What do you think of when you hear the word cosy?
Perhaps you imagine sitting by a beautiful open fire with a warm drink in hand, reading a book, or playing your favourite board game...or you do picture sitting around the dinner table, sharing a home-cooked meal with your loved ones?
When creating a cosy sanctuary, the beauty is in the detail, and it is the finishing touches that make all the difference.
The separation between work, family, and home life can be challenging, so we hope these tips inspire you to create a space that calms the senses and allows you to escape for quiet moments.
Discover 6 ways to create a cosy & calm sanctuary.
Table of Contents
COSY SANCTUARY ROOM DESIGN
WHAT IS YOUR DECOR STYLE?
We recommend exploring our Style Library for step-by-step styling tips for a range of decor styles, or take our Interior Style Personality Quiz if you are still discovering your unique style.
Considered use of colour in your space will evoke different feelings and shape your perception of the space. Include warm, earthy, muted, and nature-inspired tones in your wall colours, furniture, and soft furnishings to create a serene atmosphere.
MASTERING PURPOSEFUL DESIGN
When developing a vision for the room, tailor your approach with the space’s function in mind, considering the purpose you want the space to serve, who it will be designed for, and how you want to feel when you enter.
For example, the space could serve as a reading or writing nook, a family games room, a bar station, a coffee or breakfast nook, a small desk, a library, or even a place to meditate.
© 2021 Suzie Anderson Home
Photo Source: Re Design Co
COSY SANCTUARY FURNITURE
- Organic shapes: sloped, rounded & organic shapes create a more lived-in and cosy feel than structured & straight designs.
- Bookcase/Hutch/Built-ins: create a corner library or space to showcase your most-loved decor to serve as a personal refuge.
- Chairs: a large comfy armchair or daybed, upholstered ottomans or a window seat with cushions and plush throws for comfort.
- Natural Materials: Recycled timbers, seagrass and rattan evoke a feeling of bringing the outdoors inside for an organic feel.
- Old & New: Incorporate furniture and decorative objects with soul and character such as an antique lamp, table or chair. Items that tell a story evoke feelings of nostalgia and comfort.
- Fire Place & Mantel: A wood burning fire, gas, electric or even a gorgeous faux fireplace mantel filled with candles creates both physical and psychological warth.
Photo Source: Suzie Anderson Home
Photo Source: Suzie Anderson Home
Photo Source: Suzie Anderson Home
COSY SANCTUARY LIGHTING
Good lighting is essential for wellbeing and can shape our overall mood. Position your light sources lower in the room and place them strategically to create soothing pools of light. The dimer & warmer the temperature of the light, the more cosiness it will evoke. Several smaller light sources around the room is more inviting than one big ceiling light, so we recommend a combination of different light sources listed below.
- Task Lighting: Table & floor lamps create pools of light and are essential additions to reading nooks and desks.
- Accent lighting: Frame your mantel, bookshelves or wall art with wall sconces & candelabras for gentle illumination.
- Ambient lighting: Install crystal chandeliers & statement ceiling pendants with dimmer switches for even dispersion of light.
- Mood Lighting: Salt lamps, hurricane lanterns, tea-light votives, candleholders and candelabras provide romance & set the mood. Position generous groupings of candles on sideboards and coffee tables for an intimate feel.
Photo Source: London Projects
© 2021 Suzie Anderson Home
© 2021 Suzie Anderson Home
COSY SANCTUARY LAYERING
One of the simplest and most versatile ways to transform your look throughout the seasons, whilst maintaining a restful and inviting feel, is by layering tactile textures, soft furnishings and materials.
- Tactile Textures: When selecting cushions and throws, it's not just about how they look but also how they feel to touch.
- Architectural Elements: Old window frames, gates, mirror frames, chalk boards and clocks add a time-worn, nostalgic feel.
- Balancing Materials: Pair patinated & raw materials with warm metal accents such as raw brass, gold, or antique silver.
- Seasonal Soft Furnishings: Summer and Spring: opt for breathable, light-weight cotton and linen throws. Autumn and Winter: sumptuous velvets, fleece, chunky woollen knits, faux-furs and quilted blankets for a rich and lush feel.
- Window Treatments: Feelings of safety and privacy contribute to a comforting feel, which can be achieved with curtains, blinds and shutters in neutral, muted colourways, providing a subtle backdrop to your space.
- Area Rugs: Rugs provide practical warmth, depth and comfort underfoot. In the cooler months, we love to layer plush area rugs made from sheepskin or wool on top of existing flatweave jute or sisal rugs, floorboards or tiles for additional coziness in the bedroom, bathroom and living spaces.
© 2021 Suzie Anderson Home
© 2021 Suzie Anderson Home
COSY SANCTUARY ACCESSORIES: LIVING ENERGY, LOVED, & LUSTRE
We always accessorise with something loved, something living, and something with lustre, balancing old and new items to achieve a look that is visually considered.
Something Living:
Bring the restorative quality of nature indoors: branches, pinecones, coral, shells, soft textural faux or real flowers.
Something Loved:
Wooden, pewter or painted picture frames with travel or family photos. Vases, books, objet d'art, candleholders, ceramics, baskets and trays.
Something with Lustre:
Incorporate crystal glassware, mirrored surfaces and muted brass, gold, pewter and bronze elements to reflect candlelight.
© 2021 Suzie Anderson Home
COSY SANCTUARY HYGGE
Hygge (hoo-guh) is the Danish word that is conceptualised as "being consciously cozy", "the art of building sanctuary" and "the pursuit of everyday happiness".
So how can you create a calming ritual for hyggestund (a moment of hygge)?
Practices to activate the 5 senses:
- Scent: Fragrances: candles, incense, diffusers, open-fires.
- Sound: Music, laughter, nature sounds such as crackling fire, rain and birdlife.
- Sight: Harmonious decor: ceramics, tea-pots, vases, mugs, bowls. Lighting: candles, lamps, sunlight.
- Feel: Clothing: dressing gowns, comfortable and casual attire, scarves, woollen socks, hand-knitted woollen sweaters, jumpers, cardigans and pullovers. Bathing: beautiful lush towels and floor mats. Soft furnishings: pillows, cushions, throws and blankets.
- Taste: Pleasure & indulgence: home baked goods and treats. Hot Drinks: tea, hot chocolate, mulled wine, coffee. Slow food movement: crock-pot meals, soups and berry conserves shared with loved ones evoke fullness and contentment.
© 2021 Suzie Anderson Home
Cosy Sanctuary Bonus Tips
Gratitude:
Be present and practice gratitude: Journaling. Mindfulness. Reading.
Seasonal ideas:
Summer & Spring
Alfresco dining, outdoor fires, hiking, swimming, foraging/orchid picking & pot-luck picnics with friends.
Autumn & Winter
Open fires, board games, art and crafts, movie nights, reading, and cooking.
Togetherness:
Create a ritual and activity for your friends and family to partake in to bring you closer and encourage bonding.
Games such as boules or chess are informal, slow, and relaxed. Craft, knitting, sewing, music, or drawing encourage self-expression.
Self-care nights:
Run yourself a beautiful bubble bath, listen to your favourite music, watch a comforting movie, do a long yoga practice, order a nourishing takeaway, or whatever soothes your soul!
© Kara Childress
