association).
The fact that modern man has begun to spend more time at home is undeniable. This was especially pronounced after the pandemic started. Once at home, we began to make full use of modern technology, not only for work but also for various forms of entertainment.
Watching TV series online, through social media, YouTube, and TikTok, has met the needs of the majority. Many have discovered a talent for gaming, including the virtual gambling industry. Their popularity has been influenced by their simplicity and convenience for beginners. We also have limited experience in interacting with the iGaming industry, but we were able to find information about registration at Mostbet on this site within just a few minutes. In the case of other casinos, everything is much the same, as brands in the gambling market strive to make their services accessible to even those who are farthest from modern technology.
And let such hobbies turn into an addiction, for most of them, just a way to have a good time. If this is not to your liking, you can always find numerous alternatives. The main thing that you like is what you are comfortable with. And this comfort largely depends on the interior of the home. Therefore, below, we will provide some tips on how to organize your living space for greater comfort.
When an apartment has high ceilings and a lot of air, it often has the effect of a hall or studio, where it is difficult to feel relaxed. Livingetc designers note that the use of low-profile furniture—sofas, armchairs, and coffee tables—allows you to "lower" the horizon and make the room appear larger than usual. Materials are particularly pleasing, featuring quiet, soft fabrics, cashmere plaids, and velour upholstery in muted tones. A good example is the combination of a compact sofa in dusty rose and wide pouffe chairs in the living room.
Texture is a powerful tool for atmosphere. Monotonous and too smooth surfaces create distance between people and space. By adding textured elements, such as clay plaster on the walls (a Roman technology), sofas made of bouclé fabric, and woolen capes, you trigger a whole range of positive tactile associations. Equally compelling are textile wallpapers. As evidenced by the experience of designers from the UK, the trend of “tactile surfaces” is gaining popularity today. Anything that you want to touch and look at brings a sense of life and warmth into your home.
Experimental results have shown that the most significant visual interest and sense of coziness arise when objects of contrasting form and material are combined. Why not place a modern rectilinear table on a rug with organic ornamentation? A corner sofa can be softened with a set of handmade round cushions, and a strict glass table can be placed on a thick plush rug. Livingetc experts emphasize that this creates a sense of dynamics and individuality, saving the apartment from the “magazine spread” effect.
When recommending the creation of a cozy environment, designers never tire of reminding us of the versatility of natural materials. Ecological woods, marble slabs, linen, and wool bring us closer to nature, warm associations, and a sense of security. According to the Houzz survey for 2023, about 58% of respondents associate the coziness of the house with natural elements of finishing. Case: wooden panels in the bedroom, limestone countertops, and linen curtains - such solutions both emphasize the owner's status and relax the eye.
The ultimate secret to coziness is the ability to easily change lighting scenarios throughout the day. Solid overhead lighting is often perceived as industrial, according to Livingetc expert Joanne Fielding. Wall sconces softly outline a seating area, floor lamps in corners soften the room's sharp angles, and a fireplace (or a decorative version of it) fills the space with a soft flicker. Example: In the Anglo-Saxon tradition, it is customary to use at least three or four light sources of different intensity to zone and visually "warm" the room.
The right shades can instantly make an ordinary room appealing. World experts say that coziness is most often associated with calm, muted colors, such as terracotta, olive, dusty blue, and deep gray-blue combinations. For accent, designers advise using bright but restrained details, including pillows in ochre colors, ceramic vases, and natural textile panels. Psychologists say that such scales help individuals relax and feel safe in their own homes.
Sometimes it's not the design that shapes the atmosphere, but the smells. Neuromarketing studies show that home fragrances can trigger memories and a strong sense of belonging. Scented candles and diffusers scented with vanilla, orange, cinnamon, and cedar are on trend. In autumn and winter, designers recommend using scented candles with warm, "edible" notes. In the summer season, opt for fresh citrus or light greens instead. According to Western experts, this simple technique instantly increases the attractiveness and "homeliness" of even the most minimalist space.
Dense curtains and high-pile carpets are details that have a powerful acoustic and visual effect. The carpet serves as a kind of “blanket” for the floor, setting a comfortable temperature and the melody of footsteps. In the bedroom, a combination of dark, heavy curtains and a light woolen carpet looks great. In the living room, they often opt for carpets with geometric patterns and velvet drapes. This not only adds warmth, but also hides the acoustic deficiencies of the room.
Technological progress does not bypass home comfort. Intelligent lighting systems that adjust to your mood, eco-friendly bamboo panels, and multi-layered washable carpets are available on the market today. There are ready-made fragrances with a system of selecting odors based on the season and even the time of day. However, we advise you to assess the possibilities soberly. After all, some techniques are more challenging to realize in small studio apartments or with limited natural light. Choose only those solutions that fit seamlessly into your lifestyle, so as not to overload the space with details.