I don’t know about you, but this is the time of year my midwinter fatigue sets in. January always seems endless and February is longer this year with an extra day to look forward to!(?) The dark and dreary cold days aren’t going to be over any time soon.
You can complain, or you can decide to make the most of it. Surrender, and start making your home cozy.
What makes a home cozy? Let’s discuss:
You might have to use your space differently.
The space you create that’s cozy will have a bit of clutter… think a pile of books that you finally have time to read. Make sure you have a chair or sofa that allows you to put your feet up. An 0ttoman? Always a good option.
This is also a good time for games. Maybe Scrabble or Monopoly? Puzzles anyone? Designate a coffee table or side table for fun. There’s no yard work to do so you might finally have time to play inside.
It should be warm. A fire in the fireplace is perfect for cozy. I love a real fire, with actual wood that crackles, and you smell wood smoke when you go outside to get more wood. This can be your exercise. But a gas fireplace will do. A floor with radiant heat will work as well. YOU should be warm.
The textures of cozy are natural not synthetic. Think fur, cashmere, mohair, wool, leather, or wood. Then layer, just like you would wear your clothes. You should walk into the room and feel like you are being hugged. Soft rugs, throws, comfy furniture, fireplace, books, slippers waiting. NOTHING Plastic. Synthetics will never be cozy.
Lighting should be layered.
Forget about the overhead lighting (or make sure it’s on a dimmer). Table lamps, floor lamps, sconces, mix up your lighting. Make sure the bulbs create a soft light. Use dimmers on everything. You can throw a scarf over the lampshade to soften the light as well. Use all your options to create a relaxing mood.
And never forget the candles. Use votives throughout the room, pillars in lanterns, scented candles in the bedroom and bath, tapers on the dinner table.
And of course, there’s the food.
My favorite is when there are cookies baking or a delicious stew or soup simmering on the stove that smells wonderful.
Pull up your chair in front of the fire with a cup of tea or glass of champagne. Read, relax, take a nap!
Spring will be here soon – or maybe not soon enough! But in the meantime, enjoy the cozy.