These 4 Changes Will Make Your Home Feel Cozier and More Inviting

The Pinterest Fall 2024 Trend Report is in and people want one thing: cozy corners. There are several trending terms motivating interior designers to consider how and what makes a space “cozy”: cozy sunroom (+930%), cozy lighting (+200%), cozy reading room (+140%), and cozy fall vibes (+90%).

“Our brains get a dopamine boost when we’re in cozy, personalized spaces, making us feel more relaxed, content, and connected to our surroundings,” says Susie Novak, founder and principal designer of Susie Novak Interiors. 

Below, tips from Novak and other interior design experts about how to make walking into your home feel like sipping a warm cup of cocoa.

Design by Gillian Segal; Photo by Ema Peter Photography

1. Add Visual Texture

If there’s one tip nearly all interior designers recommend, it’s to prioritize texture in any form. From lounge chairs to wallpaper, there are near-countless ways to texturize your space.

“A favorite trick of mine is to wrap an entire room (including the ceiling) in a textured grasscloth,” says Gillian Segal of Gillian Segal Design in Vancouver. “It feels like a cozy cocoon.”

Design by Susie Novak; Photo by R. Brad Knipstein

Lounging is perhaps the coziest activity of all time, and the chair or couch you choose to relax on should have a textured, comfy upholstery.

“What’s cozier than a plush lounge chair?” Novak asks. “I love soft textured materials, especially for fall, in camel and tawny tones. This extra cozy Armory Lounge Chair from Shoppe Amber Interiors is perfect for lounging in comfort while adding a moody modern touch to any space.”

2. Play with Your Color Palette

Olivia Pearce

The color story of your home is significant, and updating your walls and other interior decor can transform the atmosphere. Take, for example, a neutral paint color with a unique finish like Roman clay or limewash. 

“The wonderful thing about Roman Clay and limewash is that you don’t need to make bold choices with color to add depth and texture to your room,” says Jamie Davis, co-founder of Portola Paints in Los Angeles. “The natural highlights that you achieve with these finishes allow the color to breathe and have an overall more organic, cozy feel.”

Design by Gillian Segal; Photo by Ema Peter Photography

Deep, rich colors epitomize coziness, especially during the fall and winter months, Segal adds.

“Consider bringing in deeper hues like burgundy to really add that depth and warmth,” she says. “For example, deep red mohair club chairs bring a grounding element to this otherwise light, bright space.”

Design by Ashley Clark/sKout Interiors; Photo by Ryan Garvin

Another easy way to sneak in those cozy vibes? Wooden accents, says Ashley Clark of sKout Interiors in Costa Mesa, California. “A wood tray on your coffee table or counter top can instantly make a space feel warmer, and bringing in some wood-toned and warmer colors will cozy up any room!” she says.

3. Level up Your Lighting

Design by Gillian Segal; Photo by Ema Peter Photography

“Lighting changes everything,” Segal says. “To keep things feeling warm, cozy, and flattering, ensure you have lighting at multiple levels. Overhead lighting alone will not do the trick! Consider adding sconces, table lamps and floor lamps in lieu of the standard grid of pot lights—this will create a beautiful soft ambient glow.”

Segal has what she calls an “unconventional” example to try out: Place a table lamp on a kitchen island for a little mood lighting at night.

Drew Michael Scott

A candle warmer is an alternative, effortless option to warm up your space, shares Drew Michael Scott of Lone Fox in Los Angeles. Plus, they come highly recommended by parents and pet owners, since it doesn’t have an open flame.

“Lately, one of my cozy hacks is using candle warmers because they offer a warm, inviting glow without the flame,” he says. “The gentle light really enhances the peaceful vibe in the room. It also enhances the scent of the candle and the wax melts evenly without burning away too quickly.”

4. Introduce Unique Pillows and Throws

Design by Ashley Clark/sKout Interiors; Photo by Ryan Garvin

If you’re a bit overwhelmed by making a big purchase or change, your future oasis could require something as simple as a new set of pillows or a chunky throw.

“I’m really into sphere pillows right now because it’s a great way to mix up your decor,” Novak says. “They are extra soft and great for sleeping on. The Teddy Sphere Pillows from House of Leon add a playful and dynamic touch to any space while striking a balance of cozy and practical.”

Both Novak and Clark suggest curling up with a fluffy, textured throw, which you can lay on the end of a couch or bed. Novak is particularly fond of the Delaney Mohair Throw from The Citizenry, which comes in a fall-friendly plaid.

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