Creating A Cozy Environment
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It’s always been very important to me to create a cozy environment no matter where I live.
When I was a little girl, I wished for two things when I grew up. I wanted to be a writer and to live in a cozy little house. Now it seems that I’ve accomplished both of those things. Because when you want something bad enough, you usually figure out how to get it.
If you do a lot of writing, I suppose you’re a writer. Or if you spend the bulk of your time doing laundry and tidying up the house, I suppose you fall into the homemaker category.
And if you surround yourself with the things you love, you probably live in a cozy environment where you are content.
If you showcase your prized collections, a person gets a glimpse into who you are when they visit your home. This can be books or pottery or linens, etc. This indicates what you like and what warms your personality.
If you choose to have fresh flowers in your home on a regular basis, then it seems you’ve gone the extra mile and added the final touches.
Adding Soft Linens & Quilts
By adding pretty linens and quilts, you’re adding texture and softness, and the feeling of being wrapped in love.
Painting your existing furniture and walls means you have added to your cozy atmosphere with the price of a can of paint. Almost anything can be painted. If you picked up a lamp for a song at a thrift store but don’t like the color, then that’s an easy fix.
Bringing House Plants into Your Home
Bringing living things, such as house plants, into your home means you’re aware of the toxins in your house and wish to do something about it. Additionally, house plants visually soften the edges of box-like rooms.
A beverage bar, or a coffee bar, is both useful and charming. With this addition, you don’t have to walk back and forth to get what you need to make yourself a cup of coffee. It’s usually already in one spot and handy for everyone.
Downsizing While Keeping It Cozy
If you wish to downsize or are moving, then walk into every room. Sit down and look around you. Write down all your furniture on a piece of paper. Then go down the list and check off what you feel you must keep. Have measurements handy.
If you’re moving, visualize each piece in your new space. Eventually, the cream will rise to the top and your most important belongings will be readily apparent to you. You can sell or donate the rest.
No matter where I land in the future or what type of home I live in, I will make it a cozy little home. Because that is vitally important to my peace of mind and my senses.
You don’t have to have something sitting on every surface to have a cozy environment. You can live with your most cherished belongings, but in an organized fashion. That’s what everyone should want in their home.
To be surrounded by the things they love.
You have so much in a small apartment. It looks beautiful and cozy. Your step by step instructions
Are great but what I really need is for you to come to my house. Your talent amazes me – great writer, great decorator, great at gardening and the energy to make it all happen.
I always say if it doesn't bring you joy when you look at it or hold it in your hand then it is something you don't need. xo Laura
Your place is so warming and welcoming. I love all your special touches to make is so sweet !
Brenda, you've done a fabulous job of making your home cozy. Wonderful images you shared in this post.
I agree with your thoughts on making a home cozy, comfortable and colorful – no matter where you live. And you do a great job with all of it!
That is so true. it is important to be able to surround yourself with things that make you feel good.
I wanted to be a writer too. I guess blogging was made for us! I love your cozy home. I enjoy it when you share it with us. I love how you used the vintage box to store the laundry soap. And the lamp. If I could get my laundry put away more often I could decorate the space better. You inspire. Thanks for sharing. Have a fabulous week.
XXOO
One of the many things I love about your decorating style is your courage with color. Obviously you have a great sense of harmony or you couldn't mix color as effectively as you do. Honestly, it's fascinating. Anyway, LOVE your home, the subtle creative touches and the intimacy!
Kindly, Dana
I too always wanted a little house – was never into a large fancy home. I'm still trying to downsize so have boxes and tubs still stored in my garage. It is so hard! Take for instance…. in your last photo of the sweet little collections on your washer – if you could only take say, 3 items, what would you take and what would you be able to part with? it's such a hard decision, for sure for sure.
This post is wonderful and I absolutely adore your home Brenda! I love the furniture pieces you have restored and your vignettes are perfectly placed! You have done a wonderful job creating your home and wherever you live, it will have your exquisite signature on each area. Beautiful, just beautiful!
Beautiful post Brenda! I love all the little snippets of your home that you've shared too. It looks warm and cozy!
Tania
You hit it all on the head. I don't live in a really small space by some comparisons…certainly not 3000 sq. feet +…but I still make it all cozy—that's how I roll. I would find a way to break up spaces even if I lived in a large home. You are the best inspiration. Painting furniture and creating small focused spaces like your coffee bar and cute laundry space. Big homes often keep room very utilitarian but you can work with it. I have small rooms in my old house and I aim to do what you do. I guess I'm thinking of my son's new home and how I'm trying to help him "fill in" the large spaces with some 'home sweet home' touches', Do you have any suggestions after living in some larger homes? I'm sure your decorating touches were quite beautiful then, too.Food for post thought?
Jane x
Brenda you even make your washing machine look cozy. You really have knack for display that is for sure. Write a book woman.
I am also a color lover Brenda..I admire the way you make every place you are "cozy"….
You have mastered the art of "cozy living"!
Yes, yes, and more yeses! Hi Brenda. You're so right about making a home. I love the way you decorate and surround yourself with color! I love color too and it does make me happy! Hope you're doing well.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia 😉
Brenda, I love how you have made your home into the perfect cozy little space for you! It looks beautiful!!
A lovely post that reflects the absolute beauty and care you put into your lovely home. I feel the same way, I am currently living in a bedroom but I made it as cozy as possible with all my I love. No matter where we call home, if we add our own personal sense of décor and color, it becomes a place that wraps you in happiness and peace of mind.
Brenda you certainly created a cozy and pretty space for yourself! I LOVE all the color you use and the way you arrange all your pretty collections! Your home always looks beautiful!
Brenda you have a cozy little oasis there in your current place and I was so happy when you found it due to the ability to have the patio garden as well 🙂
my mother used to say, it's not what you have, it's how you arrange it. More people should think that way. I, too, dreamed of a small cozy place to live in all alone when I was small. I have a totally different lifestyle now but I still dream of that!
I just love your adorable home.
Kathy
Your dining area looks so comfy with your wicker chairs and the pretty yellow lilies.. I've bought several/lots of house plants this summer.. I'm hoping to bring them in and that my two kitties will leave them alone..
Have checked to see which ones are poisonous. They are growing nicely outside………..hope they'll be good sized when I bring them in.
As always, wishing you "happy trails".
Charlotte
YOU just know how to put things together and every photo reflects that fact.. it is cozy and totally adorable..
I love your ideas Brenda , I would love to be able to visit you some day and enjoy your company and all that you have to say. Very pretty and Cozy home you have!
Just looking at your pictures makes me smile. I so love all of your color. And you are so right about downsizing. I'm struggling with that now.
So true, Brenda. I don't need a big or fancy place to live, just someplace that I can decorate with things I love and make it a cozy space. You have always done a wonderful job of making wherever you live your "cozy little house"!
You are so right, Brenda. My husband just asked me the other day if I would be happy in a newer one level home. A few years ago I would have said no, but really, it's the things and people you fill your home with that make it cozy. I've been getting rid of "stuff" this summer, and I'm starting to see the light.
My home is also a reflection of who I am. I'm trying to downsize and get rid of excess and as I do so I feel better and lighter. I love all the color you use.
I agree. Being a visual person…I find I must fluff my house continually to maintain that special cozy ambiance! And I love playing house anyway. Ha! Sheila