There was a very similar prompt I responded to almost two years ago. My answer is still the same, so just read that post (Late 20th Century Bizarre Cozy).
The things I discussed mostly referred to the physical attributes of my dream home. Now, I want to talk about the vibe I want. There are many gorgeous houses out there, but I can always tell if I’m good just looking at their photos.
I’m actually a lot apprehensive about visiting other people’s houses, especially if my boys are coming along. It could be very stressful. At the end of the day, I’d really rather not.
It’s not just the boys. I could be a problem, too. I’m usually clumsy and covered in cat hair, so I often don’t feel uncomfortable in pristine and elegant homes.
At the same time, I don’t ever want anyone to feel that potential guests can’t relax in my home (unless they’re allergic to cats, in which case, I’d advise them to stay away), so I want to make sure that it’s warm and welcoming. Thankfully, there are several steps I can easily take in order to achieve this.
- Install layered lighting (floor lamps, table lamps, sconces, and overhead fixtures) for a cozy ambience. If you don’t have pets and little kids, candles should be really lovely. With eight cats that can get the zoomies at any time, I have to make do with fake (LED) candles.
- Suffuse the space with a pleasant aroma. I love the scent of coffee (although I’m not a coffee drinker myself), vanilla, autumn spices (cinnamon and friends :D), and Christmas (pine, peppermint, gingerbread…). Most people use candles and diffusers, but, again, I have cats, so it’s better to have the scent come from actual coffee, baking, garlands, etc.
- Plant soft accents like cushions, throws, curtains, and soft rugs. These things suggest snuggles, being cocooned from the cold, and the feet sinking into something fuzzy and squishy, which all lead to feelings of comfort and coziness.
- Place plants in strategic locations. Not only do they help purify the indoor air, they also add color, freshness, and an organic appeal to the home. Ornamental plants are, of course, beautiful, but you can also simply use herbs and small vegetable plants to decorate your space. They are further beneficial with their practical uses while also providing natural beauty.
- Keep things neat and tidy. A house doesn’t have to be immaculate. In my case, with my kids and cats, it’s virtually impossible anyway. Still, there’s no need to completely surrender to the chaos. How can a home feel warm and cozy if clutter rules? There are hacks and tools for staying organized despite the chaos. My list of personal recommendations for this can be found on Benable. (You might want to check out this site. It pays you every time somebody heeds your recommendation.)
This Small Life 