If you’ve dreamt of creating a cozy home, but are now a little stuck on how to get there, you’re in the right place. I’ve been married for almost 7 years and have found great joy and purpose in creating a cozy and welcoming home for my husband, myself and our 3 kids (and all of our guests too!). We have lived in tiny apartments, a townhome, and now a single-family home. We were able to create a space we loved in each home. Today, I’m sharing my top 10 tips for achieving a cozy home, complete with examples from my own space. Let’s dive in!

1. Choose a Cohesive Color Palette

Start with a thoughtful color palette that resonates throughout your home. I recently discovered the Coolors app, which helps create beautiful color combinations. When we moved in, I dealt with a lot of orange tones from our terracotta floors and hand-me-down furniture. To balance this, I incorporated deep browns, pinks, and blues, creating a cohesive look.

2. Add Greenery to Every Room

Bringing in plants, whether real or faux, instantly adds life to your space. If you’re not great with live plants (like me!), consider dried florals or faux options. Greenery adds a natural touch, making any room feel more inviting. I keep my plants up high to avoid toddler mishaps and use them strategically to cover unsightly outlets. You can find a high-quality option for faux eucalyptus here!

3. Thrift Your Furniture

Thrifting is an excellent way to find unique pieces that give your home character (and save money!) I’ve furnished much of my home through thrift stores and Facebook Marketplace. Not only does this save money, but it also means your decor won't look dated in a few years. Don't overlook church yard sales or even hand-me-down furniture that could use a fresh coat of paint. Furniture flips can be a fun, low-risk DIY project to work on by yourself or together as a couple.

4. Contain Clutter

A tidy space is essential for coziness and peace of mind. If your space doesn’t have a lot of closet space, find a big ol’ cabinet on Facebook marketplace that can contain the stuff that needs to have a home. Use decorative trays on surfaces to make belongings look intentional. I have a giant TV cabinet (found on Facebook marketplace) in my laundry room that houses everything from thrift donations to Amazon returns and all our chargers. Keeping surfaces clear helps create an atmosphere you want to spend time together in.

5. Layer Your Lighting

Lighting plays a huge role in creating a cozy space. Most homes and apartments only have overhead lighting. Try adding one to two other lights like table lamps, floor lamps, or plug in sconces. I often find great lamps while thrifting! I enjoy turning off all overhead lighting after sunset to wind us all down for sleep (plus it's much more romantic!)

6. Establish a Common Motif

Repeating design elements throughout your home creates a sense of unity. For example, on my patio, I’ve chosen iron furniture and incorporated diamond patterns in rugs and chairs. These consistent themes tie together eclectic pieces, making your home feel more cohesive. See what you are drawn to as you start to collect furniture together. My husband and I like old wood furniture with lots of patina and straight lines (legs that go straight down). You might be drawn to a more mid century modern look or maybe a more traditional look. Try to make choices that are consistent throughout your home.

7. Display Artwork Everywhere

Art isn’t just for the living room—place it in bathrooms, hallways, and even little nooks. I love creating gallery walls in unexpected spots. I have a small gallery wall of thrifted paintings of churches next to a chair in my living room. You can also frame postcards from art museums. Use free prints from open-access websites (like https://artvee.com/) and print these out at a local print shop. There are an abundance of frames at thrift stores too!

8. Use Natural Materials

Incorporate materials like wood, cotton, wool, leather, and stone in your decor. Aim for at least three different natural materials in each line of sight. This textural variety adds depth and comfort to your home. While I still have some synthetic items, I prefer natural fibers for a cozier and more durable feel.

9. Hang Curtains

Curtains can dramatically change the feel of a room. I recently installed dark green curtains in my boys' room, which added warmth and depth. Try to have the curtains reach all the way to the ceiling and down to the floor to make windows and ceiling appear taller. If renting, make sure you are allowed to drill into the walls, but watch a few youtube videos to learn how easy hanging a rod really is. And if renting, you can take the curtains and rods with you when you move!

10. Don’t Forget the Rug

Lastly, a good rug can transform your space. Even if you have carpet, a rug adds comfort and style. Aim for a size that allows at least the front legs of your furniture to rest on it. A colorful rug can give ideas of what colors to add to the rest of a room or a simple one can create a peaceful retreat. Look for affordable rugs at homegoods or catch sales on Amazon (my favorite rug brand on there is Loloi)

I hope these tips inspire you to create your own cozy haven at home! Remember, creating a cozy home takes time and should be a reflection of you. Happy homemaking!

Emily Garbe is a mom of three boys, homemaker, DIYer, and Youtuber with over 17,000 subscribers. You can find her channel here.

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