Sharing some super simple updates that help to make our home feel cozy and inviting.
Happy Saturday friends! It feels like it’s been ages since I’ve been able to take part in this cozy living series. The first Saturday of every month I love to team up with some of my favourite bloggers to share all sorts of cozy inspiration and, while I’ve missed the last few months (again!), I’m SO happy to be taking part this month! I cannot wait to see the cozy ideas they have to share, but first, I wanted to share a few cozy updates I’ve made around the house that I just hadn’t gotten around to sharing yet.
A few months ago, I shared about some updates I’d made to our entryway that really helped to make it feel more warm & inviting. Today, I wanted to show you a few other changes I’d made around the house – these are super simple ideas, but I really think they pack a big punch in making our home feel cozy. I definitely thought they were worth sharing.
Today is officially moving day in the Mercer house (if you missed our big announcement, you can read all about it here). It’s actually a really special story that explains all about why this move has felt SO meant to be. Of course, all of these cozy ideas I’m sharing with you today have already been all packed up and are currently tucked into a trailer. But I thought, until we can get them unloaded and set up again in our new house, I’d take this chance to share some of these cozy ideas that I never did get around to sharing before the move (luckily I managed to get the photographed before they were all packed up at least!). So grab yourself a cup of coffee my friends, a soak up all the cozy inspiration today.
Simple & Cozy Home Decor Ideas
I think one of the simplest ways to make any space feel cozier is to bring in some warm wood tones. You can see how warm and welcoming the wood dresser makes our entryway feel in the photo above. It used to be painted black, but the paint was in rough shape. Instead of repainting it again, I took the opportunity to change up the look by restoring it to a warm wood (you can read more about how I refinished it here). After seeing the huge impact that one little change made to our entryway, I couldn’t resist scattering in some warmer wood tones throughout a few more spaces around our home too.
I found a new (to us) table on Facebook Marketplace to replace our old grey one. I’ve been wanting to swap out some of the more grey wood tones throughout our home with some warmer woods instead and our kitchen table was probably the biggest culprit in our home. I’ve actually been hunting for a new table for a few years now, but couldn’t seem to find anything that I felt was right. I didn’t want to spend a fortune on something I didn’t absolutely love, and so, when I came across this little set on Facebook Marketplace, even though I wasn’t totally head-over-heels in love, I thought it would be a perfect little stand in set until I do finally come across “the one”. I like it so much more than the more grey toned dining set we had previously and, while I know we won’t keep it forever, it’s definitely helped me to feel less rushed in my search for a new dining set (I wish I could say the same for our counter stools!).
I especially love the way the dark wood plays off of all of the other wood tones around the space. Now, if I could just find some new counter stools… (it never ends my friends!)
Speaking of warmer wood, I couldn’t resist carting this little cabinet up from its old home in the basement. Not only does it add some much needed storage space to our dining area, but I love the way the dark shadows in the carved designs tie in with the dark table. And the lighter wood tones tie in so well with the little stool we have put to work as a plant stand in the other corner of our little dining space.
Introducing some warm brass tones is another simple way to bring some coziness to a space. Notice the brass frames housing some of my favourite recipes from my Grandpa and also around the artwork on the other side. You can also see the brass carried into our living room and entryway with the lamps and artwork scattered around each space.
Layering in different lighting is another easy way to make a space feel warm & cozy. Overhead lights are functional for sure, but layering in some lamps, candles and dimmable task lighting really helps to warm up a space.
I think I’ve only ever shared them on Instagram, but these simple white sheer curtains bring some softness to this space as well. They remind me so much of my Grandma’s house, which always feels so warm & inviting. In fact, I loved them so much, I added some cafe versions to our kitchen and dining area as well (read more about that here).
When I shared our new cozy entryway a few months ago, I mentioned how much I loved the warmth that our dark new rug brought into the space. What I didn’t show you at the time is that I also added some dark patterned rugs to our back hallway and mudroom as well. No surprise, I absolutely LOVE the contrast and warmth they bring to this side of our home as well.
Did you notice that I stained the counters and bench in here? They used to be a very natural looking wood tone, but, after adding the darker rugs, I was looking for a way to bring even more depth into this little space and it turns out, darkening up the wood tones was exactly what it needed! I loved the new look so much, I carried it onto our kitchen countertops too.
Finally, did you spot that bit of brass I snuck in here as well? I love the charm that vintage frame adds to this otherwise long and boring hallway.
Warm wood tones, warm brass and some darker punches thrown in – simple ideas that pack a big punch when you’re looking to make a space feel warm & cozy.
I hope you found some inspiring ideas to help you bring a little more cozy into your own home today too. If you’re still looking for more, you might want to check out some of the cozy updates I made in our entryway here.
And, if you’re looking for even more cozy living inspiration (and really, who isn’t?!), you’ll definitely want to check out the other cozy ideas linked up below…
Backyard Pond / Home Decor Ideas / Vanilla Fruit Cakes / Cozy Reading Corner
Wishing you SUCH a lovely day my friends!
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