Add Warmth To Your Home

With the rise of the modern style, minimalism has quickly become the layout of choice when undergoing renovations and new home and office construction. These designs are incredibly efficient, saving precious space on walls and halls. Minimalism allow for a natural flow of traffic and encourage socialization. However, in spite of their popularity and having the “cool factor,” minimalism can sometimes lack warmth. Warmth is what brings us in and helps us to feel comfortable in a home. Especially in times like today, where we are spending greater amounts of time at home, it is essential to feel warm and comfortable in your home.

Today, we want to share a few of the best ways that we have found to warm up your home.

Organic Aesthetic

The organic aesthetic is the foundation of a warm home as they offset the coolness of a contemporary, open-concept interior. Once we understand the organic aesthetic, we can then begin to look into the details of accessories, colors, textures, etc. Hand-scraped wood floors, stone underfoot and on walls, and small rustic details such as darker, warmed tone colors can make any space instantly feels like home. If you’re on a budget, some flooring manufacturers also offer quality luxury vinyl tile that deliver the appearance and performance of real wood or stone, but at a cheaper price.

Color

Color is one of the easiest ways to change the vibe in your home. It can also be one of the most impactful and enjoyable! The color palette that you use plays a vital role in how the eye perceives the the room. Cool-toned colors will create the illusion of more space, making the room look larger. Pale colors, such as blues, greens, off-whites, and some neutral colors are perfect if you are trying to achieve this goal. The only issue with these pale colors is that it can also leave the space feeling empty and lonely. If your goal is to create a cozy and inviting look in your home, we recommend opting for dark, warmer-toned colors that will bring those walls back in, thus creating a more welcoming environment.

Just remember that you do not have to go too dark with these colors. You can stick to some neutral colors to ensure tranquility and space while concurrently creating a welcoming atmosphere. Neutral colors do not mean devoid of color entirely. With neutral colors, you can welcome more darker toned cabinetry, textures, furniture, etc. to ensure a beautiful contrast in your home.

Fireplace

Now is time for my personal favorite addition to any home. Fireplaces are a natural focal point in any room that draw attention for the figurative and physical warmth that it provides. Mantles also are regularly associated with proudly displayed artwork, family photos, and other memorabilia that tell a story of those living in the house. Because of this, it is an aesthetic focal point as well as a communal focal point that brings people together.

One of the biggest hesitations with the incorporation of a fireplace is the cost that comes along with it. Redesigning a fireplace wall that goes to the ceiling can be an expensive task to any home renovation. However, many companies now offer products that mimic real stone and are much cheaper.

Light

While some of the ideas above can be pretty expensive, one of the quickest and most impactful ways to warm up your home is through lighting. Ambient and accent lighting work exceptional together to rid dark corners and poorly lit spaces. A layered lighting plan is essential and should include a combination of various light sources (such as under-cabinet lighting, ceiling fixtures, table and floor lamps, and of course, windows). Another vital aspect to look into when considering lighting is warm/cool lighting. You can purchase soft white light bulbs rather than the bright white versions to shift the color of the house to a darker, more yellow color. These work well in places such as living rooms and patios where a cozy ambience is key.

Layers

Layers and fabrics bring an added dimension to the overall design of a space. Layers have the power to instantly bring interest and warmth to an otherwise cool and slightly impersonal space. The colors and designs you choose speak to your sense of style and help to tell your story. The best part is that layering allows you to stay fluid, being able to easily update your home to match the changing trends and seasons.

You can warm up your space by doubling up on your cushions and throws, too. Consider adding layers throughout the main living areas of your home, creating a sense of comfort and warmth during the colder seasons. Then, when spring rolls around again, peel back a layer or two to lighten up the look and refresh your home’s style.

Next Steps

For most of us, home is the place we gladly return to at the end of an exhausting day. It’s where we go to dry off, warm up and shake off the outside world, either by ourselves, with our family, or our closest friends. It is our greatest escape. Although some strategic choices and pieces can take a look to the next degree, ultimately, the real warmth of a home comes from those who live in it.