When you enter a home that feels cozy and inviting, it puts you instantly at ease. Adding a few simple decor elements can make a big difference.
Plush rugs and cozy blankets are obvious options but other ideas can be just as effective. Try a framed collage or use old cutting boards as unique wall art.
1. Fresh Flowers or Plants
Fresh flowers or plants add a pop of color and texture to any space. They’re also an easy way to make a room feel more cozy and inviting. The smell of them can instantly put you in a better mood, and they come in many shapes and sizes, so you’re sure to find something that fits your style.
Incorporating greenery into your decor is a great way to create a cozy atmosphere, but be careful not to overdo it. The Glitter Guide suggests adding a few plants throughout the house, but keeping the number of them in each space consistent so they look intentional rather than haphazard and cluttered.
Another great home decor hack for creating a cozy environment is to hang up some family photos and artwork that makes you happy. It’s a simple way to add personality and warmth to any space, and it can help you relax and unwind after a long day at work or school. Plus, it’s a great conversation starter for guests who visit your home!
2. Dimmed Lighting
The lighting in your home can have a major impact on how warm and inviting it feels. Dimmed lighting helps create a cozy and relaxing environment, while also making it easier to see when cooking or reading.
The dimmer on your light fixture isn’t just for aesthetics, it also helps to save energy by reducing the amount of power being used. LED bulbs with built-in dimmers use less power than traditional lights, which reduces the amount of electricity you have to pay for in your home.
You can control dimmable lighting using a standard dimmer switch, remote controls and smart devices like smartphones or Alexa. Some LEDs also come with their own controls and are designed to have different scenes, so you can set the mood at the touch of a button.
Dimmed lighting can also help you relax and increase your mental clarity. Studies have shown that brighter lighting can intensify reactions and emotions, while dim lighting promotes calmness and encourages people to think more critically. For example, Alixon Jing Xu of the University of Toronto Scarborough conducted an experiment where she asked participants to rate various aspects of their lives such as the aggression of fictional characters, the spiciness of buffalo wings sauce, and the attractiveness of random by-passers, all under different lighting settings.
3. Arches
Arches can be a great way to break up the sharp lines of a room. Whether it’s an arched ceiling, window or even a piece of furniture, they can create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. To help you get the look, try painting a faux arch on your wall or adding one to a piece of art. It’s a simple and easy way to add some texture and charm to your home.
If you’re looking for a more practical use for an arch, consider using it as a way to hide cords and wires in your home. This is a great hack to keep your home tidy and clean and it also looks pretty cute. You can find the instructions for this project on simplette.
Another way to incorporate an arch into your decor is by painting your ceiling in a soft shade like blush, pearl grey, sky blue or eggshell. This trick will instantly make your home feel larger and more open. This is a great way to freshen up your space and add some warmth and personality to your home.
4. Cutting Boards
One of the most practical home decor hacks is to use cutting boards as a decorative accent in your kitchen. Wooden cutting boards not only look beautiful but they add a natural element to the space that helps to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. From displaying a collection of them on the wall to using a single board as a piece of art, there are many stylish ways to incorporate them into your kitchen.
One way to do this is to layer different size cutting boards against your backsplash like Suzy from Worthing Court did. This is a great way to warm up a white kitchen with natural wood and will also work well in smaller spaces that need to maximize counter space for meal prep.
Another great idea is to hang your cutting boards from a bar such as a towel rack, curtain rod or plumbing pipe. This is a quick and easy hack that will instantly transform your space into a chic and unique statement. This is a simple hack that will add so much style to your kitchen and it’s also a fun DIY project that you can do with the kids!
5. Baskets and Bins
Baskets walk a fine line between functional storage and decorative accent. But they can be used in just about any room to organize and streamline your home’s appearance. Baskets are easy to find in a range of materials and styles to suit your decor style, from crochet ones for Scandinavian spaces to traditional wicker or metal. Look for options with labels or liners for savvy organization.
On open shelves, use identical baskets to hold reading materials, TV remotes and more to keep your shelves looking uniformed and tidy. For a living room, employ large woven storage baskets to store extra throw blankets within reach of seating. This simple storage hack is especially effective in smaller rooms where clutter tends to build up quickly.
Baskets are also useful in bedrooms, home offices and kitchens. For example, a basket can hold towels under the sink and pantry items in your bathroom or utensils on a kitchen counter. Or, a floor basket can contain laundry or store firewood in your entryway. You can even create an eye-catching accent wall with low woven baskets in your dining room or bedroom to bring in global decor.
6. Heirlooms
If you’d like to add a statement piece to the room, heirlooms are the way to go. There’s just something about heirloom pieces that instantly makes the home feel cozy and inviting. Displaying a set of vintage milk glasses, tools or even an old postcard from a vacation can instantly add an element of style and personality to any room. These one-of-a-kind decorative items will not only create a unique look, but they’ll also serve as a great conversation piece and reminder of fond memories.
Heirloom decor can be a bit pricey, but there are easy ways to create the look without breaking the bank. For example, if you’re interested in aging a metal piece, there are plenty of inexpensive ways to accomplish the task that will save you years of waiting for natural oxidation.
Home decor hacks are an easy way to add a touch of luxury to your living space without having to take out a second mortgage. By using simple, affordable ideas, you can create a luxurious looking and feeling home that’s warm, inviting and comfortable all year round. Just remember to choose the best elements for your living space, and don’t forget the finishing touches like rugs, pillows, blankets and candles.
7. Soft Textures
Adding soft textures to your home decor is one of the best ways to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. You can add texture through different fabrics and materials, such as faux fur, chunky knit, linen or leather. The right textures can make your home feel warm and inviting, and they also add visual interest.
Besides using fabrics, other simple ways to incorporate texture into your home decor are by playing with color and adding personal touches. For example, you can display family photos or sentimental items that are meaningful to you in decorative picture frames to add a personal touch and warmth to your home.
You can also use a variety of paint colors to add texture to your home, such as pale yellows, creams or soft shades of grey or white. Additionally, you can add a wood accent, such as a wooden coffee table or wall sconces, to add an element of warmth and texture. Using these simple hacks is a great way to transform your space into a cozy and inviting atmosphere that you and your family can enjoy.
8. Accent Lighting
Incorporating accent lighting into your home decor hacks is a great way to draw attention to specific features in the room such as artwork, plants, a curio cabinet with your favorite collection on display, or textured walls. Accent lighting is often used in place of a recessed light, or it can be placed over a bed or sofa as a decorative element.
This TikTok viral trend shows how easy it is to add a little bit of glow to any room using LED light strips. The creator puts the strips behind their couch to create ambient lighting that brightens up the living area and elevates the vibe. It’s the perfect way to create a cozy atmosphere without having to spend too much money on an expensive lamp or light fixture.
These simple and affordable (yet still stylish) home decor hacks will make your house feel warm and inviting for your guests and family alike. Most of these ideas can be used throughout the year and in any season. So whether you want to transform your entire house or just a few rooms, these easy (and inexpensive!) ideas are sure to please.