The best thing about coming home after a long day is snuggling up in your warm and cozy home; especially during the winter months! While you’re hibernating this winter season, make sure you’re hunkered down in the coziest of living rooms. Thankfully, making your living spaces feel toasty and snug can be done by incorporating just seven simple elements.

1. Cozy Color Schemes: Are you looking to create a charming, yet intimate feel in your living room but are having trouble figuring out where to start? Try painting the walls with a deep, dark color to set the tone. Dark colors create a sense of warmth and make rooms feel more intimate and snug. If you are concerned about your room feeling too small or cave-like, just be sure to add adequate lighting to illuminate the space, or start small and paint just one focal wall a dark shade. If dark walls just aren’t your thing, warm hues such as chestnut, taupe or gold can also create a pleasant and inviting atmosphere.
2. Glowing Lighting: Lighting can set the tone for any environment; for example, if you’re going for a cozy vibe, try changing your lighting to reflect a warmer tone. This can be as easy as swapping out your light bulbs for ones that emit less blue light, such as soft white bulbs or ones with a lower degree of Kelvins, which is a measurement that dictates how bright a bulb will be. This simple change will bring that warm, yellow-y glow that's oh-so-mellow to your space. Another way to set the vibe for your space is with accent lighting. Accent lighting can include both floor lamps and table lamps. Use lamps to illuminate your work or reading area, or track lighting to highlight art and family photos. If you want to bring in an element of whimsy, consider hanging string lights from the ceiling. For an extra dose of cozy, light candles in your favorite scent and place them throughout the room.
3. Relax by the Fire: Perhaps one of the most relaxing things to do on a cool evening is to sit and converse by the warm glow of a fireplace. You can bring gentle heat and an intimate feel to your living room by adding a fireplace, and you can take the hassle out of owning one by going the electric route. Today’s electric fireplaces are stylish, versatile safe and easy to use. Just flip a switch and enjoy. Some even double as a media console with storage, so you’re getting convenience with an extra helping of ambiance!
4. Natural Elements: One of the best ways to bring warmth to a space is to incorporate natural elements like wood and stone. Wood, especially in dark stains, channels the warmth and coziness of a cabin while still being adaptable to various styles. Wood panel and shiplap walls, reclaimed wood furniture, and wood floors are all ways that you can incorporate wood in your home. Learn more about flooring options in our flooring buying guide. Stone, while it is a bit harder to incorporate, is a great way to bring a cozy and natural feel to your living space. Consider using stone tiles as a backsplash or on an accent wall.
5. Comfy furniture: Creating a homey living space is all about making a space where people can be comfortable. The easiest way to achieve this is by bringing in pieces like arm chairs, couches and ottomans that are both stylish and snug. Incorporate texture and warmth into your living room by selecting furniture in luxurious fabrics. For example, leather, especially in shades of brown, can easily warm up an entire room. Velvet or other soft upholstered furniture can make a room feel luxe, while suede looks bring a feeling of comfort.
6. Layer up the Rugs: Making living spaces snug and comforting can be done by simply adding area rugs! Rugs add texture, depth, comfort and softness for your feet on those cold winter days. Textured rugs bring dimension and visual interest to your space. Try layering two rugs on top of each other, or place an animal hide over your rug for more texture and warmth! Read about the cow hide rug trend.
7. All the Feels: When you think of the word cozy, one of the first things that may come to mind is wrapping up in soft, warm sweaters or blankets. To bring that same intimate feeling to your home, use materials that are soft and pleasing to touch such as velvet, knits or faux fur. These can be incorporated in a variety of aspects throughout you home to spread out the warmth and coziness. A great way to bring these luxurious materials into your home is through a throw blanket or accent pillow. Adding accessories in soft and supple fabrics is a simple and easy way to make living spaces pleasant as can be, and on a budget too!

Just be careful, once you implement these tips to create a warm and cozy living space, wrap yourself in a soft, textured blanket, and relax into your new pillows, you might never want to leave your comfortable home!