I am not the most polished decorator, I don’t strive for magazine perfection, and I’m fully aware there is plenty of room for improvement around here – and I’m fine with all of that. Well…most days I’m fine with all of that. I think we all have days when a scroll through Instagram or Pinterest leaves us feeling like we don’t measure up, or that our home will never reach that image we have built up in our minds.
But the reality is, I don’t want my home to be a showroom. Don’t get me wrong, I want it to be pretty – pretty spaces are what inspire my mind – but I don’t want it to feel so pretty that it doesn’t seem real or livable.
You know what I mean?
So my heart always swells a little bit when someone tells me how cozy our house looks. It’s probably the biggest compliment I could ever receive when it comes to our home, because it’s exactly the look and feel I strive to achieve. When I think of a cozy room, I think of a place to come in, put your feet up, and enjoy a warm cup of coffee or a lovely glass of wine. I think of a place that invites you to sit down and stay a while. I think of a place where friends and family gather, and the worries and stresses of the day fade away.
So what is it that gives a home that cozy vibe?
I don’t think there is a perfect formula – everything in design is subjective – but one of the elements I personally try to focus on the most is texture.
It happened quite by accident really. I never thought about “texture” when I was just starting out and trying to decorate our home – I usually thought more along the lines of a color scheme. I’d pick two or three colors and then everything I sought out had to be in those colors or it wouldn’t work (or so I thought in my mind), but over time I discovered that I was actually drawn less to color and more to something in the look of seagrass baskets and the warmth and wear found in old wood pieces. It didn’t matter so much what the piece was – but if it had beautiful aged wood, complete with dents, dings, scratches and an inconsistent finish – I wanted it. Once I latched onto that idea, I stopped thinking in terms of a color scheme, focused more on neutrals, and allowed the textures to do the talking.
Varying textures around the room provides depth, adds warmth, and lends visual interest – especially if you have a neutral color palette.
Obviously things like blankets and pillows carry beautiful texture, but texture can be found in anything and everything.
Rugs…
Furniture…
Accessories…
Even the walls…
By the way, there’s this new design trend called shiplap – have you heard of it? It’s a beautiful way to add texture to your walls. Google it sometime – I think you will like it…
Obviously, I’m just kidding – shiplap is a household word these days, so of course you’ve heard of it. Who hasn’t, right? But it’s a perfect example of the impact texture can have on a space.
These days, I’m still drawn to the texture in baskets – I have to force myself not to bring one home every time I go to a store, and I’m still obsessed with the texture in old wood pieces – I think that’s why I have such a hard time painting furniture. It’s a fear I’m trying to get over, because I have a few that I think could benefit greatly from a little paint. It’s always nice to have a mix of painted pieces and wood pieces in a space too. 😉
In recent years, I’ve also developed a love for the look of linen – I think you either love it or hate it. I personally love the wrinkled look, but I know it can drive others crazy. I have yet to meet a ball of twine I didn’t like, and don’t even get me started on jute rugs – you can find one in just about every room of our house now. Textures like these are carried all throughout our home and are the key to giving us the casual, cozy atmosphere we’re after.
And books.
The whole reason I turned all my books around backwards on those shelves? I liked the texture of the pages. 🙂
Line ‘em up, stack ‘em up, fill a basket with ‘em – I do believe books are the definition of cozy.
So what about you…are you a texture person or a color person? Or are you both? What kind of textures are you usually drawn to?
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Could you recomend a brand of jute rugs?
I have two of the maui chunky loop rugs (one in my living room and one in my bedroom) – I LOVE this rug. You can find it here: http://www.rugsusa.com/rugsusa/rugs/rugs-usa-chunky-loop/Natural/200NCCL01-305.html . That said, the texture may not be for everyone – it’s not scratchy at all, but it is a bit “bumpy”. You can read more about my jute rugs in this post: https://rusticandwoven.com/2016/02/15/a-jute-rug-review/
Hope that helps! 🙂
Gorgeous home and yes, it is quite cozy. I too love adding texture. It takes rooms from sterile to cozy and lived in.
Thank you so much, Kim! I couldn’t agree more! 🙂
Texture. Hmmmm…..I learn and get inspired from you each time a read a post. I always thought it just had to do with touch and if something was rough or soft or in between, but so much more. Thank you!!!
Thank you Patty! Texture is like visual eye candy for me – I can’t seem to get enough! 😀
Hi there Tonya, my husband & I have been away on holiday to gorgeous Tasmania. I was just reflecting on the bits I brought home from our travels and I have to say its all about texture. I found a beautiful woven straw broom, a delicately carved wooden chair (with a leg that needs to be fixed), a pine cone in a shape I had never seen before, a feather with a striking design, an old book with pressed flowers inside, a white cable knit sweater from a charity store that will become a pillow cover, a cheese knife with a unique wooden handle, along with dozens of photos of lichen on rocks, waterfalls, trees, post & rail fences, broken old farm sheds, abandoned farm carts, gushing rivers & stone bridges, and architecture on century old buildings that I just cant get enough of. I love to add these items into my calm neutral home. 🙂
Oh Min, you’re making me want to book a trip to Tasmania right this second! That all sounds fantastic and will fit right in with your lovely, cozy home! Enjoy all your new found treasures! 😀
I love the look of the textured rugs but am worried about the feel/softness. We love to walk barefoot in our home. What do you think?
We often walk barefoot in ours too. Our chunky loop rugs (in the living room and bedroom) are not as soft as a wool or shag type rug, however – I like the way they feel underfoot. They’re not scratchy, just kind of bumpy – kind of feels like a subtle foot massage as you walk across it. I do feel as if they have softened over time though. I have never once not enjoyed the feel of these rugs – and neither has my husband – but I can see where they may not be everyone’s thing. I do feel like the higher quality rug you purchase, the softer of a feel you will get. That said, our rugs were not expensive, and I absolutely adore them. It may be worth seeing if you can get a sample before purchasing if it’s something up for serious consideration. Hope that helps! 🙂
Thank you!
I totally agree about texture!! It makes a room look cozy and adds so much visual interest! And your house looks beautiful btw 🙂
Thank you Kristen! Texture is definitely where it’s at! 😀
Your home is lovely. It is a great mix of neutrals and textures. I really like your explanation of your desire for a cozy and not ‘perfect’ home.
Thanks Elizabeth! It can be very hard sometimes with all the beautiful images out there not to wish for more – but at the end of the day, this home is a retreat for us and the only place I want to be. That makes it perfect enough for me! 😉
I really love your home… maybe it’s because we love so many of the same things.
A long time ago I had a few copper items that I’ve recently pulled out and enjoyed in my kitchen…. and I’ve purchased a couple of large baskets in the past few weeks which look great on top of an armoire in our bedroom…Books are a constant, as well as some ironstone, some old silver, bread boards, antlers, pulleys… and leather. I guess I’d say I’m more texture than color. Although I’ve noticed lately my art board on Pinterest is full of color….maybe that’s why I like texture and a subdued pallet in everything else.
Thank you so much Cindy! Your collections sound right up my alley – I’m sure I would love them all. And there is something about baskets atop an armoire that always makes me stop for a second look. Someday I hope to find one of my own! 😀
What is the type of carpet you have on your steps?
It’s a textured carpet we had bound and made into a runner through Home Depot. It was from the Martha Stewart line and I think it’s been discontinued since then – it reminded me of a natural fiber rug but wanted something with a bit tighter weave for the stairs so that’s why we chose it. We’re very happy with how it’s holding up to all the traffic. 🙂