Interior Design Terminology: Cozy is the New Elegant

For most people, the word “cozy” implies intimate, which is also a euphemism for small. In contemporary interior design terminology, however, making a space cozy and comfy might involve taking a large living room from commodious to comfortable or turning a small, cold home office into a warm and restful reading room.

Whatever the space involved, a cozy room is inviting and friendly to all who enter.

How to Get Cozy

According to CountryLiving.com, a cozy living room can be created in a variety of ways, depending on what a designer has to work with and the goals of the client. Here are a few ideas that can add a cozy feel to even the largest living space in a home.

Exposed wood – From wood paneling to exposed beams, bare wood has a feel all its own, offering warmth and a sense of country living to even the most modern home. The unique approach in the image on the left, to take apart the original paneling, power wash them, then reinstall the boards shows true dedication and innovation.

Bare brick or stone – Just as bare brick is no longer reserved exclusively for a downtown loft in the big city, so too can exposed stone accents add a cozy country feel to a home in the suburbs. In truth, the designer’s imagination is the only limit here.

Contrasting décor – A true non-starter for most designers, mismatched pieces like those below are frowned upon. In this case, however, there is a sense that the décor for this room was put together over time by the homeowners, with a warm and comfortable environment being the only criteria needed to make the room cozy.

Single feature – As a way to make a room cozy, installing a wood burning stove may be one of the most effective single features a designer has to offer to their clients.

Combining design elements – As mentioned above, even a huge living space can be made to feel cozy, as long as the designer employs the right elements, and uses them in the right proportions.

Above all, a cozy home is livable. It’s attractive and comfortable, warm and inviting, and the focus of such a space is keeping the occupants happy. It’s simply not about resale value but, rather, the long-term satisfaction of the homeowner.

Looking for more new design trends, tips, and ideas?  Get in touch with TD Fall today.