How to Create a Cozy Home

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Do you want to make your house cozy but not cluttered? Whether you’ve just moved in or lived in your home for years, creating a cozy vibe can make all the difference in how your space feels. And the best part? It’s not about having the perfect furniture or a massive budget. It’s about embracing the little things that bring warmth and comfort to your space.

So, grab a hot cup of tea or coffee, and let’s jump right into the seven things I believe will help turn your home into your own personal haven!

Shannon standing in the living room with a white fluffy blanket and a coffee mug.

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How to Create a Cozy Home

Here’s how to create a cozy home without adding clutter…

1. Soft Textures

The first thing that adds coziness to your home is layers of soft textures. Incorporate blankets, pillows, and rugs, opting for soft, cozy materials like knit blankets, velvet or linen pillows, and plush carpets.

These add warmth and comfort without taking out much space or adding clutter. You can also layer the textiles: throws on the couch, layered bedding, and soft curtains instantly make a room feel more inviting.

2. Warm Lighting

Fall forest and river painting in a gold frame hung over a black hutch with two table lamps on either side.Fall forest and river painting in a gold frame hung over a black hutch with two table lamps on either side.

The second thing that adds that cozy feeling to a home is warm lighting. Use ambient lighting; switch out harsh overhead lights for warm, soft lighting like table and floor lamps or even string lights! Lighting sets the mood and can make any space feel cozy. You can also use candles, especially in soft scents like vanilla or lavender, to make any room feel calming. Additionally, dimmer switches can help control the intensity of overhead lights.

3. Natural Elements

The third thing that is perfect for creating a cozy home is natural elements. Bring in greenery and blooms. Fresh or faux plants and flowers in simple vases add life and color without overwhelming a space. These elements connect your home to nature, creating a serene vibe.

Wood and stone accents like natural wood, stone, or woven baskets provide texture and warmth also without adding clutter. Plus, baskets can even hide clutter!

Free Decorating Starter Kit

Do you want to go a little deeper into decorating your home? I’ve got a free decorating starter kit to help you breathe new life into your space.

4. Personal Touches

The fourth way to create a cozy home is to add personal touches without overdoing it. Display meaningful items like a few carefully chosen photos. Some artwork or keepsakes can give your home personality without making it feel cluttered. Keep it simple and focus on what brings you joy.

Black and white photos of Shannon and Dean on their wedding day and during a family photoshoot about 20 years later.Black and white photos of Shannon and Dean on their wedding day and during a family photoshoot about 20 years later.

You can also rotate decor or swap out decor seasonally rather than displaying everything at once to keep your space fresh and reduce clutter.

5. Soothing Colors

The fifth way to add coziness is to use warm and neutral colors. Opt for a calming color palette. Neutrals like beige cream and soft grays create a relaxing backdrop. You can add warmth with rich, moody tones like terracotta mustard, deep greens, or burgundy. Finally, limit bold patterns. Too many patterns can feel overwhelming, so use them sparingly to maintain a cozy yet uncluttered feel.

Cozy living room with a cream-colored L-shaped couch with brown and redish-maroon pillows arranged on it. Behind the couch, there is a large glass-doored wooden wardrobe with blankets hanging on either side.Cozy living room with a cream-colored L-shaped couch with brown and redish-maroon pillows arranged on it. Behind the couch, there is a large glass-doored wooden wardrobe with blankets hanging on either side.

6. Decluttered Surfaces

The sixth way to create a cozy feeling in your home is to keep the surfaces uncluttered. Less is more! Keep countertops, coffee tables, and other surfaces clean with just a few items like a candle, a plant, or a decorative tray.

Also, use functional storage baskets, shelves, and hidden storage options like storage ottomans or coffee tables.

7. Cozy Smells

The seventh idea for creating a cozy home is to use cozy smells. Use essential oils, candles, or simmer pots to fill the air with calming scents. Scents like vanilla, lavender, and cinnamon can make a space feel more inviting without the clutter.

A lit candle on a tray next to a cream-colored vase of fall-themed leaves and blooms.A lit candle on a tray next to a cream-colored vase of fall-themed leaves and blooms.

Shop for Cozy Home Things

cozy throw pillows on white backgroundcozy throw pillows on white background

Cozy Throw Pillow Covers

Canadian Links

Burgundy Floral Pillows | Brown Soft Corduroy Pillows | Cream Faux Fur Pillows
Burlap Linen Throw Pillow Covers | Rust Linen-Look Throw Cover
Brown Throw Pillow Cover | Pinstripe Throw Pillow Cover | Floral Throw Pillow Cover
Gold Windowpane Pillow Cover | Olive Green Pillow Cover

U.S. Links

Burgundy Floral Pillows | Brown Soft Corduroy Pillows | Cream Faux Fur Pillows
Burlap Linen Throw Pillow Covers | Rust Linen-Look Throw Cover
Brown Throw Pillow Cover | Pinstripe Throw Pillow Cover (similar) | Floral Throw Pillow Cover (similar) | Gold Windowpane Pillow Cover (similar) | Olive Green Pillow Cover

cozy throw blankets on white backgroundcozy throw blankets on white background

Cozy Throw Blankets

Canadian Links

Brown Fringed Blanket | Beige Fringed Throw Blanket | Farmhouse Plaid Throw | Cable Knit Cream Blanket | Khaki Checked Throw | Black Plaid Throw | Woven Loop Throw | Beige Faux Fur Blanket | Stone Farmhouse Plaid Throw | Checkered Fleece Throw | Chunky Knit Throw Blanket | Floral Kantha Quilt | Cozy Cable Knit Blanket

U.S. Links

Brown Fringed Blanket | Beige Fringed Throw Blanket | Farmhouse Plaid Throw (similar) | Cable Knit Cream Blanket | Khaki Checked Throw | Black Plaid Throw | Woven Loop Throw | Beige Faux Fur Blanket | Stone Farmhouse Plaid Throw (similar) | Checkered Fleece Throw | Chunky Knit Throw Blanket | Floral Kantha Quilt | Cozy Cable Knit Blanket

Summary

Here’s how to create a cozy home without adding clutter:

  • Add layers of soft textures like throw pillows, blankets, and rugs (like the ones I suggested above).
  • Use warm lighting and avoid harsh overhead lights.
  • Include natural elements like flowers and plants. Even Fae will work here if needed.
  • Sprinkle in personal touches like family photos or keepsakes. Just don’t overdo it.
  • Use neutral/earthy and soothing colors.
  • Keep as many surfaces uncluttered as possible. I don’t mean empty, just decluttered. If you need help decluttering, check out some of my blog posts about decluttering.
  • Add cozy smells like simmer pots or candles with scents like vanilla, lavender, or cinnamon.

These tips allow you to cultivate a cozy atmosphere that feels warm and welcoming without relying on clutter or spending too much money!

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