Simple Tips for Making Your House Feel Cozy

Many of us have become homebodies for the better part of two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic.  It has created a major shift in lifestyle and perhaps made us reevaluate what matters to us.  Simple conveniences and comforts of life may be reprioritized to suit our new normal.  One of the biggest considerations due to all of this is the home.  The home that may be your all-in-one schoolhouse, office, “doze but never close” restaurant, theatre, arcade, and sleeping quarters.  Whether this means you are considering a move because working from home went into permanency or wanting to build an addition to make room for this new existence-home is where the heart is.  You can watch HGTV and look at Pinterest inspiration to figure out what strikes your eye in the way of home design.  After all, if you’re going to be spending considerably more time at home, it should be comfortable, functional, and have the aesthetic elements that are appealing to you.  Here is what the experts are saying about home trends for 2022. 

There is a Danish concept known as “hygge” that denotes their cozy way of life.  It started to make major waves around 2016 and is still going strong.  Many other cultures have adopted their own “hygge,” as we spend more and more time in leggings and slippers (with maybe a dress blazer for the Zoom cam ; )).  Whether you’re still WFH, hybrid or headed back to the office, a few easy changes will help you see your home in a new light (even on those overcast winter days).  Now let’s get hygge with it!   

LESS IS MORE. The first rule of thumb is to declutter.  As the saying goes, “everything in its place, and a place for everything.”  This type of design is all about simplicity.  You may think the minimalist style is too stark or cold.  Instead, reimagine a decluttered space with only what you need, add comfortable elements like throws and pillows and you have the heart of the easy-going “Scandi vibe.”  Create the perfect parity of cozy ambiance with stylish accents, all while maintaining the “less is more” approach.   

GO NATURAL. Earth tones with different textures are the key elements in this design scheme.  Think woven fabrics in varying yet complementary hues, paired accordingly to invite you to sit down and stay awhile.  A pop of jeweled color isn’t out of the question.  Mix in some rich navy-blue colored pillows, if you dare!  You should certainly make it your own, without making something overly clashing.  Whether it’s a jute area rug or a macrame tapestry, these elements have a calming effect on your surroundings.   

SIMPLE STATEMENT. A quick, easy and affordable facelift to any room is a statement piece.  Just like those long dangly bangled earrings you wear-a statement wall, a unique piece of wall décor or a combination of both really livens up the rest of the neutral environment.  Even some simple hanging planters will excite the eye in the midst of your pacified space. 

Is a ”minimalist” too stark?  Is “modern farmhouse” still too, well…farmy?  I think the best style doesn’t have to be put into one specific category.  Take what you like about one and combine it with another, if not several others.  After all, this is YOUR space to fit YOUR lifestyle.  Maybe you like that bohemian wall décor next to your sleek Ikea accent table.  DO IT!  It’s your place to make your own.  Who knows?  Maybe sharing your unique design and sharing with the social media verse could make you the next Johanna Gains.  Call it, Shabby Chic Minimalist Farmhouse.  Call it whatever you want or nothing at all.  Just call it your own.