How to Make Cold Rooms Feel Cosy

Embracing the Warmth

Creating a cosy home is about more than just aesthetics; it is a fundamental part of supporting your daily wellbeing. At Design@Studio17, we believe your home should do more than just look good, it should envelope you in a warm hug every single day, regardless of the season or the temperature outside.

The Magic of Layered Lighting

If your room relies solely on a single ceiling light, you are missing a vital opportunity to enhance your mood. At Design@Studio17, we advocate for layered lighting to create depth and atmosphere.

• Floor Lamps: A well-positioned floor lamp provides an ambient glow that immediately makes a space feel welcoming.

• Table Lamps: Use a sprinkling of table lamps to create warm nooks, perfect for curling up with a good book and a blanket to keep you snug.

• Our Studio Secret: Set your lamps on timers. In the winter months, program them to turn on just before you wake. This gentle glow eases you into the day and draws you toward the kitchen for your morning brew, making the early hours feel intentional rather than chilly. Likewise, setting them to come on for the evening means that you arrive home to a glowing welcome.

 Images by Design@Studio17

The Intimacy of Candlelight

Even with perfect layered lighting, nothing beats the flickering flame of a candle. Candlelight adds an immediate sense of calm, intimacy, and sophisticated warmth. When entertaining, candlelight is a must-do. It softens the room’s edges and ensures your guests feel instantly relaxed and at home. To stay kind to the planet, look for sustainable wax alternatives like soy, or beeswax, which offer a cleaner burn than traditional paraffin. Our favourites come from Känsla who craft luxurious, refillable, and sustainable home fragrances that are natural, vegan, and cruelty-free. They believe in quality products that can be refilled, reused, or recycled, ensuring beauty never comes at the cost of sustainability.

 Images by Design@Studio17

Tactile Textiles & Natural Fibres

Texture adds dimension to a room that you can see and feel. To banish the cold feeling of a space, think in layers:

• Underfoot: Add a heavy wool rug to a wooden or tiled floor. Your feet (and your eyes) will thank you.

• On the Sofa: Throws and cushions act as a visual invitation to sit and rest.

• The Power of Natural Fibres: We always recommend natural materials like wool, cotton velvet, and linen. These are not only luxurious to the touch but are breathable. They work with your body temperature to ensure you stay toasty without overheating.

 Images by Design@Studio17

Scent - The Invisible Comfort

Scent is a powerful, often overlooked tool for creating a sanctuary. To make a room feel physically warmer, look for weighty or spicy scent profiles:

• For Comfort: Nutmeg, black pepper, or cinnamon.

• For Serenity: Oak, vanilla, or sandalwood.

• A Natural Alternative: When you don’t want an open flame, Palo Santo sticks are incredible for clearing the energy of a room and evoking a sense of deep stillness. We love this wood burner from St Palo, which has been specifically designed to heat wood just enough for it to release its aromatic oils, to fill your space with the delightful aroma of Palo Santo for up to two weeks. Palo Santo is a naturally scented wood that has been used for its medicinal properties for centuries, and the scent is frequently described as warm, sweet and woody, with possible subtle notes of ginger, vanilla, citrus, and mint. Sorcha has hers lit most days while working in the office, particularly when deep in the detail of big projects, as it's known for its ability to bring a little calm to stressful days.

• Everyday Luxuries: We’re big believers in elevating the everyday, and an easy way to do this (and feel like you get a daily spa visit) is by choosing products for your bathroom that not only smell good, they feel good on your skin, and also look beautiful in your space. Bower Collective have a range of eco-friendly and sustainable self-care products for your hands, body and hair. From shower gel gently scented with essential oils to nourishing shampoo and conditioner in refill packaging, their range is vegan, toxin-free and kind to the planet, naturally.

Images by Design@Studio17: St Palo Woodburner | Luxury Shower with Bower Collective products

Cosiness is a feeling that lingers long after you’ve left the room. By choosing natural fibres and thoughtful lighting, you aren't just decorating for right now; you’re creating a timeless backdrop for all your cosiest, happiest moments. Take it slow, choose pieces you love, and let your home evolve into the warm retreat you deserve.

If you’re looking for more sustainable styling tips, feel free to explore our other blog posts and be sure to join our newsletter subscriber list for more studio updates.