While contemporary homes are admired for their minimalist aesthetic of clean lines, expansive windows, open floor plans, and neutral colour schemes, some find them lacking in warmth and comfort during the cold winter months. Luckily, embracing a pleasant vibe in these sleek, modern spaces is easier than one might think. Here, you can explore several ways to add warmth and comfort to your modern house.
The New Colour Palette
An easy way to instantly make your contemporary space feel cosier is by incorporating warm colours like reds, oranges, yellows or earth tones. Consider buying throw pillows, blankets or area rugs in these warmer shades. Natural fibre rugs like wool, jute or sisal can also add delightful texture and warmth to sleek, hardwood floors.
You can also replace cool-toned grey walls with warmer beige, taupe or light brown hues. Paint or upholster furniture in colours like cream, khaki or soft sage green. Adding lamp shades in terra cotta or gold tones will cast a warmer light. If the idea of changing entire paint colours seems overwhelming, begin with smaller changes, such as warm-hued artwork or decorative accessories, for a gradual transformation.
Trending Lighting
Effective lighting plays a pivotal role in bringing warmth to your indoor space. Make the most of natural light by opening blinds and curtains during the day. Complement this with layered lighting like pendant lights, table and floor lamps, sconces, and under-cabinet lighting for a well-balanced illumination. Install dimmer switches to have control over light levels, enabling you to create a snug ambience.
Add Fire Features
Introducing a fireplace or fire pit instantly cheers up any modern living space. Whether it’s a sleek linear electric fireplace, an ethanol fireplace, a pellet stove, or a masonry wood-burning fireplace, there are options to match your decor style. Gas and electric fire pits come in various shapes and materials, ranging from stone to stainless steel.
Arrange furniture, such as a sofa set, around the fire feature to create an intimate and inviting seating area. Enhance the aesthetic by hanging artwork above the mantel. Fireplaces with glass doors offer the advantage of allowing you to enjoy the mesmerising flames from any corner of the room. For those in rental spaces or who prefer a non-permanent solution, consider a freestanding fire pit that can be used both indoors and outdoors.
Display Houseplants and Fresh Flowers
Incorporating lush green plants and fresh blooms adds life and vibrancy. The moisture and soil smell from indoor houseplants also enhance cosiness. Place low-light plants in dim corners, cacti and succulents on sunny sills, and larger statement trees or palms near entryways and seating areas.
Cut flowers look gorgeous on dining tables, kitchen islands, counters, coffee tables, nightstands and other surfaces. Go for warm sunset shades like oranges, reds and pinks rather than cool tones. Don’t forget to trim stems and change water every few days so they last longer.
Warm Up Window Coverings
Flimsy curtains tend to highlight the cold that seeps through windows. Upgrade from airy sheers to triple-lined thermal curtains and opulent fabrics like velvet, fleece, or quilted textures. Top them with decorative rods and golden finials for an elegant finish. Close the curtains at dusk for privacy and insulation.
Adjust Your Furniture Layout
The layout of your furniture plays a big role in defining spaces to unwind. Instead of placing couches and chairs against the walls, bring them inward to highlight a fireplace, a central coffee table, or an entertainment unit. The closer clustering of furniture creates intimate nooks within the space.
Evocative Accessories and Soft Fabrics
Finally, fill your contemporary rooms with accessories and soft surfaces that evoke comfort. Display family photos on shelves and side tables to create warmth through memories. Introduce long-pile shag or sheepskin rugs, inviting you to sink your toes into their plush textures. Scatter fur pillows or fuzzy throw blankets to enhance the warmth of your living spaces.
The Takeaway
With the right colours, textures, lighting and furnishings, you can transform your sleek, modern home into a comfortable sanctuary for spending chilly days and nights. Follow these tips, and you’ll have a stylish yet thoroughly inviting nest.
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