Trends come and go, fashions reign only to disappear into oblivion a short while later. Scandinavian, rustic, industrial styles... they are easy to arrange, but just as easy to get rid of. So, where does the heart of the home beat? What makes us feel good and safe in it, and why is it so hard for us to leave our four walls on winter evenings? :)
Cosy... what does it mean?
It’s hard to define this word without using terms related to warmth, security, and comfort, both physical and psychological.
Stepping into any room in a café, hotel, or home, we can immediately tell whether a place is cosy or, quite the opposite, strikes us with coldness and unfamiliarity. Many factors simultaneously influence our first impression: colour scheme, lighting, furnishings, arrangement...
On the other side of the palette
Lights and shadows
Believe it or not, shadowy nooks are highly desirable in a place we want to give a cosy character. In fact, one could even say that in such a room, we'll find more shadows than lights! Harsh light makes us feel completely exposed, whereas in darker areas, we can hide - even from the whole world.
Nevertheless, a light source is needed - to read a book, play with a dog, drink coffee, or knit. For less demanding activities, candles - tealights or classic ones, placed in candle holders - will suffice. Choose one that perfectly suits you - a candle holder for tall candles, a tealight holder, or a lantern. It almost goes without saying that candlelight creates an incredibly atmospheric mood, transforming any room into a place full of secret spots and nooks...
Inspiration is all well and good, but do you need specific advice on lighting your home? Check out our Magazine, entirely dedicated to this topic:
>>> How to functionally arrange lighting in a house or flat?
Don't rest on your laurels
...better yet, rest on decorative cushions :) Casually scattered, soft, colourful, with or without fringes, embroidered, plain... When it comes to cushion arrangements, freedom and versatility are key. Buying them can be the first step in transforming a cold, unfriendly flat into a cosy nest.
The most popular type of decorative cushion is the 'jaśek' (a small, square cushion). Small, neat, soft, and light, they offer countless arrangement possibilities. They usually come in sizes 40x40 and 50x50. You can also buy an insert and several different cushion covers to avoid monotony.
If you want to go wild not only with patterns but also with cushion shapes, mix traditional 'jaśki' with bolster cushions. They will not only serve as a diversification of the
Get close to Nature
Living plants...
In winter, this is more challenging, but still possible. While the garden outside vegetates under a layer of snow, a true jungle blossoms indoors. Why should you surround yourself with potted plants?
- Plants purify the air, which is especially important in winter when everyone is battling smog.
- They also increase air humidity, which has a beneficial effect on our health.
- Green is a colour that has a relaxing effect on us, improving our mood and setting a positive tone.
- Potted flowers are an attractive decorative addition, bringing a breath of fresh air into the interior.
...that's a living interior!
And for those truly fixated on greenery, who want to turn their home into a veritable jungle, we've prepared a helpful Magazine, full of plant-based inspiration:
Wallpaper your world
Few people are born with the knack for wallpapering. It's a talent that suffocates air bubbles under a freshly applied sheet of wallpaper and transfers its pattern onto the wall in a completely pristine condition. Sounds like a challenge, doesn't it? :)
However, it's worth enduring those several hours of wallpapering to be able to enjoy a snug interior for many, many years. Because wallpaper, like no other decor element, brings warmth and cosiness under the roof.
An option for the decisive
Barefoot is better
Especially if we feel a soft, woollen rug under our feet! A flat with a bare floor has no chance of being described as cosy. Luckily, that's what rugs were invented for!
Bare walls can be covered with wallpaper - however, this is a time-consuming procedure that requires experience and dexterity. But a bare floor just needs to be covered with a rug - voilà, problem solved, and the interior itself becomes one hundred per cent cosy. It always works, but especially with shaggy rugs, whose fluffy, soft pile will make you never want to leave them.
And speaking of rugs... you might be interested in our other Magazine:
>>> Soft and beautiful... With stylish rugs from the Obsession brand
