Houston Interior Designer Danna Smith Shares Her Tips for a Cozy Home
By: Danna Smith
Summer has come to an end, thank goodness, and the team at our Houston interior design firm is ready to welcome the cooler weather on the way! We have had a touch of it in the past few weeks, with chillier temperatures peaking overnight and making our days more bearable. The change of seasons is always welcomed after the long days of hot, sticky Houston summers. When you feel the crispness in the air, you can’t help but think about ways to make your home warm and cozy. A cozy feeling can be achieved not only through furniture and accessories but also by updating the color on your walls. Let’s take a look at how to create a cozy home designed for the cooler days ahead.
Here’s How to Create a Cozy Home This Season
There are many ways to make a house look cozy, so it can be hard to know where to start your seasonal decor refresh. I’m sharing four impactful tips to get that warm, welcoming feeling in any space.
Choose a Cozy Color
Color significantly impacts the mood of a space. If your room is ready for a fresh paint job, a color selection with warm undertones is the best place to start. Warm colors do not necessarily need to be dark. You can achieve a cozy feeling with a neutral paint palette. Think of it as a base to build upon. Warm Sherwin-Williams neutrals like SW9109 Natural Linen, SW9112 Song Thrush, and SW9173 Shiitake are excellent colors to start with. SW7029 Agreeable Gray is a good color as well. These are just a few suggestions. There are a multitude of whites that would provide a wonderful background for a cozy space. A warm white lets your furnishings, art, and accessories stand out. Plus, it is much softer and more welcoming than starker variations.
Layer Lighting
Layering your lighting is key to a functional and cozy space. Before selecting your light fixtures, it’s important to know what types of lighting to include. Every room should have three types of light: ambient, accent, and task lighting. These types of light ensure the room is lit appropriately, and the variation of fixtures adds visual interest and coziness.
Ambient Lighting
Ambient lighting is the light source that completely “fills” the space. It is also sometimes referred to as general lighting. Ambient lighting is intended to illuminate the space with uniform light throughout. This could be done with recessed lighting or a fabulous chandelier.
Accent Lighting
Accent lighting is the bright light that creates a focal point, highlighting a cool architectural element, a piece of artwork, treasured family antiques, or a beloved accessory collection. Accent lighting is a definite attention-getter!
Task Lighting
Task lighting is the last layer of the lighting design plan. As the name implies, it’s the light used for performing a task. Kitchen task lighting is typically placed under the cabinets to light the counters for food prep. In the office, task lighting is the desk lamp your kids turn on while doing homework. Living room and bedroom task lighting could be the table lamp you use for relaxing with a good book or reading the latest interior design magazine!
You can get creative with these lighting layers through unique fixtures and dimmers to set the mood. Your light is your canvas. The appropriate light levels in a space create that warm, welcoming feel. Bonus tip: get warmer temperature bulbs for that peaceful orange glow!
Décor by Pamela Hope Designs
Think About Texture
Varied textures add warmth and visual interest to a space. Textures include elements like hewn wood, polished stone, velvety linens, and even patterned rugs for soft luxury underfoot. A beautiful table with natural wood grain, a great stone lamp, and a chunky knit throw all add texture. I like to use deep-colored leather furniture to add that warm, rustic element paired with throws draped over the sofa arm. In addition to textural contrast, it provides a cozy spot to curl up and watch your favorite holiday movie!
Accessorize Appropriately
Accessorize with warm colors to complete the space. Accent pillows in deep greens, warm rust, and deep reds always add a cozy feeling to a room. Decorative wood boxes, trays, and stone sculptures are additional items that make a space cozy. This is where you can have fun with your design. If it gives you a warm feeling when you look at it, you’re on the right track! Remember, add natural elements and colors with warm undertones to create an inviting space.
Remember: Cozy is Comfortable
A cozy room is a comfortable and welcoming room. Put these cozy home tips in place for your rooms to make it as comfy as it can possibly be. If you have any difficulty, you know you can give us a call, and we can certainly help you achieve your goals.
Until next time, let your creative juices flow!
— Danna
