What does it mean to properly SNUG? Consider a space characterized as snug: a small, safe, private, comfy shelter from weather for rest and relaxation…it may have panelled walls, builtins, a fireplace, bookshelves, and warm colors. Or consider the snug that is a compartment in a pub. However you imagine it, it’s lovely. SNUGGLE Season is upon us, and who are we to fight hibernation mode?
SNUG Season Inspiration + Cozy Paint Colors
Just after Thanksgiving, maybe the tradition should be the transition to SNUG. Turning spaces at home into a collection of snugs–each one more cocoonish than the next.
English country cottages know their way around a proper snug. But if home is a basement apartment or suburban rental outside of the Cotswolds, what’s a snug-bun to do? Maybe inspiring glimpses, color stories, and fantasy snug ogling will help.
Inspiring Snug Season Color Stories
Sometimes snug factor can be created with the right color in the right places. Notice (below) how the ceiling, walls, and trim are color drenched (painted the same color). However, there’s contrast and a lighter moment on the back of the shelves which makes it feel so much more friendly.
Fortunately, we have the exact paint color!
It’s so gorgeous too – Farrow & Ball De Nimes No. 299:
Remember how gorgeous the kitchen by Whitney Parkinson in HB was with this color?
Here’s another snug English library by Rose Uniacke that feels so velvety sumptuous and elegant, you’re going to want to paint a room top to bottom with an elegant moody teal-indigo with a Roman Clay or other textured finish…
That blue is custom, but it reminds me a little bit of Sherwin-Williams Indigo Batik.
This next space from architect Steve Tiek and Studio McGee has captured the admiration of my FB followers with the steely blue.
Should you sample these paint colors mentioned? YES, oh yes. At least three if you ask me, no matter how similar they appear. Once they are side by side, you’ll notice beaucoup differences!
You could try Indigo Batik or similar for trim and built-ins only (as you see in the snug designed by Rita Konig above). Oh, this designer! I took an interior design course (Create Academy) of hers, and it was top notch!
Can Neutral Colors Feel Snug?
But is it necessary to turn to moody colors and paints with low LRV (light reflectance value) to capture the cozy vibe? No, madame.
Just look at this cozy cottage’s snug dining/living/cooking/entertaining space with Farrow & Ball James White No. 2010.
Here’s another snug as a bug space to cozy on down with books or a drink by Cathy Kincaid.
While I’m not certain, I know Cathy Kincaid loves using F&B colors, and I’m guessing Parma Gray on French doors and this one on walls and trim:
Aren’t those colors magic together? Here’s a narrow media room snug that is enlivened with pattern and a rosy salmon accent color that feels like a warm hug.
Notice how that rosy pink is continued on the panels of the built-ins. Sometimes it’s all about the architecture and snug space allotted for your snug:
When You’re a BOLD Sort of SNUG-BUG
Sophisticated and gentle snugs are swell, and some like to push the boundaries of a cozy sitting room…
WOW, I’m awake now! And I’m ready to daydream my day away here:
BTW – find more ideas for HYGGE in this story.
The Cozying Power of Paneling
Paint is not always necessary…ahem.
If your snug is blessed with wall to wall wood panels or ceiling beams, what a joy!
The natural warmth, character, and interest is hard to beat.
Oh this snug by Heidi Callier just takes my breath away. Did you see her feature in MILIEU? You’re going to be breathless and filled with awe.
And I think such awe is my favorite thing about being immersed in the world of interiors as I am. Something within me longs to be filled and fed by the wonders of nature, craft, and beauty.
It is what sparked this blog’s genesis in January of 2010…an idea to greet lovely design daily as a practice to open the imagination and heart. This last snug is seriously appetizing (I’m imagining these cabinets are made of chocolate.)
All of the designs coming out of the UK remind me of this gift guide:
UK-Inspired Snuggish Things
I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.
For you gardeners or loved ones of gardeners, don’t we all need these in our lives for the spring?
Psst. Is this the ultimate stocking stuffer?
I hope this winter will bring moments for snug time, no matter where you find your peace.
Because that’s the wonder of wintry seasons…we are afforded more contemplative time for restful dreaming, silence, scheming, and a bit of meme-ing:
Sending you warm wishes for a snug December and…
Psst. If you are not sleeping snug these days, here’s some advice from the top sleep expert:
One of the important takeaways for me was REGULARITY. The data from that research was so surprising, and I wanted to test it for myself. Wow. I’m sleeping better since I became intentional about going to sleep at the same time and waking at the same time each day.
Peace to you right where you are.
-michele
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