9 Minimalist Ways to Take Your Home From Cold to Cozy

Inside: Learn nine minimalist ways to make your home cozy, instead of cold. You can have minimal stuff while still creating a comfortable space.

A guest post from Cora Gold

A warm and cozy household is idyllic for all homeowners, even minimalists.

However, most interior design guides that cover this approach often focus on adding way too many elements all at once, which can clash with the minimalist mindset of “less is more.”

It is possible to take your home from cold to cozy while maintaining a simple approach. You just have to be thoughtful about how you execute it. 

Use these minimalist ways to make your home cozy, instead of cold.

9 Minimalist Ways to Make Your Home Cozy

You can combine hygge and simple living to create a comfortable welcoming home. Use these nine minimalist ways to make your home cozy instead of col.

1. Introduce Warm Colors 

Warmer colors are one of the simplest ways to make a home more cozy. Muted reds, oranges, and yellows can bring a cozy feeling to your space.

If you like neutrals, beiges, browns, and greens bring a fresh natural vibe to the home.

Painting your walls can work wonders in transforming a space without costing a lot of money. Alternatively, you can make minimalist touches like changing the color of your bedding or swapping out the hues of your fresh flowers.

Displaying artwork with this palette is also a simple way to bring in warmth and make your home cozy. 

2. Use Comfortable Materials

To feel homey, look for comfortable materials. Blankets are among the most cozy household items, and polyester is one of the most popular materials due to its resistance to wear and tear.

With ongoing innovation and advances, they’ve been able to make it mimic the warmth and softness of more natural fibers making it a versatile choice.

Adding fabric curtains and rugs to a space is another great way to create a warmer and cozier feel in the home.

3. Incorporate Textures

Visual interest is such an essential element in interior design, as it conveys the mood that you want to set within your home.

Comfort usually involves several kinds of textures throughout a space, especially when they mimic the natural state of the outdoors.

For instance, wooden wall panels build up the appearance of a cabin, which creates a homey ambiance. You can introduce natural stone like granite or limestone, too, since it offers timeless character and charm. 

4. Change up Your Lighting

Playing with your lighting makes you realize how much it can transform the space. You might lean more toward cool lighting since its increased brightness is practical for activities that require visibility.

If you want to make the home seem warm, opt for lights with a yellow undertone rather than blue, which feels colder and more sterile.

Warm lights are associated with relaxing activities, and they also allow the eyes to ease up. If you’re able to put them on dimmers then you have the option to soften the light to make your space more relaxing when needed.

5. Add Functional Decor

Minimalists are known for having few decorative pieces centered around practicality. Thankfully you can decorate without creating clutter by choosing options that are also functional.

Here are a few examples:

• Plants: The humble houseplant is a wonderful addition that makes the warmer hues in your home stand out more. It also provides a natural element while keeping the air clean. The added responsibility of watering and caring for your greenery is also great for maintaining a daily routine. 

• Lamps: Remember how warmer lights are preferred in cozy environments? Adding lamps with this form of illumination provides an option to make the space softer and more accommodating. Install these fixtures by the corners or seating for dim lighting. 

• Candles: Candles are another decorative element you can use when you want low lights. Once lit, they provide sweet scents throughout your home, which contributes to the cozy ambiance of the space. Just remember to keep them away from flammables.

6. Curate a Specific Cozy Corner

Consider creating a dedicated corner that radiates warmth and comfort.

For example, have a bookshelf with your favorite titles and a beautiful candelabra. Add wooden picture frames of your loved ones and favorite memories.

Adding some seating options will also make it a hyggekrog, a comfortable nook to sit and think about life in. Beanbags or cushions are a great option for extra seating that can be moved around as needed.

7. Open Your Home to the Outdoors

Rather than adding too many decorative pieces to emulate nature, consider opening your home to it. Wide and clean open windows provide a glimpse of the grass and trees outside, giving you some of the benefits of being in the great outdoors without leaving your home.

And if you can’t keep the windows open, at least keep the glass clean for a better view of the outside.

Also, evaluate the pathway to your front door including your porch. Does it need weeding or any kind of updating? Those small changes can make your home feel more cozy and welcoming.

8. Be Creative With Your Storage

Minimalists are intentional with their storage containers. To add warmth, try using organizers like wooden baskets. They’re perfect for holding toiletries or towels in the bathroom. You can also use them for snacks and other essentials in the kitchen.

Another way to get creative with storage is to look for clear containers and jars. You can often repurpose what you already have on hand to help you organize items in your pantry.

Another repurposing idea is to use glass vases for your plants. That keeps the stem and water visible, providing an element of tranquility. 

There are great room organization ideas including various multifunctional pieces that can be beautiful while serving another purpose.

9. Move Your Furniture Around

Rearrange your existing furniture to make it cozy.

For example, you can situate your couch closer to the window to get sunshine during the daytime. It’s recommended to leave 12 to 18 inches of space between the two to give the fabrics some room to breathe. 

If you have a fireplace, you could also try to bring your furniture a little closer to that spot. It would be picturesque to stay under a blanket with an open fire in winter. As always, ensure space for you and potential guests to move around. 

Bonus Tip: Make Adjustments to Suit Your Taste

As many tips as there are to make your home more cozy, always revisit the true meaning of minimalism. You only have to own the things that provide value, whether in the form of happiness or helpfulness. If it has no purpose and seems excessive, feel free to remove it.

You can adopt a minimalist lifestyle while retaining your unique style. Determine your priorities and preferences and change your space to suit your needs.

Everyone has a different clutter tolerance. Find the right amount of stuff that works for you to create a cozy and minimalist home.

Minimalist Ways to Make Your Home Cozy

Minimalism often gets a bad reputation for being cold and bare, but its main focus is avoiding clutter and promoting practicality. You can still achieve both goals with a warm and cozy interior design. Always feel free to experiment and make your home comfortable.

What minimalist ways to make your home cozy do you like best? Let us know in the comments section below.

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