Welcome to my humble, cozy corner. In every place I've called home, I've dedicated myself to crafting a safe and warm space, not just for me, but for all who visit. Enjoy my deep dive of how I've brought our cozy corner to life.
The Base
I get it—an aesthetic space is a big deal, and as many in Gen Z would say, beige is all the rage. But honestly, I love incorporating color into my space to keep it vibrant and multi-dimensional. Decorating exclusively with neutrals can sometimes feel a bit, well, bland and even a tiny bit depressing, at least in my eyes. Neutrals do provide a great base, though. I've found myself gravitating towards warmer neutrals like cream, beige, browns, and warm greys. They offer that cozy, inviting feel that makes a space feel truly lived-in. In the past, I've tried cooler neutrals, and, trust me, the vibe felt a bit too chilly and un inviting—almost like it had a sad undertone. It's amazing how a slight shift in color palette can completely transform the mood of your home.
Once you've established your base palette of neutrals, you can truly begin to infuse your personal style and character into the space. Neutrals provide a clean, adaptable foundation that allows other colors and textures to shine. For me, green has always been a favorite. This versatile color offers rich variety and can evoke feelings ranging from serenity to vibrancy.
When it came to selecting furniture, I deliberately leaned toward incorporating wood pieces to add warmth and a timeless appeal to my living space. To avoid a monotonous look, I opted for different wood tones instead of uniformity. While I avoid drastic contrast like light oak with cherry wood, I chose woods that were mid toned complemented rather than competed with each other. The wood introduced layers of depth and texture, making the room feel well-thought-out rather than haphazard.
In terms of metallic accents, I chose black as the primary metal accent, enriched with hints of gold. Black metal provides a sleek, modern touch, adding sophistication without overpowering the room's warmth. Gold, used sparingly, acts as a subtle highlight, exuding luxury without crossing into being overly flashy. The key is balance; just a touch of gold can add a delightful sparkle without overwhelming other elements.
For the main furniture fabric, I stuck with a serene cream. This neutral backdrop allowed the green accents to pop beautifully, creating focal points and visual harmony. A carefully selected rug in green and cream was instrumental in tying the room together, establishing a coherent color scheme that is both soothing and visually appealing.
To further enhance the room's warmth and complement the wood furniture, I introduced pops of orange. These touches, reminiscent of autumnal hues, play beautifully against the green and neutral tones, adding vibrancy and a sense of comfort. The orange accents, be it through artwork or small decor items, inject a lively energy that invigorates the space.
Overall, the deliberate use of different wood tones, judicious metal accents, and thoughtful color coordination culminates in a living room that feels cohesive, inviting, and uniquely mine. The interplay between green, cream, and touches of orange creates a timeless, warm vibe, making the space both visually compelling and incredibly comfortable.
The Layers
In my living area, textures were paramount in creating the ideal ambiance. I aimed for a balance between cozy comfort and sophisticated style.
Starting with the rug, I selected one that struck the perfect balance between minimalist design and tactile comfort. The pattern was subdued yet engaging, and the texture was neither too rough nor excessively shaggy—just soft enough to encourage bare feet and relaxation.
To elevate the coziness quotient, I chose cream sherpa chairs. Their soft, inviting fabric added an element of warmth and comfort that beckoned for long, leisurely sittings. These chairs became an instant focal point, merging functionality with a touch of luxury.
Curtains were another crucial component. Given that our apartment faces north, we benefit from an ideal amount of natural sunlight. Instead of opting for blackout curtains, which would obscure this wonderful light, I decided on semi-sheer linen drapes. These curtains introduced a gentle texture to the room while allowing sunlight to filter through, bathing the space in a soft, diffused glow. The linen material provided just the right amount of both color and texture, enhancing the overall aesthetic without overwhelming it.
All of my plants are real, and I adore how they soften the space, adding a relaxing, natural element. They also beautifully reinforce the green hues, creating a cohesive and serene environment.
One of my favorite pieces is my blanket ladder. I love, love, love it! It's a fantastic way to introduce varying textures into the décor. Plus, it's versatile—you can easily swap out blankets to match the changing seasons or holidays, adding an extra touch of festive charm.
