How to Design a Calm & Cozy Space: A Sensory Approach to Home Comfort

Home should be your sacred place. Home should feel like the place you want to be all the time. I love enjoying slow moments in my home. I’ve created an atmosphere in my home that exudes coziness, warmth, and feel-good vibes. Our senses help us to understand and process the world around us, so appealing to those senses in your home is important to get those cozy feels. It may seem simple, but there is a science to this. Here are ways I’ve learned to intrigue my senses to achieve coziness:

smell

Use candles, incense, and essential oil diffusers to create an aromatherapeutic atmosphere. I personally love masculine, woodsy, and fresh scents. Scents that are great for calming environments include lavender and eucalyptus. I also enjoy sandalwood, teakwood, amber, and mahogany.

sight

Use mood lighting, string lights, salt lamps, anything with soft, warm lighting. Warm lighting makes a room moody and inviting. According to environmental psychologist Sally Augustin, warm lighting can help set a cozy, social atmosphere and is also perfect for helping stir up those creative juices.

touch

Use soft, smooth textures for throws, and rugs. This is a given. Layers of soft textiles in your space is always a win for bringing in the coziness and warmth. In addition, it turns out that textures can also have an affect on mood and emotions according to a study published in The Journal of Consumer Research. Through a series of five experiments, researchers found that people in a negative affective mood found pleasure in the soft, smooth texture of a product as opposed to its visual aspects. So if you’re feeling down, snuggling up in that soft warm throw on the sofa just might help you feel a little better.

hearing

Whether it’s music or silence that makes you feel comfy or gives you a sense of calmness do whatever appeals to your ears. Depending on the flow, I like to opt for my NeoSoul playlists on Tidal when I’m just relaxing around the house or put on some records on my handy Crosley when I’m feeling nostalgic. Lately, I’ve been playing Lo-Fi playlists for when I’m in a productive, creative, and moody vibe. Whatever the mood, there is a sound to help create that perfect ambience.