Start planning your Thanksgiving meal, taking stock of your holiday decorations, and making your naughty and nice lists: it’s officially the holiday season. Despite this time of year’s reputation as being extremely busy, it’s also, in our opinion, the coziest.
Whether creating a post-work/post-school family space that feels like a deep breath after a long day or making sure guests feel welcome at your annual holiday party, we want to help you embrace this season of gathering. We’re sharing 5 ideas from past projects that will hopefully inspire you to put a premium on coziness, whether that means getting together with friends, intentionally setting aside time with family members, or reveling in restorative solo time. Spreading love and light to everyone in your life: that’s the real spirit of the season!
1. A library or reading nook
The antidote to the shorter, colder days that make the outdoors less inviting? Books! We love this library, complete with a reading nook and custom built-ins, for picking an old favorite from the shelves, settling in with a new book, or hosting an intimate book club. Add blankets and throw pillows, and you and your guests may decide to simply hibernate here through the worst of winter.
2. The quintessential fireplace
While it may tap into a primal urge, there are few sights as comforting as a warm and inviting fire. One exception: a fireplace that has plenty of cozy seating to entice others to gather and beat the chill of winter. Guests will naturally be drawn to snag a spot, making it an ideal place for card or board games, post-dinner digestifs, or (if you’ve got the right crowd) a sing along. Even without a party, there’s no better place to relax at the end of the day or on a lazy weekend morning.
3. A welcoming and well-designed dining room
The more the merrier! A well-designed dining room is inherently welcoming and shows that you value time spent eating and gathering together. Making sure everyone feels like they have a literal place at the table sets the scene for connection and conversation, and these dining rooms are often where the most important memories of the year take place.
4. A bar niche
A well-stocked bar niche makes guests feel welcome, wanted, and (most importantly) cared for. When you offer a variety of tippling options (including some for teetotalers), you are showing how much you want your guests to be there celebrating the season with you. The beer fridge makes for easy-grab-and-go, alleviating a little of the hosting load while also achieving a sense of casual comfort.
5. Warmer tones
We won’t lie–sometimes the winter doldrums creep up on us (especially during the post-holiday letdown). We help lighten darker days by using warmer, buttery tones in soft furnishings and decor. This room is a ray of sunshine and makes the most of natural light during available hours, while using floral table lights to create warmth when the sun goes down. Cushioned furniture, natural flooring, and pliable pillows all contribute to an inviting space no matter what season you are in.
Want some expert advice to create the coziest version of your home? Contact SHID for a consultation.
