Stephanie After a long day everyone loves to return to a home that has a relaxing and cozy feel – this is hardly surprising, given that there are many proven health benefits associated with a cozy home – such as reduced stress and anxiety and improved mental well-being. With that in mind, here are some tips on how to create a cozy, relaxing atmosphere in your home.
Photo by Alisa Anton on Unsplash
Candles
Candles are a great way to create ambiance within your home. This is one of the easiest ways to create a cozy atmosphere in your home because being surrounded by pleasant smells helps us to relax. Furthermore, “when we gaze at a flickering flame, our brain begins to shift out of our constant beta brainwave state, which is associated with reactivity, thinking, and alertness, into the alpha brainwave state, associated with a relaxed and creative state of mind.” This is one of the easiest ways to create a cozy atmosphere in your home.
Cozy Aesthetic
Your decor also contribute to how ‘cozy’ your room feels. For example, many people find modern design choices to be a little cold and unfeeling as those design choices tend to focus on concrete and stone. One way in you can create a more cozy atmosphere in your home is by mixing in some warmer tones and textures such as installing fir or pine panelling or natural wooden pieces. You can find out more about this DIY choice, including the difference between fir and pine wood, here. This is a great way to create a cozier aesthetic without breaking the bank as you can do some of the heavy lifting yourself.
Warm Color Palette
One way in which you can make your home feel cozy and inviting is by featuring warm, rich colors throughout the space. For example, a deep orange shade is incredibly warm and can make any room in your home feel much more inviting as a result. Furthermore, some studies have found that orange hues can increase “oxygen to the brain, which stimulates mental activity and creativity.” There are many ways you can introduce more color into your home, for example, you could reupholster furniture, paint your walls, or simply hang some artwork. While most homeowners use muted colour palettes in their home for the sake of simplicity or ease of resale, don’t be afraid to be a little more creative – especially if you’re trying to create a home that feels as cozy as possible.
Throws and Pillows
Throws and pillows in your lounge and bedroom are a great way to make the space appear cozier and more inviting. This is because it’s easier to stay warm and relax – two feelings that are often associated with the idea of being cozy. Consider investing in a weighted blanket. This is commonly used as a tool to help you sleep and reduce anxiety, “the pressure applied helps with the release of serotonin and endorphins, chemicals that our body naturally produces to help us feel calm and relaxed.” As a bonus, these blankets and throws help you stay warm which could in turn also cut down on your heating bill.
Lighting
Your lighting contributes significantly to the atmosphere within your home – as a result, it can often be the difference between a space that feels warm and cozy and a space that feels cold and unfeeling. For example, lights with warm tones are perfect for creating that cozy atmosphere you’re looking for. Furthermore, studies show that featuring warm lighting within your home can make it easier for you to fall asleep at night. This is because “warm light is less stimulating to the brain and can help relax the body and mind, making it easier to fall asleep.” When the days are bright and the skies clear, you should also focus on finding ways to let natural light into your home. This can once again provide you with a sense of comfort, and is even associated with higher levels of dopamine and reduced serotonin production.
De Clutter
When we think about relaxing at home, we do not picture ourselves surrounded by piles and piles of clutter. As a result, getting more organized and decluttering your home is a great way to make your home feel cozier. In fact, it can also do wonders for both your physical and mental health. For example, one study found that “women who perceived their homes as cluttered had heightened levels of cortisol, a stress hormone associated with chronic stress.” Clutter can also worsen allergies and respiratory issues. As a result, now is the perfect time to declutter your home.
Keep your home temperature comfortable
Keeping your home cool or warm depending on the season can sometimes seem like a challenge, especially as energy bills seem to rise month after month. However, warmth is crucial when it comes to ensuring you feel cozy at home. Thankfully, there are many ways in which you can work on making your home warmer. For example, you could install double-paned windows or lay down draught excluders, both of which will stop heat from escaping your home and coming into your home. You should review your utility bill each month to make sure you are doing your best to maximize savings on your bill.
Display your memories
Displaying memories throughout your home, be they keepsakes or photographs can also help you curate a welcoming and cozy atmosphere. This is because you will be reminded of positive and happy memories every single day, which can also help you to relax in your home. Furthermore, it allows you to enjoy a sense of nostalgia every single day, even on days when you aren’t feeling all that great. Fortunately, there are many ways in which you can display memories in your home. For example, you can invest in some unique frames and create a memory wall in your living room, or design a coffee table book.
