5 interior decor ideas to make your home instantly more cosy

(Image credit: Ikea)

published 18 September 2020

We think we are fully allowed to start looking for cosy interior decor ideas, it's mid-September after all. It won’t be long until we’re lighting our log burners, pulling that throw around our shoulders, popping on that extra pair of thick socks and having a hot chocolate topped with marshmallows! It doesn’t take much to create a cosy home – it’s all about textures and layering, beautiful scents, candlelight and warm colour schemes. We show you just how it's done with these five easy ideas...

If you are after more living room ideas for seasonal update inspo, head to our gallery.

1. Invest in a log burner for ultimate cosiness

There’s nothing lovelier than listening to the crackle of logs burning is there? This 2840 wood burning stove by Morsø is a modern version of the iconic squirrel stove that has been redesigned. It has a beautiful triangular shape with striped sides reminiscent of the old Morsø designs. Neat enough to fit into a corner, team it with squishy sofas, plump cushions and a throw or two.

Choosing a stove: an essential guide

2. Always go for candlelight and low lighting

Scandinavian countries really know how to celebrate cosiness – remember the hygge trend a few years ago? Embrace the philosophy again this autumn – buy some dinner candles, pop them in some holders, and keep your pendant lighting above the dining table low and intimate. Add in some slubby linen napkins, ribbed glasses, tableware with character and great food, oh and some friends!

3. Incorporate organic shapes into your autumn home decor

H&M have launched their new autumn winter range and it’s full of lovely organic shaped accessories – vases, bowls and plates, tactile cushions and textured rugs and throws. These pieces all help towards creating a cosy feel – touch is very important to us and so is scent, look out for candles like cedar, sandalwood, sage and Frankincense.

4. Layer up the textiles

Couldn’t you just fall asleep in this bed? Layers of beautiful textures that will sooth your troubles away, faux fur is extremely tactile so treat yourself to two or three different textures for maximum comfort. The cushion is called Bella, the plush throw is Lenon and at the bottom of the bed is one of these sheepskin rugs - they are a great option for when it’s super cold outside!

5. Use plenty of soft neutral hues

Colour has a huge impact on how we feel, so if you want to create a cosy environment this season then consider your existing colour schemes. A bold red or bright yellow may look great in the summer when it's warm and sunny outside, but in autumn it may seem harsh and not relaxing. Dulux recently announced their Brave Ground as their Colour of the Year 2021 and it’s the perfect shade for creating a cosy space. Warm and inviting, it’s a versatile neutral that can be teamed with other shades too.

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Sophie has been an interior stylist and journalist for over 22 years and has worked for many of the main interior magazines during that time both in-house and as a freelancer. On the side, as well as being the News Editor of indie magazine, 91, Sophie trained to be a florist in 2019 and launched The Prettiest Posy where she curates beautiful flowers for the modern bride.