A house is a building people live in. It consists of walls, doors, windows, and other elements. But to the people who live in it, a house is so much more. It’s a shelter, a box full of memories; it’s Sunday dinner with friends and family. It is a home.
But what makes a house a home, other than people who live in it? It is the inexplicable feeling you have when you are inside it – and you can create that cozy atmosphere with the help of some design tricks. Here are some ways to make your house feel homey.
See Its True Colors
Colors can have more impact on your mood than other elements of the room. Different tones evoke different emotions, and it’s possible to use the insights from color psychology to manage the atmosphere in the house, room by room.
Keep in mind that strong, saturated colors boost our energy, so their place is in rooms where there are a lot of activities (e.g., kitchen and living room). However, some hues (especially red) can provoke hostile emotions when used excessively.
Soothing mild shades belong in the bedroom. White, grey, beige, and other neutrals are always secure options for every room if you don’t feel safe experimenting.
Up the Comfort
The most important thing in a home is that it’s comfortable. Your interior can look like it belongs on the front page of a design magazine, but if it doesn’t invite you to sit, socialize, or sleep, what’s the point?
There are two key pieces of furniture where comfort is the absolute priority: the living room sofa and the bedroom bed.
When choosing the sofa, make sure you don’t go for something narrow. The seat depth should be between 21 and 24” and provide enough back support for sitting. As for the bed, the frame will depend on your style, but you should get the best mattress you can find – the priorities being support, durability, and comfort.
Boost the Coziness
Comfort is a practical issue, but coziness is an experience. The most effective way to make an interior look cozy is through textures. You can mix soft and fluffy textures with lean and metallic ones to create contrast and warmth.
For example, an abundance of throw pillows from various materials, such as velvet and faux fur, can create a warm visual effect. Pair them with metallic lamps and accessories to emphasize the coziness you are creating with cushions. Additionally, you can layer several different material rugs for a more inviting ambiance.
No Clutter
It’s important to use different elements to increase visual coziness, but you’ll want to avoid creating clutter. Too much stuff around the house, even if they are “stacked” in some organized way, can cause mental clutter. Consequently, a cluttered space will promote stress. So, try to leave enough room on the floor to walk around freely and sufficient vertical space so that your eyes can scan the rooms uninterruptedly.
Bring Nature in
Humans are drawn to nature, so it’s no wonder that we seek to incorporate its elements in our surroundings. Using wood for flooring and furniture can make the house feel more comfortable, warm, and inviting. Also, stone, brick, bamboo, and other materials extracted from nature can evoke similar feelings.
The easiest way to bring the outside in is to arrange houseplants throughout the house. Every room can benefit from houseplants. However, make sure you consider the conditions the plant needs and the benefits/damage it can bring. For example, succulents are the best for the bathroom because they thrive on humidity and don’t require a lot of light. Plants like bonsai trees, orchids, and African violets may trap dust in their leaves or trigger allergic reactions, which makes them unsafe for the bedroom.
Make It Personal
Finally, it’s important to add some personal touches through accessories, artwork, photographs, and similar details. This will make the house feel truly yours. You can hang some family pictures on the wall or cover one accent wall with your favorite movie posters. A shelf with the books you love and the souvenirs from your travels will also tell a story about your life and who you are. Just think about what you want to see when you’re sitting in the living room or lying in your bed.
About the Author
Hannah Thomas is a gardening and environmental enthusiast. Garden is the place where she feels most comfortable, that’s why there are always a lot of books and empty coffee cups on the back porch.
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