Interior design: Kitting out a home for comfort

Interior design is all about fusing comfort with aesthetics. Unfortunately, the abundance of one sometimes stifles the other. A home too focused on its “look” can end up feeling sterile and non-homely. Conversely, put too much stock in comfort and you might end up with clashing colours and materials.

However, making a home a home is still a priority for any living space and comfort is a key part of it. It’s what makes you smile when you’re sipping a cuppa with your feet up and it’s the feeling of relaxation you get when you get in after a long day at work. Here are some top tips for making things as comfy as possible in your home.

Play with tones

The visual look of your home is the first step in creating a comfortable atmosphere. Colours are a quick way to achieve a lasting effect. A wall painted red will generate different emotions to one painted a cool blue. Personal preference will dictate your colour palette but generally opt for warmer tones within your scheme.

Bring nature indoors

Not only do plants help regulate the air in your home by increasing oxygen and removing toxins, they’re also great for adding colour. Leafy green houseplants that are easy to care for are the ideal candidates, so look for species like the Peace Lily, Spider Plant, Dracena and Philodrendon.

As well as plants, you can bring in an aquarium or terrarium into your rooms to help relax. A fish tank can be a calming influence in a room, while a terrarium is a piece of DIY nature-craft that reflects light and helps oxygenate the room.

Cover “cold” surfaces

In any room designed for comfort, it’s a good idea to eliminate colder surfaces like laminate floor and stone. Throw covers over leather seats, rugs over flooring and pillows in any spot designated a comfort area. It can also be worth buying a comfortable chair to tuck away into a reading/relaxing corner.

Lighting

Natural light is a must when it comes to most interior design, and in a room prizing comfort it’s just as important. As well as installing larger windows and skylights, you can increase the light in a room by adding in mirrors – which help bounce light around.

Aside from natural light, artificial lighting can help set a relaxed mood. Lamps in the corner of rooms for a snug night of reading are a good idea, as are main lights on dimmer switches so you can set the exact amount of light required. Even simple additions such as fairy lights adorning a fireplace or cabinet can create a cosy glow when using the room in the evening.

Invest in furniture that promotes comfort

Furniture can go a long way to making a room comfortable. A cold, wooden chair will not be as easy to relax in as an ergonomic, plush egg chair. In any room where comfort is your priority, buy seating that has cushions. You can go even further and purchase chaise lounges to create a number of chilled out looks, from bohemian style rooms to more modern hang-out lounges.

Don’t crowd things

Returning to our earlier point, a home designed for comfort can sometimes get a bit cluttered if you’re adding in throws and furniture. You need to ensure that the rooms are still relatively decluttered, as poor organisation can make a room feel suffocated with conflicting colours and décor. Organisation is key, so invest in some storage solutions and keep things tidy.

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