Collaborative post
Does your home feel cold and unwelcoming? Do you ever feel restless or gloomy when you spend time indoors? If the answer to either of these questions is “yes”, you might want to consider redecorating to give your living spaces a warm and cosy feel.
Some modern interior design elements, such as minimal furniture, bare walls, and hard, reflective materials can make your home look pristine and Instagrammable. But they can also make your abode feel cold and uncomfortable.
In an interview with House & Garden, design expert Emma Burns of Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler said that planning is crucial when it comes to creating a comfortable and inviting home. “I begin with a statement on atmosphere and ethos – how will you use the room, how do you want to feel in it and what do you want it to say about you?” she adds. When refreshing living spaces for your loved ones, think about incorporating elements that will add a happy vibe to your home.
Here are some cosy interior design ideas to create warm and inviting spaces for your family.
Optimise thermal comfort
Having rooms that are too hot or too cold, or areas in your house that have draughts or leaks can have a negative impact on your family’s health and wellbeing. They can also make your home feel uncomfortable.
Before decorating, repair any holes in your walls and ceilings, and fix draughty doors and windows to optimise thermal comfort. An HVAC system can also reduce humidity and improve air quality. Remember to check air conditioners and fans regularly to see if they need to be cleaned, repaired, or replaced.
If your house has a working fireplace, using it on cold nights can help to create a sense of wellbeing and comfort. Keep it well-maintained by cleaning the firebox regularly, and don’t forget to inspect the chimney for damage or cracks. You can also refresh your fireplace by installing tiles around the fireplace grate. Stone-effect tiles will give your fireplace’s exterior some texture and an earthy feel, while terracotta tiles will add warmth to your living room.
Create spaces that make people want to linger
Going into a room that feels like a warm hug can be heaven after a bad day or long hours at work. That’s why, whether your home is decorated in a contemporary or traditional style, you’ll want to create spaces that make people feel good.
An inviting atmosphere can be created with the right mix of colours, textures, furniture, and decoration, so assess your rooms and see what you can add or take away to design cosy interiors.
For instance, if your living room walls have nothing but neutral-coloured paint on them, think about adding colour with some wall art or creating a feature wall with wallpaper. Rugs are great for adding texture and interest too; consider layering a shaggy, deep pile rug over a vintage Afghan or Turkish rug, then place floor cushions over them so people can sit on the floor.
If you only have a single bulb on the ceiling to light up your entire living room, improve the ambience by adding table lamps and floor lamps. These will cast a soft glow around the space and help to promote calm and relaxation.
Lastly, check your sofa to see if it’s ideal for lounging or resting. If your sofa cushions look a bit flat, think about having them reupholstered to give them that overstuffed look. An overstuffed sofa not only looks more inviting, but it can also provide good support for your body so you’ll feel comfortable whether you’re sitting or lying down on it.
Decorate mindfully
Your house isn’t a showroom. It’s a place where you make plans for the future, create memories, and grow together as a family. So, personalise it by displaying objects that mean something to you.
Go ahead and stick souvenir magnets from your travels on your fridge door. Frame family pictures and display them around your home. Show off your book collection by artfully arranging them in a nice bookcase or a built-in shelf. Love nature? Add some indoor plants or place fresh flowers in a gorgeous vase. Fill your home with things that you treasure to trigger happy memories, and create a space that reflects your shared passions and interests.
Your living spaces should always feel warm and welcoming. Consider these design tips to create a cosy and inviting home, and see what a difference it makes to your family’s wellbeing and happiness.
The post Cosy interiors: designing warm and inviting spaces for family homes appeared first on Growing Family.
