Design pros create warm and inviting rooms where people can gather and keep winter’s chill at bay
Cummings Architecture + Interiors
Think Construction2. This kitchen was the result of the painstaking renovation and restoration of a historic Brooklyn brownstone. Think Construction repaired and refinished the existing woodwork and exposed the existing ceiling beams and brick walls. Other cozy elements include an antique brass island, a brick herringbone floor, a traditional kitchen table and layers of light.
Nathan Taylor for Obelisk HomeCozy in a Dining Space
3. The great thing about cozy dining spaces is that they invite people to do more than dine. They might also linger and laugh long after dinner is over, play games or do some work. Nathan Taylor for Obelisk Home tucked this dining area into a bay and used a mix of textures. Grasscloth wallcovering, woven wood blinds and upholstered armchairs make the space welcoming.
Tip: One trick for instant cozy appeal illustrated by this design is the use of plaid upholstery on the dining chairs. If a space needs one more touch to achieve coziness, plaid never fails.
Sanabria & Co LLC
Impact Remodeling and ConstructionCozy in the Living Room
5. In this transitional Washington, D.C., living room, a sectional sofa beckons people to sink in to its plush upholstery. A mix of woven blinds and drapes adds layers of texture around the windows.
Tip: Use an area rug to delineate a special gathering space.
Ann Lowengart InteriorsCozy in the Library
6. This San Francisco library is the perfect place for a fireside chat. The room promotes sharing — two cushy leather lounge chairs share an ottoman, two people can lounge in the velvet tête-à-tête, and the library table at the right end of the room has two chairs and a window seat.
Tip: Don’t write off dark and moody colors when going for cozy. The dark wall color in here allows the brass library lamps, the sconces with patterned fabric shades and the fireplace to give the room a cozy glow.
Cregg Sweeney LLCCozy in the Family Room
7. A vaulted ceiling is tricky — sometimes all that space overhead can feel too vast. But in this home in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, the beams, rafters, large stone fireplace and lots of natural light give the room cozy bones. Upholstered furniture, wood tables and colorful artwork make it a bright and happy space to gather.
Jim Morrison Construction INC
Catalano Architects9. In this Wellesley, Massachusetts, family room by Catalano Architects, warm colors, wood beams, a paneled ceiling and cushy furniture welcome a group to get comfortable.
Tip: When going for a cozy vibe, furniture can never be too overstuffed.
Sara Hillery Interior Design llc10. Two comfortable sofas face each other in front of a large fireplace in this Richmond, Virginia, family room by Sara Hillery Interior Design. They invite conversation or quiet group reading time.
Tip: Make sure to choose a few throw pillows for the sofa that will be comfortable to lay your head upon during nap time.
Nukitchens11. There’s a lot that welcomes gathering in this Greenwich, Connecticut, family room, designed by Nukitchens. But it’s the wall of family photos that inspired this choice. The conversations and memories they can spark are invaluable.
Tip: Play around with a gallery wall composition by laying it out on the floor.
BLANKwalls DesignCozy in a Playroom
12. This San Francisco playroom by BLANKwalls Design has cozy spots for people of all ages to gather. Adults can sit comfortably on the sofa to keep the kids company. The color scheme mixes burgundy and gold with brighter colors that look like they came straight from a Crayola crayon box.
David Heide Design Studio
Leandra Fremont-Smith Interiors
Bearded BuildersCozy in the Basement
16. The low ceilings of a basement are often seen as a negative. But they are a design asset when seeking a cozy feeling. Stone, reclaimed wood and a fireplace make this Omaha, Nebraska, basement by Bearded Builders a snug spot for family movie nights. It’s easy to see why the artwork says “Let’s Stay Home.”
Mark D. Williams Custom Homes, Inc.
Cozy in the Kitchen
1. Farmhouse-inspired style invites family members to gather in this Boston-area kitchen by Cummings Architecture + Interiors. Substantial beams, a vintage-style light fixture, a copper pot collection and soapstone countertops give the space a homey, charmingly time-worn feeling.