I’ve done a bit of entertaining the past couple of weeks, and it’s been so lovely to share my little casita with friends and family. After nearly a year in this space, it’s come together nicely, and I can certainly say that there are a few elements that help create a cozy space.
Candles
As you can easily imagine that being such a fragrance lover that home fragrance is no exception. Growing up, Madre was always stocking up on Yankee Candles scents. I have two go-to candles that I light for guests or to chill. If I’m feeling the Anthropologie vibe, I will light the colossal Capri Blue candle. Madre’s go-to candle is the luxury NEST Holiday scent that I’d get her every year for Christmas when I worked at Neiman Marcus. I have my own, and it lives on the bar just off of the dining room, so it fills the whole downstairs. I discovered Mrs. Meyer’s candles from one of my Grove boxes (learn more) and keep in the kitchen. I keep the Tom Ford candle that Trish gave me in the kitchen and I text her often to tell her how much I love it. I have also received a wall plugin wax warmer that I can quickly turn on and envelope a room with a pleasant scent.
Plants + Flowers
I can’t help it. When I walk into Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods, I will leave with flowers. Either at my bedside or in the living room, a touch of color and floral makes me happy. Since I’ve been living here though, Madre has turned me into a bit of a plant mom. She says that a home with houseplants shows that someone that cares lives there. So I did my research on the easiest houseplants to take care of, and I started with a burgundy rubber tree in the dining room and a snake plant in the guest room. On the patio off of the kitchen, I have my flower wall (and now) inspired by the Grandview Market and herb garden. At my front door entrance, I have a pair of big container gardens, milkweed plants for monarch butterflies, and my cute little golden girl planter (featured above). On my bedroom terrace, I have a whole four different types of plants – a money tree, silver evergreen, and a couple of others that Madre gifted me. And here I am living a happy, crazy plant lady life!
Throw Pillows
Throw pillows are a sort of investment piece. You don’t want to willy nilly buy something at HomeGoods. You want to make sure that it’s fluffy, yet sturdy, and adds some pop or color and accentuates your aesthetic. I love HomeGoods and frequent it often. So I know all too well that if you’re looking for a pair of the same item, you – happy hunting. I saved myself that hassle by investing in fun pillow covers from West Elm. Madre got great inserts from Big Lots for me, and I dressed them up. Don’t shy away from color, different textures, or sizes. There are endless possibilities on where you can include throw pillows. I have pillows on the couch, on the beds, in the living room chairs, and on my balcony Spinasan™.
Blankets
How cute is Lucy snuggled up in bed? She always rolls around to get the right spot and then settles in nicely. It’s not often that she gets to hop on the bed or couch. Anyhow, blankies! These are a no-brainer in the cozy department. I love to curl up underneath one on the couch or in bed. Sometimes I want to take a nap and don’t need the weight of the duvet and need a blanket. Similar to a throw pillow, don’t shy away from color, sizes, and textures. Keeping in mind that I’m in Florida and it’s almost always hot, I have lighter weight blankets. The Barefoot Dreams blankets are my favorite. They are often the first to sellout on the NSale, but I’ve found them at Nordstrom Rack.
Lamps
Aside from a bedside lamp, I had no intentions of buying any additional lighting. When I was moving in, my brother all kept suggesting putting a lamp here and there and I couldn’t wrap my head around it. It took one week in the house to realize the need for additional lighting. The bedrooms had no overhead lighting, so it was really a necessity. I’m obsessed with my dining room lamp because it’s on a timer and on the second I walk in after work. Let there be light!
Frames
Take a picture, or it didn’t happen! That’s the story nowadays. You probably have a million photos on your phone, isn’t it worth the $5 to print them and frame those memories. I think pictures are conversation starters, add character, and honor cherished memories. How a song can evoke a certain feeling, seeing a framed photo can do the same for me. Finding frames that complement the picture as well as your decor is the fun part! I really enjoy Target’s selection and plain acrylic blocks from Michael’s to let the image stand out.
What are your tips for a cozy home? Tell us in the comments below!
