Emphasizing comfort rather than appearance gives our homes a more beautiful and warm aesthetic.
While we're all about grooming, there's nothing like sitting back and relaxing in your favorite chair after a long day. The past few years have taught us that our homes should feel lived in, not just looked at. These days, having a formal living room that no one ever sets foot in seems old-fashioned and a bit out of step with our lifestyles these days. As the time we spend indoors increases, we increasingly want a space that suits us.
Modern spaces should be functional and, ideally, should also be designed for physical and emotional comfort. And the latest furniture trends reflect this. there's been a move away from austere and expensive looks in favor of soft furnishings and more casual, light designs. One of the most desirable styles today is the cozy home. This trend is characterized by warm colors, luxurious textures and a return to ultra-comfortable furniture that makes your home the perfect cozy place to refresh.
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Because comfortable decor is fashionable
Sometimes it seems like trends come out of nowhere, but interior decorator and comfort consultant Amber Brandt believes the reasons for these trends are obvious. "During the lockdown, our homes were also meant to be playgrounds, offices, classrooms and churches," he said. “Especially in the early days when there were so many unknowns, we were all looking for comfort and stability, and we needed our space to adapt and expand to meet all of those needs. I think subconsciously we think. "If I stay here, at least I'll be okay," and that seems like the new normal.
Even as the lockdown ends, more people are working and spending more time at home. This change in lifestyle also forces us to change our perspective.
"We've allowed ourselves to stop looking for unrealistic goals, buy only what we really want, and choose what makes us happy...and for many, that means more comfort," says Brandt.
This comfort comes not only from the use of furniture made for relaxation; it's also about creating a truly peaceful space full of soothing colors that create a friendly, relaxed feel that makes you and your guests want to pull up a chair and stay a while.
Tips for creating a more comfortable home
When designing a welcoming aesthetic, you want to create a space that feels like the outside world melts away the moment you walk through the door. To start these immediate changes, Brandt recommends engaging all of your senses to improve the feel of your home. Consider things like potpourri or candles with a nice scent like cinnamon or vanilla, or water features with soothing sounds. Add warm, soothing colors and accessories with rich velvet textures.
Proper lighting is also important to create a comfortable atmosphere. You can find lamps with a warm light label to help set the tone for your room, and adding a dimmer switch to a ceiling light can soften its intensity and create a cozier atmosphere. Also try adding more layers of lighting; Smaller floor lamps and table lamps allow for small sketches in their margins, which help focus on design details and create intimate corners.
In terms of furniture, it's not a throwback to past styles, so consider it overstuffed rather than stuffy. The modern version of this trend is more personal and much more elegant. "Stylistically, there is a strong Scandinavian influence in today's trends, which naturally gravitates towards warmth, comfort and a variety of cozy textures," says Brandt.
Since new furniture is a big purchase, it's important to focus on comfort and construction to buy something that will last. Comfort is subjective, so it's best to shop for furniture in person if possible. When shopping online, read reviews carefully and buy products with good return policies so you can try out the new couch and return it if it doesn't provide the comfort you expect.
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