Maintaining Cosiness Throughout Autumn & Winter

With Autumn here, creating a ‘cosy’ atmosphere at home can help improve mood, increase relaxation and enhance the overall feel of the home – but how can we make our homes feel more cosy, this Autumn and Winter?

To explore this further, I share how to maintain cosiness with advice from different interior design styles from around the world – including Hygge, Scandi interiors and Bohemian.

Include Soft Textiles & Wooden Furniture (Hygge)

The Danish concept ‘Hygge’ remains a popular choice throughout the colder seasons and has great interior design styles that can provide a cosy vibe to homes in Autumn and Winter. I recommend opting for soft textiles in neutral colours, including knitted throws and rugs, which are perfect for curling up on the sofa when temperatures drop. Additionally, natural materials such as wood are perfect for furniture, providing the home with a sense of warmth and allowing people to relax much more easily.

Opt For Minimalist Furniture & Autumn Tones (Scandinavian Interiors)

Scandinavian interiors consist of subtle textures and a soft colour palette. During Autumn, these neutral colours can be paired with common Autumn tones such as reds, oranges and greens, creating a contrast that complements the neutral tones while providing warmth and enhancing the overall style of a home. Minimalist furniture and its simplistic designs can be practical while maintaining a clean, uncluttered look.

Incorporate Earthy Colours & Exposed Beams (Rustic)

Incorporating a rustic feel into the home can add warmth and character, improving the atmosphere of any home throughout the colder, darker months. This can be done quite easily, by adding exposed beams and stone accents to add a vintage charm to the home. Additionally, earthy colours can create a cosy aesthetic and add to the rustic look, creating a sophisticated and vintage appeal.

Add Greenery to Enhance Natural Aesthetics (Bohemian)

By combining vibrant Autumnal colours with natural greenery, the bohemian interior design style can prove effective in enhancing the look and feel of a home. Accessories such as throw blankets and layered rugs can be incorporated to provide more cosiness. Adding greenery can have a massive effect on the home’s style while improving air quality, making the house generally more relaxing as the weather deteriorates.

Use Traditional Patterns and Antiques to Accessorise (Colonial)

Finally, for a much more traditional and sophisticated feel, colonial interiors may appeal to some as a classic design choice. This style consists of traditional patterns, dark wood furniture and much more focus on deep colours, which can work well in the Autumn and Winter periods. Antique rugs or ornaments can be displayed alongside traditional artwork to add to the cosy atmosphere.

Overall, this Autumn and Winter, there’s a range of ways people can incorporate different interior design styles from around the world into their homes. From the neutral tones of Hygge to the more traditional focus of the Colonial style, it’s all about finding what works for you. To maximise cosiness, don’t be afraid to mix and match, combining trends and styles until you find the perfect combination for your home.

12 Journaling Prompts for Maintaining Cosiness at Home

Reflecting on Comfort and Rituals

1. Cosy Memories: Describe a cosy memory from your childhood or a recent experience. What made it so comforting?
2. Autumnal Rituals: What are your favourite autumnal or winter rituals? How do they contribute to your sense of cosiness?
3. Comforting Scents: What scents evoke feelings of comfort and warmth for you? How do you incorporate them into your home?
4. Cosy Traditions: What traditions or customs do you associate with autumn and winter? How do they make you feel?

Creating a Cosy Atmosphere

5. Cosy Haven: Describe your ideal cosy space. What elements make it feel inviting and relaxing?
6. Textural Comfort: How do textures contribute to your sense of comfort? What are your favourite cosy fabrics or materials?
7. Lighting Mood: How does lighting affect your mood and atmosphere? Experiment with different lighting options and record your observations.
8. Sound of Comfort: What sounds create a cosy atmosphere for you? How do you incorporate these sounds into your home?

Self-Care and Well-being

9. Cosy Self-Care: What self-care practices help you feel cosy and content? How can you incorporate them into your daily routine?
10. Winter Blues: How do you cope with the potential for seasonal affective disorder (SAD) during the darker months? What strategies help you maintain a positive outlook?
11. Cosy Retreat: How do you create a cosy retreat within your home for relaxation and rejuvenation?
12. Cosy Connections: How do you foster a sense of connection and community during the colder months? What activities or gatherings bring you joy?

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