Creating comfortable and cozy spaces in your home can be easier than you think. As the weather gets cooler and the throw blankets come out from storage, curating a snug and inviting ambiance can be accomplished with just a few steps. Keep reading for seven ways to make your home more comfortable and homey.

Entryways

Your entrance is the first place guests will see when entering your home, so making a cozy first impression with a welcome sign, artwork, or even a candle can be a great way to welcome guests into your space. (See my article Designing a Beautiful & Functional Entryway for more suggestions.)

Lighting

Lighting is one of the most important elements in creating a cozy space. Shifting to dimmer, warm-toned, and softer light creates a comforting atmosphere. Avoid harsh overhead lighting, and ensure that most of your lighting is ambient. This can be done through candles, lamps, string lights, dimmable lights, or you can even play around with more statements and fun lighting pieces like lava lamps.

Add texture

Adding texture through bedding, pillows, rugs, and throw blankets are great ways to make your home feel warm and inviting. Keeping a throw blanket on your bed or couch can accentuate your decor while adding warmth and fuzzy vibes to your space. Including a blanket ladder to display different textures and designs can add additional dimensions to your space. Layering area rugs can also increase the coziness. This is a great time to splurge on pillows that are both comfortable and stylish. Cable knits are great snuggly additions.

Mantel

Decorating your mantel can be another subtle, inviting gesture to guests that they are welcome. Putting up garlands, candles, and other pieces that coordinate with the style of the room adds coziness to the space. And, of course, lighting a fire is one of the best ways to make your home warm and inviting and add to it’s cozy spaces.

Accentuate Nature

Making sure your space has an abundance of natural elements such as flowers, plants, dried leaves, or even dried citrus garlands can give your home life and coziness. It also can give you creative freedom through how you choose to display your plants and flowers. Experiment with different vases, flower pots, and dried, artificial, and natural plants.

Artwork and Mirrors

Using statement mirrors in your home can ground the space and make it feel more inviting. Mirrors can also make your space feel larger than it is. Of course, mirrors aren’t the only way you can fill your walls to make them more homey and comforting. But putting up artwork you

enjoy and photographs can personalize your space and make it feel more inviting to guests. Play around with different layouts and styles, including prints, textile wall art, and children’s artwork.

Scent

One of the best things you can do to make your home cozier is to have it smell nice. Having fresh fragrant flowers can help, but lighting a candle is a great way to ensure your house smells nice. And if you’re having guests over for holidays or special occasions, cooking something fragrant on the stove, such as spiced cider, is a great way to create comfort and cozy spaces.