Do you want your home to be a cozy, welcoming retreat without stress, or expense? What if I shared with you simple, free, ways to create a homey, inviting home for fall? Creating a cozy home is a tactile experience. It appeals to sight, sound, scent, touch, and emotion. There are easy, realistic ways to enliven your home for Autumn and today I want to share this with you.
Cozy Fall Video
Touch
We often clothe ourselves in soft cozy layers as the fall weather come upon us. In the same way, this is a time to use layers of warm textiles in our homes to create a cozy feeling.
In the fall and winter months extra pillows and blankets are welcome. Here is a rose and chocolate quilt that I've almost completed for our home.
You might also consider using a warm color palette as it is naturally more cozy.
On the wingback chair I've added a soft plaid throw that I recently thrifted for about $3 or $4 dollars. There is nothing quite like a plaid for the Autumn and Winter seasons ~ and it looks especially appealing with mixed with the floral pillow.
This chair is so much more inviting with a throw and pillow. Wouldn't you like to take a seat?
Scent and Sound
There are certain scents that are quintessentially Autumnal. From the crisp smell of leaves outside to a tempting pumpkin pie indoors, smells can create a sense of hominess and belonging.
Of course scented candles would fill our home with the smells of fall but this year I wanted to try something new. This spiced Autumnal stove top simmer added wonderful fall ambiance to our home. Here is the recipe below.
- One whole orange sliced
- Two whole apples sliced
- 1 inch piece of ginger ~ best sliced
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary
Combine all ingredients, cover with water and simmer on the stove all afternoon. Add more water as necessary to keep the ingredients from burning.
Throughout the afternoon different notes from this spicy stove-top simmer filled the kitchen and dining room. It brought to mind hot spiced wassail from my childhood, cinnamon apple pie, and fresh rosemary bread. So festive!
The homey sounds of a cozy home include mellow background music. The crackle from this vintage radio's speaker creates a warm feeling in our living room. I usually tune to the local public radio for classical tunes during the day. And nothing beats the crackle and heat from a fire burning away in the fireplace.
Sight
The familiar sight of seasonal decor brings a sense of belonging and peace. You can also create the most delightful homey feelings by setting a room in order. Consider how you prepare your home when guests are expected. You clean, organize, and set out items like a tea table, stacks of books, fresh flowers. By "setting" a room for you and your family your home will become the place where you, your family, and your friends want to be.
Let me encourage you to give this a try. Think ahead of where you will be this evening, or tomorrow morning. Then "preset" the room by setting out board games, fluffing sofa pillows, and turning on the lamps. Or, for breakfast, set a pretty table the night before. There is something magical about walking into a room where your needs and desires have been anticipated.
Emotion
Here is where you can set the tone for a wonderfully welcoming visit before it ever begins. The way a person is greeted at the door welcomed has a dramatic effect on how comfortable they feel in your home. If possible, meet them at the door, this indicates that you were anticipating their visit. Actually use the words "welcome" and "come on in!"
Next, be sure to meet their immediate needs. They may be wondering "where do I out my shoes, purse, or coat?" Don't leave them wondering as this will create awkwardness.
And finally, offer them a glass of water, or even better a cup of coffee or tea. This is a perfect opportunity to treat a guest (or family member). For this very reason we keep a few different kinds of dairy and sweeteners on hand for this experience.
However you cultivate the art of a cozy home be sure to send the message that your people are wanted, welcomed, and enjoyed.
Warmly,
Rachel
