DEFINING COZY
ELEMENTS OF NATURE
Everyone has their own idea of what defines a cozy space. While candles and fuzzy blankets might be in queue for one person, another might find it stifling. The key is to know your preferences so you can create a relaxing space where you can unwind and immerse in the blessings of your home. Amanda comments, “As designers, we sometimes over-intellectualize the elements needed to create a certain atmosphere, but coziness specifically is tied to comfort—and it is such a subjective feeling! All five senses contribute to feeling comfortable and cozy, and each person will experience comfort differently based on past experiences, personal preferences, and access to resources. Beyond the obvious, my best advice is to lean into whatever makes YOU feel secure and safe.”
Bringing the essence of air, water, earth, and fire into the home grounds us and promotes a sense of balance and peace. Look into biophilic design by purchasing natural fibers, leaning into colors found in nature, adding plants, and choosing scents inspired by rain, the mountains, or the ocean. Include sounds of trickling water and leave a window cracked when the weather allows, or rely on an air filter for fresh air. Also, consider adding a fireplace for ambiance and as a potential heat source. Amanda says, “In my opinion having a fireplace in the winter is perhaps the coziest decision you can make… personally I love the sound of a crackling fire, I enjoy the smell of safely contained clean burning wood, and I live for that heat on my cheeks when I come in from outside to warm up. The dancing light on the walls a fireplace makes (whether it’s real or electric) is another great element I love to enjoy.”
USING ALL THE SENSES TO CREATE A COZY SPACE
We often go straight to the visual aspects of a cozy space—what you see when you walk into a room. Cohesive design goes a long way towards offering this impression with furniture, paint, rugs, and throw pillows. But it’s important to remember that all the senses are involved in creating the atmosphere. Things like soft furnishings, slippers, or a weighted blanket can bring tactile comfort, and burning a candle, incense, or potpourri engages the sense of smell. Similarly, a water feature or nature sounds use the sense of hearing to create a serene escape. Amanda notes, “Nostalgia is a powerful tool and I often encourage my clients to invite more comfort into their spaces by tapping into it. To achieve this, push play on an album you love, light a candle with a scent that reminds you of a good time, or have a quilt/blanket nearby with a familiar weight that you can cozy up with and feel at peace under.”
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December 2024
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