You want it cozy...
Your room, your nest. You want to be enveloped by
it. Surrounded by its warmth and comforted by its inviting spaces.
Here are some things to consider when creating a more intimate
space.
Lighting
Create spaces through the use of directed light. The shadows that
will result will help visually eliminate those areas. Lighting from
the ceiling will seem to lower it. A reading lamp or down-shaded
lamp will cast light only in its relative vicinity. Use incandescent
rather than halogen or florescent lamps for a warmer glow.
Color
Choose strong colors for your walls and floor. They will tend to
bring them in closer towards one another. A dark floor with walls of
brown or deep red, blue or green tones will help create the feeling
of a smaller, cozier space.
Textures
Heavy, soft textures add warmth to a space. Faux fur or hand knitted
throws on a sofa, plush pile carpeting and draperies are all
textural elements to consider. Use rougher textures for the hard
elements in the room; iron instead of chrome, brick instead of
glazed tiles.
Patterns
The use of pattern in a room can also lend a sense of coziness to
the space. Oriental rugs and printed wallpapers, patterned
upholstery fabrics - used alone or in combinations; the more
patterns in a room, the smaller it will feel. The subject of mixing
patterns in a room will be covered at some future time. Suffice it
to say, care must be taken when combining patterns in a room. The
rule of thumb, especially in a smaller space is "Don't overdo it."
Furniture
Choose dark finishes and fabrics to create a sense of the piece
being larger than it actually is. Heavy textured fabrics and large
patterns will add a cozy feeling to a sofa or chair. Place pieces
away from the wall and use tall pieces to divide and define smaller
spaces within a room for greater intimacy.
