Anyone else going a little stir-crazy at home? If you’ve already cleaned out your closet, organized your fridge AND gotten through most of Netflix’s entire catalog, you’re not alone. Kelley here, Lulu and Georgia’s resident stylist, and I’m putting together a checklist of things to do to make your home feel more cozy. Now that we’re spending most of our time inside, some of you may find that your space is not as conducive to 24-7 livability as you might like. Read on for my thoughts on how to make your home cozy.

 

Tackle Those Bookshelves

If your bookshelves are beginning to bore you, now is as good a time as any to get to styling. Pull everything off and evaluate what you have (give those shelves a good wipe down while they’re empty!). Does anything feel “old”? Set aside things that don’t excite you, aren’t current, and big fat aren’t working anymore. To fill those holes, bring in pieces from other rooms, making sure to pull items with different heights, textures, and scale.

1. Adding in the largest scale items first, spreading them out and separating things are too similar in color or height. A good rule of thumb is to have one “anchor” piece on each shelf, avoiding putting the largest pieces on the uppermost shelves..

2. Start to add variations of height by layering in vertical and horizontal stacks of books.

3. Add in layering pieces on top of horizontal book stacks and nestled next to anchor pieces.

4. Step back and evaluate. Does everything feel right? Does anything feel too lonely, too tall, or too close in color? Spread out anything that looks too similar or is too close in height, and shift around layering pieces until you’ve got something that you’re happy with. Check out some of the products below for cozy home ideas.

     

    Clean Out Those Cabinets

    Hidden away in cabinets across the country are beautiful cozy home decor pieces begging to be brought out! Dig deep in those cupboards and see what might be hiding in yours. A big low bowl can be a welcome addition to the shelf styling project mentioned previously. Pull out a pitcher that’s been in storage and toss in a sprig of greenery to give it a fresh look. A vintage ashtray looks amazing when doubling as a catchall in the entry.

    You may even find that old bread maker or spiralizer that’s been sitting unused for months. Now is the time to break out Grandma’s sourdough recipe or rekindle your love for veggie noodles.

    Labels can be removed from jam jars and olive oil bottles (google it) and these items can be repurposed into adorable storage jars or vases. Better yet, look up a quick recipe and reuse glassware for pickled vegetables or homemade dressings.

     

    Rearrange Your Furniture

    While your space may look great already, odds are, it’s not optimally designed for spending so much time indoors.  If your space is feeling really stagnant, it might be time to start rearranging, a great first step in knowing how to make your home cozy.

    If it’s available to you, try to orient your largest pieces of furniture to face toward a window. If not, it can be beneficial to at least try to angle a chair nearer to one in order to be a little closer to the outdoors. Examine rooms for things that no longer serve you; for example, a chair that has become a clothes horse in the bedroom can be repurposed as a cozy reading nook in the living room.

    Another thing that may not be serving you is the lighting. If you find there’s just not enough light in the living room, bring in a floor lamp from another room or consider upgrading all your lightbulbs. Lighting can make a huge impact in a room and is my favorite way to instantly enhance a space.

     

    It's The Simple Things

    You know, life isn’t all about cleaning up, shuffling about or making things useful. I think it’s pretty apparent to everyone that this is just as good a time to slow down and be mindful. Taking a bath or reading a book may seem obvious, but can do wonders for mindset and overall well-being.

    Little hints of happiness can be sprinkled in throughout your day. Burning your favorite candle during the day, adding a few drops of essential oil to your next load of laundry, even ordering a new pair of house slippers can elevate the mundaneness of the everyday. 

    Chatting online with coworkers, sending a note to a friend, and digitally checking in on family members can spark the greatest joy. It’s the simple things in times like these that can make a house feel like a home.

    When you’re trying to figure out how to make a room cozy, it ultimately comes down to what you think is best. If that means adding warm blankets and soft pillows then treat yourself to an online shopping day. If you think the colors in your house need a change then spend a rainy afternoon painting. There are many easy ways to create a cozy room, our tips are just a few practical ways you can get ready to be cozy this holiday season.