We still have a few more months of winter here in Chicago, and now is the perfect time to incorporate new ways to warm up your home. With some simple additions and modifications, you can have your home feeling warmer and cozier in no time at all. Here are a few tips for cozying-up your living space:

Create Closeness

This is a particularly easy fix and only involves adjusting or rearranging your furniture to bring everyone in closer. Creating a semi-circle for a family movie night or designating a game nook are just a couple examples of how changing the furniture arrangement can increase closeness and make your space feel more inviting and warmer. Moving things closer together rather than keeping them spread out, will help to improve the room’s atmosphere.

Improve Your Lighting

This time of year brings with it an unfortunately early sunset, which leaves us relying on artificial light more than any other time of the year. Many of us don’t consider the impact lighting can have on our living space. We’re of the mind that if it’s working, it’s doing its job. But lighting is one of the primary factors in making a space feel cozy.  Consider swapping out those cool white bulbs for warmer options. A few strategically placed lamps can also be a terrific idea for warming up certain areas.

Add More Textiles

It’s impressive how a few well-placed rugs, blankets, and pillows can instantly transform a room. Throughout the warmer months, we might prefer clean, clear spaces, but during the warmer months, some textural touches can work to make any room feel warmer. Even adding some hanging textiles as decor on the walls will set the tone for the space. And, of course, everyone loves a blanket nearby when curled up on the couch on a chilly winter evening.

Appeal to your Senses

We’ve spent most of the time exploring visual elements that can make a home feel cozier, but appealing to your other senses can also have considerable impact. We mentioned blankets and pillows above with can appeal to your tactile sense, but scents like cinnamon, clove, and pine can also be helpful. You can get those throughout the house from candles or by simmering a potpourri. Furthermore, music can always make a space feel more inviting.

The winter weather doesn’t need to impose itself inside our homes, and with some minor improvements, we can keep our indoor spaces feeling cozy all winter long.

If you’d like to talk more about cozying up your home, or if there’s something else we can be of assistance with, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re always happy to help.