The leaves are changing colors and there’s a slight chill in the air which means winter is quickly approaching and it’s time to prepare our homes for weekends spent nesting indoors by creating cozy, inviting spaces to help us get through the frigid months.
We tapped our RNDD network of Chicago interior designers and showrooms to provide some design tips for building little nests around your home, places to invoke warm and restful spaces to make us feel at peace, and – most of all – cozy.
Layer Neutral Textures
When using light colored neutrals, Michael Del Piero Good Design likes to add texture to create the feeling of cozy warmth. Fur does the trick! Sheep skin, Tulu or any type of fur (faux fur too) helps bring the idea of snuggling to the forefront.
Michael Del Piero Good Design sells alpaca blankets rugs and pillows from Awanay. They add so much warmth and coziness to the home.
Start shopping here to get your home cozy for the winter.
Don’t be Afraid to Go Bold
When we think of “cozy” we often think of neutrals or soft blues, but Jasmin Reese Interiors is here to show you that bold and bright can be cozy too. Jasmin designed this guest bedroom in Evanston, IL and even though the room is tiny, she painted every inch of it in a warm red, with a classic greek key on the ceiling. There is something about being wrapped tight in this warm color that gives the space a safe and snug vibe. Vintage art and details have a nostalgic nod to era’s past, and the bed covering is sheepskin to give it that extra soft, textured feel.
See more of Jasmin’s impeccable use of color here.
Make it Personal
When it comes to cozy interior design, it can be subjective. What’s cozy to one person may not feel that way to another. Michael Morganti of Beige, advises that to truly make a space feel warm and welcoming, it needs to have personal meaning to you. In this room, the chair belonged to Michael’s grandfather, and came from the factory where he worked as a sander. Reupholstered in Edelman leather, it will only get more beautiful, and comfy over time. The brass sphere lamp was one of the first pieces Michael found when he started collecting vintage 20 years ago. And it’s still one of his favorite pieces to date. It adds to warmth of the space as it reflects the glow of the fire.
You can also add in some history. A solid brass fireplace set sourced from France. Vintage glass pieces from Italy and Poland. And last, but not least the 1971 Rene Gruau lithograph that reminds Michael of his Fashion career and adds a touch of whimsy to the space. The 70’s inspired wallpaper paired with wool drapes in Cowtan + Tout plaid nod to the decade in which he was born and make this space all about Michael.
Contact Michael at Beige to start creating a cozy space that’s all you today.
Carve out a Nook Reserved for Rest
Every home needs a place to curl up and nap or read or snuggle with our pets. By carving out small spaces that are reserved for rest is a luxurious way to bring that cozy feel to your home.
This home designed by Studio Gild has not one, but two sweet spots that are perfect to curl up in. The first two photos are of a custom nook located in the family room that features built-in shelving and cushioned seating. Incidentally, it’s more than just the human residents of the home that make use of it, their sweet dogs Penny and Peso have been known to claim the spot as their own on occasion for a little rest.
The second space is an elevated corner in the basement that has a library wall, a cozy boucle chair, and sconce lighting perfect for an evening read. It was designed with the owner’s three children in mind, so the feel of it is playful and, some may say, “kid sized.”
See more creative yet sophisticated spaces from Studio Gild here.
Add a Touch of Luxury
When designing this master bedroom, Relic Design wanted to make it feel rich yet cozy. They brought in luxurious materials such as plush velvets, textured wallcoverings, and striking artwork to create a cozy and dramatic seating nook. A sculptural hand-blown glass cocktail table provides the perfect resting spot for a happy hour martini. An ornate pillow with fabric by Opuzen and trim by Samuel and Sons were the perfect finishing touch and brought together the rich jewel toned color palette in the space.
See more from Relic Design here.
Indulge in a Faux Fur Throw Blanket
As the weather gets colder, Sarah Jacquelyn Interiors believes there’s nothing better than a luxury mattress on your bed, topped with fluffy pillows and a furry throw to snuggle up and warm your bones.
And when it comes to cozy bedding, the Couture Collection Ivory Mink Faux Fur Throws from The Luxury Bed Collection are as cozy as it gets. Experience the soothing warmth of a fur that exudes comfort, peace and coziness. Breathe a grateful sigh as you settle under this lush, luxe fur, further enhanced with rouching. The tucks and pleats that create texture and a fluid, liquid hand, rouching adds even more depth and richness to Ivory Mink. Understandably the best-selling throw at The Luxury Bed Collection, thanks to a whisper-soft touch, Ivory Mink has a fluid, supple hand as well. An effortless way to add luxurious ambiance. The perfect balance of luxury AND function, the luxurious Ivory Mink throws are velvet-lined AND conveniently machine wash/line dry.
Build a Cozy Retreat Around the Fireplace
Is there anything cozier than a seat by a warm fire during the winter months? When designing this sitting room, Bellehaven Designs strategically placed a swivel chair by the fireplace to allow its occupant to either warm their toes by the fire or turn towards the room at large. The velvet chair upholstery is soft and warm and the leaf motif on the cut velvet lumbar pillow compliments the large original tree of life artwork by Maureen Claffy on the mantel.
To level up the cozy even further in this space, Bellehaven Designs created a windowseat with a plump cushion, ample pillows and a soft afghan to invite a long stay. The perfect room to relax with a hot chocolate or hot toddy and a book on a cold and dreary day.
Get more home inspiration from Bellehaven Designs here.
Choose Your Upholstery Wisely
When designing a room that is meant to be “cozy” or a respite in your home, choosing furniture that feels soft, plush and luxurious it always the way to go. The Turner Chaise from Arteriors and available through Casa Bella is upholstered in a rich Sharkskin Velvet and just the right size to curl up and read or relax in style. This plush velvet sofa is available with a left or a right arm.
Start shopping with Casa Bella today.
Set the Tone with Lighting
Along with the crisper air, fall brings an earlier nightfall. These are signs more cozy days and nights at home. There are so many factors in making a room cozy from colors and fabrics, to lighting.
Centaur Interiors (CI), suggests that lighting is incredibly important for being able set the right ambiance. Whether you are reading alone by the fire or hosting an intimate gathering for cocktails, having various lamps and dimmable fixtures is a must. Drapery also provides flexibility when it comes to lighting – having natural light from the large windows to enjoy the connection to outside and being able to close them and create a softened wall.
In this bedroom, also designed by CI, they used a warm walnut finish and soft velvet fabric for the channeled headboard, and hung pendant lights that have a warmer color temperature to make the space feel warm and inviting. And yes, these are dimmable lights so that you can set the desired ambiance.
