I don’t know about you, but being locked up in my house makes me want to turn my ordinary interior into a sanctuary—somewhere where I can fully relax and unwind. But it can be really hard when I can’t run to Home Sense or my local home décor boutique to grab a few things. Instead, I have used items I already have–rearranging them or repurposing them and when that is not enough, I may order a few things online. Don’t know where to start? Here are a few tips to set you off in the right direction.
1. Bring in Elements of Nature
I think this is the most important tip, especially when it is so hard to leave your property. Where we live, city officials have closed many trails and parks to help stop the spread of Covid-19, while other nature spots are so packed it’s difficult to enjoy them. Under these circumstances, I am a big fan of bringing nature inside. And any type of greenery instantly makes a space feel more healthy and alive. Even if you don’t have any on hand (and you can’t run to you’re local nursery) you can still cut flowers or greenery from you’re garden, have plants or flowers delivered or order a faux plant online.
2. Don’t Forget About Creature Comforts.
This is such an easy one because there are so many ways to do it. Blankets, pillows, rugs, baskets, furniture, and décor are just a few items that can have such a huge impact and instantly warm a space. Take your small blankets out of the closet and add them to a basket on the floor or simply throw them on a sofa. Or cover your sofa with tons of pillows. One of my favorite tricks is to buy new covers instead of new pillows. That way, you don’t end up with more pillows than you have room for. And one of the easiest ways to add warmth to any room is to bring in some wood. Wether it is a piece of furniture, a bowl, wall décor, or even a small piece of driftwood placed on a shelf, wood always makes a room more cozy.
3. Lighting Is So Important
Lighting is such an important element and is often the most overlooked. Candles and lamps can instantly make a space more inviting and calming. Who doesn’t feel more relaxed in a room filled with flickering candles? And if you have a fireplace, use it—the flame from a fire is the ultimate coziness creator.
4. Bring Out the Books and Games
When we have been ordered by city officials not to leave our house (to do activities that we love), it can be depressing. So, displaying items that can be useful and perhaps enjoyable, can make a room more inviting. A small shelf full of books or a few magazines on a coffee table always adds a bit of warmth (and style!) Even a deck of cards or a chess board can have the same effect. Just keep it minimal—as too many of these items can easily turn cozy into clutter!
5. Make Your Home Smell Nicer
This last one really brings everything together to complete the experience. Smell is such a powerful human sense that can instantly change your mood, make you more relaxed, or even help you fall asleep. Bring out your scented candles, air fresheners, or diffusers to create the ultimate cozy home.