Weather is getting cooler and we don’t know about you, but we are ready to cozy up by the fire and start hibernating for the winter! Which got us to thinking, how in the decorating world can you make some simple changes to make your home feel warm and cozy? We’re here to give you the top 5 ways to cozy up your space!
1. TEXTILES: Fabrics are key here in the staging and decorating world. Layers of pillows, blankets, towels, robes and napkins are several ways to bring the cozy in. This tip is fairly obvious, but we LOVE bringing in patterned and coordinating pieces to make buyers want to plop right on the sofa and watch some TV or read a good book.
2. COHESION: This is a bit harder to explain, but have you ever been to a home where things may just feel “off”? Maybe the sofa is on one end of the room and there’s one chair on the other, and it just doesn’t feel connected? There is a science to decorating, and we are here to let you in on a couple secrets.
Rugs are our secret weapon. Pick the right size and you’re already lightyears ahead. Don’t forget the coffee table and end tables to anchor the space in a living room. In bedrooms, you need nightstands to help complete the space. We prefer symmetry, so you can do one side of the bed a nightstand, and a tree or light fixture on the other, or even better – two matching nightstands and lamps.
Now this one may be mind-blowing, but artwork is another way to achieve that cohesive look. And if you don’t already do this, no judgment because you are not alone in this! But here’s a secret: the center of free-standing art (meaning nothing below like a dresser or table) should be 60″ from the floor. There are exceptions, but this will make MAJOR strides in the way that your pieces feel connected in your home.
3. COLOR SELECTION: The color wheel is your ultimate friend here. Colors will ultimately play with your mood, so be honest about how you feel when you look at particular colors. Especially in staging, we take a holistic look at the house and decide what colors will look best, and sprinkle in those certain colors throughout the house. There are several ways that you can mix and match colors, but our best piece of advice is to follow that color wheel!
4. PROPORTION and FLOW: Have you ever seen furniture that’s wayyyy to big for the space that you can hardly move around? I don’t know about you, but that gives me instant anxiety. On the contrary, I’ve been in spaces that I’m thinking, “there’s something missing”. Both proportion and flow work hand in hand on creating that balance between too much and too little. Are you able to walk through spaces with plenty of room on either side of you? If not, time to part with some things. Best piece of advice: make sure there aren’t pathways being blocked, even partially, by furniture.
Oh, and art!! There is yet another trick to art (who knew there were so many rules…) Look at the height and width when you’re hanging art. Art should take up about 60-75% of the wall space. That includes width AND height. And above sofas and other furniture, it should take up the same proportion (60-75%) of the width of your piece of furniture.
5. FILL YOUR HOME WITH THINGS YOU LOVE! Marie Kondo lover here. If something brings you joy, keep it and display it! Display photos of your favorite vacation. If you have a green thumb, display plants around your house (faux is also just fine). If you love a certain aroma at holiday-time, fill a cake stand with chocolate-chip cookies, or light a scented candle that helps you relax. And if you don’t love it, give it away to a consignment shop or goodwill. Tis the season for giving.
We hope this small but mighty list helps point you in the right direction!