How to make your house feel cosy

Comfort tones

A winter-inspired palette of comforting colours can turn your home into a hibernation haven. With the power of bold colour to imbue a room with warmth, winter is a perfect time to try this interior design look on for size.

Start with colour

When creating a cosy, comfortable space, colour is key. “Colour and emotions are closely linked, with colour playing a substantial role in influencing how we feel in a space,” explains Jane Wright, Bunnings trend and design manager. “Earthy terracottas and ochres, and cosy shades of elderberry and clay evoke feelings that support our physical and emotional wellbeing. The warmth of these shades plays into our need to feel cocooned.”

Warm reds and yellows are not the only choices; it’s all about undertones, richness of pigment and, of course, how the colour speaks to you on a personal level. Melanie Stevenson of Porter’s Paints, says, “Cosy up your space with colours you love, whether that is a restful blue, deep emerald green, a classic navy or a rich turmeric – as long as the colour is complex and moody, it will work well.

Go-to cosy hues

For a restful scheme, opt for soft sunset shades of blush and coral, or earthy shades of tobacco, rust, ochre and mustard. Deeper tones tend to be more cocooning, but ultimately it’s about personal preference. Lighter, pastel shades might be an easier choice for the colour-shy, and can be layered with deeper-toned accessories.

Keep out the cold

If you prefer a cooler palette, you can still create a cosy space. Melanie says, “If you love cooler tones like greys, blues and greens, look for ones that are complex with some warm element to the undertones.” For example, choose a grey with undertones of ochre over one with a straight black tint, which will be cold and soulless. Complete the paint scheme with a warm neutral for trims and any other walls. Davina Harper, Dulux colour specialist, suggests, “To balance these cooler hues, you can add texture with beautiful warm layers of textiles in rich browns, caramels and terracottas".

Dress up warm

A plush rug or artfully draped throw can take an interior scheme from summer to winter. It’s all about adding softness and balancing hard materials, says Melanie Stevenson. “If you have roller blinds, soften the effect with sheer curtains. Leather sofas? Add throws and textured cushions to counter the hard texture.” Pick furniture with rounded forms over hard angles, and choose natural materials that invite touch – especially those in rich colours.

Need a hand choosing a paint colour?

Find out how to select the right shades of paint for your interiors.

 

Photo Credit: Cath Muscat and James Moffatt