Bring On the Cozy
Ever wonder why the fall season has so many people hooked? Hint: it's not just about pumpkin spice lattes. It’s the cozy factor.
Fall is undeniably one of the coziest times of the year. As the days grow shorter and darkness creeps in, our bodies naturally begin to slow down. Plus, we're gearing up for the holiday season (which for some),is the happiest time of the year.
It's all about quality time with loved ones, taking those well-deserved breaks, indulging in treats (like that cookie we might've skipped over during summer), and above all, relishing life's creature comforts.
So, let's talk about preparing your home for fall.
Forget about going all out with pumpkins and cinnamon bundles (unless, of course, that's your jam). I actually encourage steering clear of overly gimmicky, in-your-face fall decor. Instead, I believe, there are more subtle and stylish ways to welcome the new season into your space.
Here are some of my favorites-
Warm, Rich Colors- Let's talk about the autumn color palette, shall we? We're diving into spicy terracottas, golden saffrons, rich chocolate browns, and a whole ensemble of hues like mocha, plum, eggplant, burgundy, emerald, and forest greens. To me, these shades are the true standouts of the fall season!
It’s easy to sprinkle these gorgeous shades throughout your space with paint, pillows, throws, books, and decor. Your home will transform into a cozy sanctuary that mirrors the warm and inviting shades of fall.
Texture- A huge slice of that cozy pie is all about how things feel when you touch them, right? Well, it totally makes sense that texture plays a huge role in crafting the perfect autumnal atmosphere.
You see, we don't only experience texture through our fingertips; our eyes get in on the action too. Rich fabrics like velvet, boucle, teddy bear, faux fur, and knits are soft and add a bit of luxury to your space.
On the flip side, smooth plaster, knotty wood branches, warm travertine stone, and some rustic materials (like clay pots and woven baskets) bring in that lived-in feeling that's just sooo inviting. These additions make it feel like your home has a comforting story to tell.
Oh, and let's not forget the simple joy of sinking your feet into a comfy rug. It's like a little tactile treat for your toes!
Scent- I know what you’re thinking! Pumpkin spice and cinnamon, right? Well those are perfectly fine and acceptable. But I'm more of a "woody and warm" kinda gal myself -I'll let those fresh-baked cinnamon rolls in the oven handle the scrumptious scents.) But hey, that’s me.
Scents are very personal, and for good reason- they can whisk you away to a different time or place in the blink of an eye. So, go ahead and pick the scent that makes your heart do a little happy dance.
Whether it's candles, essential oils, or room sprays, they all help to up your olfactory game * Helpful note * it can be tricky to make sure your candle is vegan-friendly so look for coconut, vegetable, and soy wax options with cotton wicks, but be aware that sometimes other animal derived ingredients maybe hiding in the mix… if not clearly marked vegan, best to reach out to the company for clarification- most are quite responsive.
They are on the pricier side, but I love Nette candles which are vegan and cruelty-free. Salt & Stone also offer vegan-friendly candles.
Lighting- Lighting plays a HUGE part in interior design anytime of the year, but especially during the cozy season. It's all about creating that warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Variety is the key to setting the perfect mood. Make sure to add table and floor lamps to give you that warm and inviting glow. While overhead lighting has its place, it can sometimes feel a tad too intense for the cozy vibes we're after.
Another great thing about lighting? It can also help to bring out all those cozy textures you’re going to add in your space (see above).
Here's a pro tip: Stick to warmer color temperature light sources (2700-3000K). That's the sweet spot for achieving that snug and inviting ambiance. Anything higher on the Kelvin scale can make your space look harsh and clinical.
If you can swing it, throw in some dimmers for that mood lighting magic. If you're on a budget, don't worry – smart bulbs can be a game-changer, letting you switch up your lighting with a tap on your phone.
Fire Elements- The fireplace is a real winner during fall and winter – there's just something about those flickering flames that strikes a chord deep down within our primal side.
Don’t sweat it if you don't have one; adding candles to your space can give you that same cozy feeling. And if you're concerned about safety, there are battery-operated flickering options available that provide the same cozy ambiance without the fire risk.
Abundance- Dare I say more is more? Look, I’m not saying you have to go full on maximalist here, but there is a case for having a little more decor around during the fall and winter seasons. Because let’s face it, a sparse space doesn't exactly scream "cozy sanctuary."
But hey, no need to go overboard! Just add a few extra layers of “flavor” to up the cozy factor. Just sprinkle in a few extra throws, toss in some extra pillows, stack up some inviting books, and gather a collection of vases and vessels.
It's all about making your space feel like a warm, lived-in retreat- without going over the top. Just find simple ways to up the cozy a notch, but in a balanced and beautiful way.
What did I miss? I'd love to hear from you!
What cozy elements do you bring out when the seasons shift?
Share your favorite tips and ideas in the comments, and let's make our homes the coziest they've ever been!
