Fall is the time to transform your living room into a warm, cocooning sanctuary perfect for hunkering down. Think natural materials, rich colors, and plenty of texture for restful nights indoors. Award-winning actress Naomi Watts has done exactly that in her cozy living room.
Designing a snug room is all about creating a place that is comfortable, functional and welcoming. If you’re embarking on a new design, there are lots of ways to create a cozy foundation, from room color ideas inspired by nature to sumptuous seating, and plenty of soft furnishings and plush throws.
Lately, I've noticed a shift away from a 'show home' styled house to a more beautifully lived-in feel. If wanting to replicate the cozy aesthetic, it's important not to strip out all of the things in your living room that make it unique – it's those pieces that add individuality to a space and make it real and inviting.
You don’t have to commit to a complete redesign – just a few well-chosen accessories are enough to transform your room into the perfect spot to hibernate, says Sue Jones, co-founder and creative director of Oka. ‘Swap linens for heavier fabrics in rich burgundy tones (the color of the moment) to achieve a warm, light-filled room. Also, don’t hold back when it comes to layering prints and patterns; it will help create a feeling of depth that only adds to that coziness.’
Stylist and H&G contributor Pippa Blenkinsopp agrees: 'When creating the ultimate sanctuary it’s important to consider, not only how the space looks, but also how it feels. Think about engaging all the senses with tactile textures, ambient lighting, fall candles and fragrances. Most importantly, however, fill the space with items you love, as these will bring the ultimate comfort.'
When decorating a living room, as a rule, it's best to focus on areas such as lighting, furniture, and texture, particularly if you want to make a large living room feel cozy.
With lighting, you should switch off the bright overhead light (use this only whenever you're cleaning or undertaking practical tasks) and introduce a variety of light sources around the room. Table lamps are a firm favorite of mine.
Furniture should fill the room without overcrowding – sectional sofas, footstools, and so on. The right furniture will instantly add a cocooning effect to even the largest of spaces.
Soft textures should be included all around the room – the look must be cozy and inviting. Introduce an ottoman instead of a coffee table, drapes, and curtains instead of shutters, and rugs and carpet instead of hard flooring. Add cushions and throws to soften up the overall aesthetic.
In no time, your living space will be as warm and cozy as Naomi Watts – perfect for winter.
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Dried floral arrangements are an excellent – and cost-effective – way to introduce plenty of texture to a living space. I've had the same dried pampas grass for over five years now. I've had so many compliments about my decor.
You simply cannot beat a soft, cozy woven throw come fall and winter. This camel tan color is sublime and I predict it will be in fashion year after year. I'm also ordering the Ivory and Indigo version too.
This gorgeous plum color is a favorite for this time of year. It's rich, warm and oh so stylish. Pair plum with grays, beige and sage greens for the ultimate cozy scheme.
