Creating a cozy, peaceful space in your home is a crucial part of maintaining your overall well-being. It’s the place where you unwind after a long day, entertain friends and family, or simply enjoy some much-needed alone time. However, if your living space feels cluttered, chaotic, or impersonal, it can contribute to stress, anxiety, and a general sense of unease.
That’s why I’ve decided to share my journey on how I transformed my living space by breaking 15 of my old routines. Each of these changes has significantly contributed to creating a cozier, happier home for myself.
1. Ditching Perfection
I used to be obsessed with maintaining a picture-perfect home, straight out of a magazine. However, I quickly realized that this pursuit of perfection often led to stress and dissatisfaction.
Instead, I learned to embrace a more lived-in look. This doesn’t mean I let clutter pile up, but instead, I incorporate elements that show my home is lived in and loved. This could be a stack of my favorite books on the coffee table, a cozy throw casually draped over the sofa, or my children’s artwork displayed on the fridge. This approach has not only made my home feel cozier but also significantly reduced my stress levels.
2. Stop Overcrowding
In the past, I had the habit of filling every empty corner and wall in my home. But, I realized that this often made my rooms feel cramped and cluttered, rather than cozy.
Now, I practice the principle of ‘less is more’. I choose a few key pieces of furniture and decor for each room and leave plenty of open space. This approach makes my rooms feel larger, more serene, and more inviting. It also gives me the flexibility to rearrange or add new pieces without making the room feel overcrowded.
3. Saying Goodbye to Harsh Lighting
Harsh, bright lighting was a norm in my home. It took me a while to understand that this was creating an unwelcoming atmosphere.
So, I swapped out my bright, white lights for softer, warmer tones. I also incorporated different levels of lighting, such as table lamps, floor lamps, and dimmable ceiling lights. This created a much more cozy and intimate atmosphere in my home, perfect for relaxing or entertaining.
4. Letting Go of Unused Items
I used to hold onto items for ‘just in case’ scenarios. This habit led to unnecessary clutter, taking up valuable space in my home.
Now, I regularly declutter and donate items that I haven’t used in a while. Not only does this free up space in my home, but it also helps me keep my living area tidy and organized, contributing to a calmer, more peaceful environment.
5. Ditching the ‘Matchy-Matchy’ Decor
Once upon a time, I was a firm believer in matching decor. However, I realized this often made my rooms look too uniform and impersonal.
Now, I mix and match different styles, colors, and patterns. This gives my home a more eclectic and personal feel, making it truly unique to me. Plus, it’s a lot of fun to hunt for one-of-a-kind pieces at flea markets or online marketplaces!
6. Abandoning the Idea of a ‘Formal’ Living Room
I used to have a formal living room that was reserved for special occasions or guests. But this room often felt cold and unwelcoming.
I’ve since transformed this space into a more casual and comfortable area. I added cozy seating, a coffee table for casual meals or board games, and plenty of soft, cozy textiles. This has made the room much more inviting and often used, creating a cozier overall atmosphere in my home.
7. Moving Away from Cold, Hard Surfaces
In the past, I favored sleek, modern decor, which often meant lots of cold, hard surfaces. I soon realized that this was making my home feel uninviting and sterile.
Now, I incorporate plenty of soft textures, like rugs, throws, and cushions. These elements add warmth and coziness to any room, making it more inviting and comfortable.
8. Breaking the Habit of Keeping Windows Bare
I used to keep my windows bare for maximum natural light. However, this often made my rooms feel cold and exposed.
Now, I use curtains or blinds to add softness and warmth to my rooms. They also provide a sense of privacy and coziness, especially in the evenings when I want to create a more intimate atmosphere.
9. Stopping the Cycle of Buying Impulsively
I used to buy home decor items on a whim, without considering whether they fit my space or style. This often led to a mismatched, chaotic look.
Now, I’m more mindful about my purchases. I consider whether each item will add to the overall coziness of my home, and whether it fits my personal style. This approach has not only saved me money but also helped create a more cohesive, cozy look in my home.
10. Letting Go of the ‘Dining Room’ Concept
I used to have a separate dining room, which was often underused and felt detached from the rest of the house.
I’ve since integrated dining into my living area, creating a more casual and sociable atmosphere. This makes meals more enjoyable and the overall space feels more warm and cozy.
11. Abandoning the Idea of ‘Adult’ and ‘Kid’ Spaces
I used to keep adult and kid spaces separate, which often made my home feel divided and less cozy.
Now, I design spaces that are family-friendly, incorporating elements that both adults and kids can enjoy. This has made my home feel more unified and cozy, and it encourages more quality family time.
12. Ditching the Concept of ‘Guest-Only’ Items
I used to have items that were reserved for guests only. But this meant that I rarely got to enjoy these items myself.
Now, I use all of my items regularly, whether I have guests or not. This not only makes my home feel more lived-in and cozy, but it also lets me enjoy my belongings to the fullest.
13. Letting Go of Keeping Up with Trends
I used to be obsessed with keeping up with the latest home decor trends. However, this often led to frequent changes and a lack of personal touch in my home.
Now, I decorate according to my personal style, regardless of current trends. This has made my home feel more personal and cozy, and I find that I’m much happier with my decor choices.
14. Moving Away from All-White Walls
I used to love the idea of all-white walls for a minimalist look. However, this often made my rooms feel cold and impersonal.
Now, I incorporate color into my walls, whether through paint or wallpaper. This adds warmth and personality to my rooms, making them feel cozier and more inviting.
15. Saying Goodbye to Quick Fixes
I used to resort to quick fixes for home decor issues. But these often didn’t last and didn’t contribute to the overall coziness of my home.
Now, I invest time in finding quality, long-term solutions. This not only makes my home more comfortable and cozy, but it also saves me time and money in the long run.