Getting warm and cozy when it’s cold out is one of life’s most pleasant sensations, so why not let your interior design emphasize this feeling? Let’s look at a few decorating touches you can add to complement the mood when the cold sets in and you just want to curl up by the fire with a hot drink and a good book.
Appeal to Your Primal Senses
It’s easy to forget that we are not so far removed from the days before central heat and electricity made surviving in winter rather simple. But our instincts are still attuned to enjoy the basic methods people developed in the old days to ward off the dark and cold, and you can highlight these elements in your home to achieve the satisfying sense that you have overcome the elements.
Fire
Fire is the purest example of a tool that conquers cold and darkness. If you have a fireplace in your home, winter is the perfect time to make it a focal point. Arrange your furniture so the primary seating area is situated comfortably around the hearth, then soak up the warmth to your heart’s content. You can enjoy the vibe of a flame by substituting candles if your space lacks a fireplace. Place single candles around the room, or use more elaborate candelabra or similar configuration to concentrate a group of candles in one spot. If you are concerned about safety risks with open flames, particularly in homes with young children or pets, LED candles can provide a little light and realistic flicker without the risk of fire or the mess of dripping wax.
Cozy Textiles
Your coziest textiles don’t have to stay in your wardrobe. Your winter decor can include items featuring faux fur, wool, velvet, flannel, and knitted or crocheted fabrics. Layered fabrics have a cozy visual appeal, so drape soft blankets over furniture in a casual way that invites you to wrap yourself in them. Place extra-cushy throw pillows around seating areas. No one likes having cold feet, so plush rugs are always a nice touch. If you add new furniture, choose pieces that will keep you warm and comfortable for hours.
Wood
The look of wood suggests strength, warmth, and hominess, whether it is in the floor, the furniture, or merely in small decorative touches. You can choose from various finishes to coordinate with your decor.
Set the Tone
The colors present in a room affect the mood, so you should strive the perfect balance between warm and wintery. Shades of white and gray suit the season, and browns offer an earthy feeling. Warm neutrals, like off-white and beige, add some nuance. Accents of richer colors can keep the mood from becoming too muted. For example, if you want to add a dash of color, a fuzzy blanket in a rich, red plaid looks like an oasis of warmth among neutral colors and frostier tones.Window treatments are a good place to add a bit of color, especially when your window view looks dark and cold. Heavier drapes can provide cozy visual appeal with the bonus of adding practical insulation to keep the cold out and the warmth in when they are closed. Metallic touches add festive sparkle and shine as they catch an extra twinkle from the light provided by winter’s sun or your fireplace. Metallic finishes can make a bold statement, but they can be used subtly as well. If you have accented the room with candles, metallic candlesticks may be a good choice. Mirrors also help make spaces feel open and amplify the light in a room.The furniture we sell at The Back Store balances coziness and comfort with function and ergonomics. Check out our online inventory today!
Getting warm and cozy when it’s cold out is one of life’s most pleasant sensations, so why not let your interior design emphasize this feeling? Let’s look at a few decorating touches you can add to complement the mood when the cold sets in and you just want to curl up by the fire with a hot drink and a good book.