The photos above my couch serve as a final, unifying touch for the room. They encapsulate all the colors within the space and celebrate the place I live and love. These photos add a personal dimension that brings the entire design together. You can watch a video here of how I captured these images! I'm not sponsored by Mixtiles, but I highly recommend them. They're super easy to use and perfectly renter-friendly, making it a breeze to personalize your wall art.
The Details
What truly defines a space are the personal touches and thoughtful details you incorporate, making it uniquely yours. Something that's important to me was to include things that are personable to Alex and to have his input in the design. I think a lot of couples have one or the other that really care and one just goes with the flow but I didn't want that and he has been awesome giving me ideas and helping throughout the design.
A bookshelf is the perfect element to add to a room, offering a space to display not only your favorite books—each one a reflection of personal tastes and experiences—but also cherished keepsakes.
On the top shelf, I've placed a treasured quote from Fred Rogers: "As human beings, our job in life is to help people realize how rare & valuable each one of us really is, that no one else has – or ever will have – something inside that is unique to time." This sentiment resonates with me deeply and sets a thoughtful tone for the entire room. Additionally, I proudly display Alex's marine dress cap. For those who don't know, Alex served in the Marines for a short period of time, and I am incredibly proud of his service. Next to his cap, we have a patch belonging to my brother-in-law, adding another layer of personal significance. Each time I gaze upon this shelf, I am filled with happiness and pride. To complete the top shelf, I've placed our favorite candle, Frasier Fir. Let me tell you, this is my absolute favorite candle of all time—the fragrance is enchanting, making the space feel cozy and inviting every time it's lit.
Next, there's a shelf dedicated to my personal collection of books. While I've read many more, these select volumes are my absolute favorites. The third shelf highlights our cherished film moments, which you can read more about in my previous blog post. The fourth and fifth shelves are home to an eclectic mix of personal growth and development books, alongside some lighthearted and fun reads. Each book holds a special place, contributing to the vibrant and positive atmosphere of the room.
On the blanket ladder, you'll find Alex's custom bow, handcrafted by his uncle. The intricate woodwork and detailing make it a perfect addition to the space. Draped over the ladder is a stunning grey knitted blanket, a birthday gift from Alex's Grandma Judy. Her impressive knitting skills truly shine in this beautiful piece.
We also have Apple HomePod Minis for our TV, which I highly recommend to anyone renting with an Apple TV. Pairing them creates an immersive surround sound experience, allowing you to airplay content from your phone, adjust the volume, or ask Siri anything. I'm not sponsored by anyone; I just love sharing products that make life easier.
Jeffy's House
I know why you're really here—where did I get Jeff's house?!
Jeff loves his kennel, but let's be honest, traditional kennels are not exactly aesthetically pleasing. While Jeff doesn't seem to mind, I certainly do! So, I went on Etsy and found this charming dog house. Although I ordered a medium when a small would’ve sufficed, Jeff now has plenty of space to enjoy. The house is perfect, and I'll share the link here. Just a heads-up, it shipped from Ukraine, so it took about two months to arrive.
The Hallway
Alright, we've reached the final stop on this blog. You're probably wondering, "Are we almost done yet?" Well, we actually just completed this last project the other day, and I am absolutely obsessed with it.
We were initially searching for a quote for another part of the apartment, but when we came across this one, it resonated with us so deeply. I discovered the perfect spot for it in our place. The quote says:
"Life is amazing
And then its aweful.
And in between the amazing
and awful it's ordinary and
mundane and routine.
Breathe in the amazing,
hold on through the awful,
and relax and exhale during
the ordinary. That's just living
heartbreaking, soul-healing, amazing,
awful, ordinary life. And it's
breathtakingly beautiful."
L.R. Knost
Thank you so much for taking the time to explore our cozy corner! While the majority of our finds are sourced from charming local boutiques and HomeGoods stores, I've also curated a selection of favorites on my Amazon storefront for your convenience.
To add a little extra joy to your day, here are a few additional photos of Jeff, our goodest boyyyyy, spreading good vibes and luck. Enjoy!
