Is it reassuring that despite the complexity of 2020s life, geopolitical landscapes, and assorted revolutions daily, we can still carve out cozy corners at home? I’m not so naive to think attempts to feather a nest will balance out the stress and uncertainty beyond them, but decompressing helps. Home as retreat may seem essential. Even small gestures (lighting a candle, layering natural textures, repainting a room, baking cookies) restore a measure of calm to busy, overthinking minds full with worry. Discover a few interiors that inspire this sense of cozy simplified. Let me know if any of your own cozy scores fall within the category as well.
Cozy Simplified Finds for Home
Above: Simplified need not mean minimal. If you love seeing all of your pretty things, gather them in collections. Mass art on a wall. Mix patterned pillows casually.
We tend to think about autumn as the season for cozying on down, but as I age, I need ALL the seasons to deliver soothing warmth!
Above: Sometimes low living lends itself naturally to cozy simplification. It can be comforting to be rooted closer to the earth.
I suppose that is but one more reason why I love decorating with earthy neutrals.
Above: Sometimes the simplicity begins with the bones of a room. Notice how the shiplap and various geometric shapes add enough interest that minimal decor becomes necessary.
Pale, faded tones play nice together and don’t feel too heavy in summer or too sterile in winter.
Above: Open cupboard shelves like these are just plain cozy. They’re like little art installations you can change on a whim.
Curated Cozy Decor & Furniture
Here are some ideas I curated as I considered cozy simplified:
Regarding that sweater above, have you tried Quince yet for high quality, timeless pieces that won’t be out of style in a couple of years?
Above: I personally find it extra cozy when a desk is pulled up to a window like this!
The swing arm sconces were just ordered, and I think they will cozy a little area of our basement currently under construction.
They seem perfect for bedrooms too where you forego table lamps.
Above: It appears that a formerly open porch has been enclosed, but I love this idea of the interior window even for a new build. It defines a new cozy corner while retaining a sense of openness and light.
I am a huge fan of barrel chairs like the one above so they are sprinkled through our homes in Illinois and Arizona and included on my mood board. While boucle may be a trendy choice for upholstery, do teddy bears really go out of style?
Above: Would I ever stop staring at the fun-sized range? No, I would not. The cozy simplicity here should be studied thoroughly.
Never met a ceramic match striker I didn’t love. Omg. So cute.
Above: The function of a cottage porch should be maximized, and I can’t think of a better place to crack a window open, dream, nap, or enjoy whispered conversations of a lifetime.
Whenever I share an image with lunaria stems, followers on Pinterest go cuckoo, but I’m not sure I have ever shared them on a mood board. Boom. But sometimes pale everything won’t do, and cheerful colors can cozy on down too!
Keeping it Cozy
Above: Board and batten can often be an inexpensive and easier alternative to other millwork options.
Ahhhhh. Kathryn Ireland and her utterly timeless designs!
Above: I’m smitten with the innovative design of these bunks with the Greek key detail and mix of textures.
Accessories to Cozy on Down
The chunky chenille throw from Evergrace Home on the mood board boasts yummy softness. I have the color Sand Dune–perfect with Belgian linen upholstery and reminiscent of my favorite natural grasscloth wallcoverings. Ever seen one quite like this (below)?
Above: The cafe curtain does more than provide privacy for the soaking tub…it’s cozy.
Breathtaking! I showed you this platform bed ordered for a guest bedroom, and we are very pleased with the fabric and slightly modern style.
It would likely cost three times this price at Pottery Barn so if you need something affordable, take a peek. Can we talk cozy vintage framed prints that bring warmth and nostalgia to dresser top or shelf?
I have a similar print that currently lives on the kitchen counter:
My print is in amazing condition in its original frame, and I found it many years ago. While this next cozy moment surely does not qualify as “simple,” it is our nod to fantasy cozy!
Above: Remember building cozy forts and teepees in childhood? What if you could recapture the magic?
Finally, my cozy simplified mood board’s breakfast nook (in a Charleston home with Serena and Lily pieces) is sort of an unforgettable space that has likely broken the internet a few times.
More Ingredients for Cozy Simplified
Enjoy these resources for cozy living too:
Peace to you right where you are.
-michele
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