Design Mistakes to Avoid When Creating a Cosy Interior
As the colder months set in, many of us look to make our homes feel warm, inviting, and undeniably cosy. But creating a cosy interior goes beyond just adding blankets and candles. Here are some common design mistakes that can unintentionally make a space feel cluttered, uncomfortable, or overly busy, along with tips on how to avoid them.
1. Overcrowding with Too Many Accessories
- Mistake: Loading up on throw pillows, blankets, and decor pieces in an attempt to create a cosy vibe can quickly overwhelm a space.
- Solution: Choose a few quality, comfortable pieces instead of piling on excess. Opt for a couple of textured pillows, a throw, and one or two statement decor items that embody the cosy aesthetic. Leaving a bit of breathing room helps the eye relax, making the room feel spacious yet warm.
2. Ignoring Lighting Layers
- Mistake: Relying on a single overhead light can make a room feel cold and uninviting. Similarly, opting solely for dim, low lighting might make the space too dark.
- Solution: Embrace layered lighting. Use a mix of overhead lighting, table lamps, and wall sconces to add warmth and depth to the room. For extra cosiness, incorporate warm-toned bulbs or dimmable lights. Candles or fairy lights can also provide a soft, ambient glow for a cosy feel without overwhelming the space.
3. Skipping Texture Variety
- Mistake: Using only one type of material, like all leather or all wood, can make a room look flat and uninspired.
- Solution: Layer in textures to add warmth and interest! Combine materials like soft wool blankets and woven baskets with smooth surfaces like leather or wood. The variety of textures creates a richer sensory experience and makes the room feel welcoming and layered.
4. Choosing an All-Neutral Colour Palette
- Mistake: While neutrals can create a calm and inviting look, too much beige, gray, or white can make a room feel bland or sterile.
- Solution: Add bits of colour to bring personality to the space. Consider earthy tones like rust, forest green, or mustard yellow, which are naturally warm and complement most neutrals. Adding these hues through cushions, rugs, or artwork is a low-commitment way to make a room feel both cosy and vibrant.
5. Forgetting About Functional Space
- Mistake: Prioritizing comfort over practicality can lead to overly cluttered or dysfunctional rooms, especially if space is limited.
- Solution: Choose furniture and decor that serve a purpose. For example, use storage ottomans to stow blankets or side tables with shelves for added storage. Avoid placing too many bulky items in walkways to keep the flow of the room intact. A cosy room should feel functional and welcoming, not cramped.
6. Using Harsh, Cool-Toned Colours
- Mistake: Cool colours like icy blues or stark whites can sometimes make a room feel cold rather than cosy.
- Solution: Opt for warm undertones. Even if you love a modern, neutral look, choose colours with warmer undertones—like cream over stark white or taupe over gray. Alternatively, balance cool colours with warmer accents, like a soft cream throw blanket or wood furnishings that naturally add warmth to the space.
7. Going Overboard with Patterns
- Mistake: Using too many patterns can make a space feel chaotic rather than relaxing.
- Solution: Stick to one or two complementary patterns and balance them with solid colours. For example, pair a patterned area rug with solid-coloured curtains. The goal is to create visual interest without overwhelming the eye, which is key for a cosy space.
8. Ignoring Scent as Part of the Atmosphere
- Mistake: Focusing solely on visuals can make a room feel incomplete. Cosy interiors engage multiple senses, not just sight.
- Solution: Incorporate scented candles, essential oil diffusers, or simmer pots to add warmth through fragrance. Scents like cinnamon, vanilla, cedar, or bergamot can create a calming and inviting atmosphere, making the room feel fully immersive and complete.
9. Using Furniture with Sharp Lines and No Softness
- Mistake: Opting for all sleek, modern furniture with sharp edges and clean lines can create a cold and uninviting look.
- Solution: Balance clean lines with softer, rounded pieces. Choose furnishings with curved edges or add softness through upholstery in cosy fabrics like velvet, wool, or boucle. Adding a round ottoman or an overstuffed armchair can soften a modern space and make it feel much cosier.
10. Neglecting Floor Coverings
- Mistake: Skipping rugs, especially in living rooms or bedrooms, can make spaces feel sparse and cold.
- Solution: Add area rugs to anchor the room and make it feel grounded. For extra cosiness, choose rugs with a thicker pile, such as a Moroccan Berber Beni Ourain.
Rugs featured: WANDA, LUCA, JULIET
Creating a cosy interior is all about balance: choosing warmth without clutter, lighting without harshness, and comfort without sacrificing functionality. By avoiding these common design mistakes, you can transform your home into a welcoming retreat that feels both stylish and snug.
Remember, a truly cosy home engages all the senses and reflects your unique style while offering a sanctuary from the cold.
