Looking for ideas to warm up a space and make it even more welcoming? Here are five things you can do to make any space cozier.
You know I am all about my house.
I would marry it in a nanosecond if I wasn’t already in love with a twinkling brown-eyed Angry Lemon.
But even houses that you adore have challenges.
Just. Like. Mine.
At the top of the stairs, there’s a landing with built-ins that stand at the entrance of the room that no one really knew what to do with.
If you’ve followed along with this blog for a while, you know that I’ve tried so many different things and nothing took.
I tried to make it into a craft room.
I tried to make it into a game room.
I tried to make it into an extension of the hallway.
All of those worked for a while and then the room started collecting things and spare parts and random pieces of life.
I had almost given up hope.
Until.
Until this happened.
// rug // basket // ottoman bench // couch // roman shades //
I made a reading nook.
I know, right?
Please tell me this isn’t the coziest space you have ever seen. Even Buddy has figured it out. I’ve shared it before when I talked about all the books I’ve read lately.
And now the space makes sense.
And it works.
But I just made a few updates to the space that have made it even cozier.
// rug // ottoman bench //
7 Things You Can Do To Make Your Room Cozier
1. Add a ottoman with a cozy texture
My cozy journey for the room started when I found this ottoman bench.
Look at the top. It’s all cozy and sherpa and so sofa and it runs almost the entire length of the couch and it makes the couch even snugglier. Now you can lay on the couch and it’s almost like a double bed.
You can see the ottoman bench here.
// striped pillow // woven pillow // geo print pillow //
2. Layer in pillows
The couch and ottoman bench are flanked on either side with these bookcases that used to be there when this was my room in college.
(total aside: my mom added a twin bed to this space and this was my room.
They are standard bookcases that are built-in to look like they came with the house. You can see how you can turn a bookcase into a built-in here.
The bookcases and the couch and the ottoman were already speaking cozy and then I found these pillows and layered in a little more pattern and texture.
Originally, I just had the neutral pillows from the couch and a few other super neutral pillows.
Now?
These pillows look like they are ready for a good book and a Hallmark movie marathon.
// rug // basket // ottoman bench // couch // roman shades //
// roman shades //
3. Adjust the light
These roman shades at the window are NEXT LEVEL.
They are cordless so you don’t have to worry about messy cords. You just pull them down and push them up to adjust the length.
The shades are light filtering so they add a layer at the windows, but they don’t visually detract from the space and add a layer of cozy.
// rug // basket // pom pom throw //
4. Add a throw
I love this pom pom throw.
It’s knit and has the coziest feel.
You can see one that’s super similar here.
5 Add a rug
I wish you could feel this rug.
It’s so thick and cozy and my toes sink into it when you walk. You can see the thickness here in this picture. The rug has a light cream background (to hide dirt better than white) with a gray trellis pattern.
I love how it warms up the space and brings the entire room together.
// rug // basket // ottoman bench // couch // roman shades //
I added this DIY speaker that my brother made and filled the bookcases with accessories. And now? The room that no one knew what to do with?
It’s the most popular place in town and it’s my new cozy favorite room.
There’s space for all the people and all the friends.
Especially dogs named Buddy. 🙂
disclosure: affiliate links are used in this post.
Such a cozy space for snuggling and reading....and in my case, napping!!!
So cozy!! xoxo
Such a comfy look and I can just imagine it feels better than just cozy. Nice room.
Oh KariAnne please give instructions for the phone speaker your brother made that you’ve got on bookcase. I’ve looked back on post and couldn’t find the instructions
Heather, Of course! Here you go: https://thistlewoodfarms.com/diy-wood-speaker-no-electricity-needed/ happy day! KariAnne
Love this space— and you must read The Giver of Stars— historical fiction…..
Such a good book!
You know I love everything you do! But… have you thought about matchstick shades over the sofa in a wood tone that matches the basket and the wood floor… and Buddy??😁. I think it would look fabulous, give it a little more “ depth” and warm it up a little more! You always inspire me to look past a boring corner and make it something special!
Love the look. Its all my style ....cozy comfy and dang it looks so good too
Cute! &&&& not a stitch of blue!! Shhhhhh
Lee, Hahahaha! Don't worry! There's more blue coming! Happy day! KariAnne
That is just the sweetest, coziest place to snuggle us and read a book with the best cup of coffee. Just love it KariAnne!
Looks SOOOO cozy! Love the bench and the sofa fits perfectly in there. Fyi the link to the basket goes to the rug:)
Awesome catch! Just fixed it! Thanks friend! Here's the link to the basket (affiliate): https://bit.ly/3Z5ghoU Happy day! KariAnne
I love it! Wish it was in my house. It would be my cocoon. Enjoy!!!!
That would be where you'd find me all day and night once my work was done. I think a comfy cozy reading nook is the best place ever! Wish I had one!!! It has such a "come hither" look to it. Love that space, KA.
This is the perfect place to have in a house, a cozy and pretty place to enjoy. Enjoy this beautiful space.
Just beautiful like all your rooms! Love your style. And Buddy love Goldens, great doggies. Pillows are fantastic
You made it beautiful and a place that you can curl up in and relax and enjoy a good book. What a wonderful place to go to on a rainy day!
KariAnne, you have made this room so cozy! Such cute pictures of Buddy!