Cozy Decor and Throwing Out the Rulebook
When I decided to start updating my home, I had to think about what exactly it was that I wanted to get out of my space. What did my perfect retreat look like? That place in which I could hide away from the bustle of my city and the expectations of work? What was my version of home – not house?
I started to envision cottages, and gardens, and fantasy forests. I thought of some of my favorite places – fictional and otherwise. Photos of the English Countryside. The comfy appeal of the Shire in Lord of the Rings. I’d always wanted to run away to my own version of a cottage, or cabin, or hobbit-hole. And while my home, prettily sat in the middle of a growing city, is far removed from any of these places, that didn’t mean I couldn’t try my best to emulate my picturesque outside, inside.
Here’s How I Did It:
- Pick The Perfect Cottage-esque Color:
This color in particular is North Woods by Behr Paint. It’s the perfect muted green that I needed to start building a space that would make me feel like I’m retreating somewhere calm and collected. - Balance It With Natural Tones & Metallic Pops
Contrast is an important thing when it comes to building comfy, cozy spaces. For this space, I knew I wanted to capture that cottagecore / natural feeling. So I focused primarily on two things: wood tones and pops of gold. These colors stand on their own against the paint while still feeling blended and purposeful. From there, I try to stick within a natural, woodsy color palette (beige, white, brown, oranges, and reds – the colors of my favorite season: autumn) - Repurpose Things You Love for Things You Need
One of the things I get asked about most is the headphone holder. It isn’t one, at all! It’s a plastic candle sconce that I found at a thrift store months ago. While it’s always been wall decor, I reworked it into a piece that both highlighted what I wanted design wise while also serving a purpose. All that to say: throwout the rulebook! The beauty of having your own space is it means not having rules to follow. There is nothing that says I have to use a candle sconce only for candles. Same as there’s no rule that says I have to use designated computer speakers for my pc (fun fact, I don’t! I currently use a vintage victrola bluetooth player) If you see something you like, see if you can’t find a way to integrate it into your space – even if it doesn’t technically fit. - Go With Knick-Knacks and Decor That Fits Your Theme
I knew I wanted this space to emulate a cottage out in the forest, which means I needed to bring hints of that greenery into it. I may take some flack for this, but I love fake plants for this purpose. I have no green thumb, admittedly, so fake plants are the perfect way of adding in those woodsy, comfy touches without worrying about keeping anything alive. Thrift stores are great for cheap plant finds, but I also love the $5 deals on small ones at Target. - Make Sure The Space is One That Brings YOU Joy
At the end of it all, remember that these spaces you’re creating are yours and only matter to you. If you build them with pieces and finds that inspire affection and peace in you, that’s what matters. Happy decorating!
See something of mine you like?
