As the weather begins to cool off (we can hope), do you start to find yourself dreaming of ways to get COZY?

Are you watching your favorite movies? Pulling on a sweater or a hoodie in the evenings? Cleaning up the fire pit looking forward to a glass of wine outside? After the long hot summer, everyone is ready to settle down and settle in and enjoy comfort for the cooler months. How can you start to evoke those feelings in your interiors?

One way to make a major impact is to eradicate the gray we have all enveloped ourselves in for years. Gray by nature is cool. Warm up the surfaces of your home with warm paint colors. Yummy beiges, creamy ivories and sumptuous tans will make your home instantly feel warm and fuzzy.

Wood immediately warms a space. Exposed beams, wood shelving and furniture, and hardwood flooring all bring us back to a grounded state of mind. Use wood bowls or trays in your decor to bring more natural texture and earthiness to your design.

Pile on the layers with rugs and cozy blankets. Yes those hardwood floors bring warmth but layering soft, plush rugs makes your home much more inviting. And I know in my home, everyone has a favorite snuggle. Quilts, throws, and lap covers are a great addition to your rooms to not only physically keep out a chill, but also visually make you want to curl up.

Always throw in a bit of vintage too! No matter how new or modern your home may be, adding a touch of vintage adds character. This doesn’t mean you’re obligated to display your great, great grandmother’s victorian sofa set. Go to a thrift store and find a piece that brings you joy. Remember something odd or quirky enlivens a space and makes it personal.

Wintering plants can stress a mama out (all the “indoor” falling leaves), but organic items literally and figuratively breath life. If you have a green thumb, add live plants. If not, the abundance of artificial greenery available to purchase is a great option. And they look so authentic without the worry of having to keep something watered and alive.

Here’s an easy change! Hang wall decor at eye level. Changing the placement allows those visiting your home to comfortably view your art and this creates intimacy. Display your kids art to ramp up the family feel.

Living a cozy life is not strict or confined. Feel free to mix and match furniture by color, style or both. Matching suites of furniture makes your home feel like a cold showroom. Use the old worn out leather armchair with your newly purchased sofa.

And as always- don’t forget the lighting. Lighting is the secret design element that can transform a room with the flip of a switch. Simply update your lightbulbs for a warmer tone to give a beautiful warm glow.

So, let’s get cozy! Light a fire, make some cocoa, turn on your favorite movie and let’s enjoy our nests we’ve made.

Stylishly yours,

THE CHELSEE SOWDER DESIGN TEAM

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