Contents
To make a house a home may sound like a cliché when written in cursive and hung in the most random place, but these words hold true. Is your place really your place if it’s just a block of bare walls and factory cabinets? Not really. Of course, you could live there, but does it live up to the proverbial “there’s no place like home?” Hardly so.
Then, there’s the other extreme of Pinterest and Instagram-worthy homes where every single corner is professionally decorated and staged as if no one lives there. Yes, tell us more about how comfy living in a showroom is.
And finally, there’s a recent trend that goes something along the lines of “let’s normalise normal homes.” Pretty little houses, not mansions. Places that radiate cosiness and hygge vibes, making you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. So how do you go about creating a homely retreat such as this one?
The Heat
Enjoying a hot cup of tea over an immersive read all cuddled up by a fireplace—it doesn’t get cosier than this. Why are fireplaces so relaxing? Because they provide a multisensory experience that satiates your mind, body, and soul.
The comfortable heat, soothing crackling sounds and mesmerising flickering lights create an intimate, romantic space, perfect for a night in. If this sounds like your ideal evening, embrace the idea with an open hearth and get one for your place.
But since we’re talking about an actual fire burning in your home, quality and safety should be your top priority. Many people choose Regency heaters as one of the leading, time-trusted brands in the industry, specialising in wood, gas and electric solutions.
With a vast choice of designs and styles available to suit modern and traditional living spaces, you can rest assured that there’s a Regency fireplace out there that’ll suit all your needs and requirements.
Wood, Gas or Electric?
When exploring Regency heaters online or in-store, you’ll see that there’re wood, gas and electricity-powered units, making you wonder which option will serve you the best. Is it better to burn wood or gas?
Money-wise, wood is rated the most cost-effective option. It’s also the most traditional choice associated with that cosy look and feel but also that nostalgic smell that brings back memories of much simpler times. Be that as it may, wood fireplaces and chimneys require more cleaning and higher maintenance than gas and electric units.
Probably one of the greatest advantages of gas fire heaters is the ease of installation and maintenance. Since there’s no mess from gathering and burning logs, cleaning chores are cut down to a bare minimum, but that’s not to say about the cost. You’ll need to spend more on fuel than firewood to generate the same amount of heat. Plus, there’s no occasional pop, spark or aromatic smell.
Electric heaters excel in terms of safety and functionality. They’re the most affordable option on the list and require very little maintenance. Compact so you can fit them anywhere, they can be an excellent heating source for your living room, bedroom or dining room. However, just like gas heaters, electric units can only come close to the real deal but never provide the same experience as traditional fireplaces.
Built-In or Freestanding?
In the extensive range of Regency fireplaces for sale, you can also choose between built-in and freestanding units. Built-in solutions give a sophisticated feel throughout the room, transforming an ordinary wall into a design feature. Freestanding units allow for more flexibility in terms of installation. Plus, they can be easily moved to another room if you change your mind in the future.
It doesn’t matter which heater you choose, the gentle warmth and dancing flames on the hearth will work their magic of creating a lovely ambience for you and your loved ones to enjoy.
The Fluff
Remember those pillow forts you built as a kid? There wasn’t a place safer and comfier in the world! So, now… with adult money in your pocket, why not turn your whole place into a giant fort of fluff? Blankets, throws, rugs, cushions and pillows, all in fuzzy and shaggy textures to soften the blow of everyday stresses.
That occasional chair in the corner can become a snuggly reading nook with a luxuriously soft knee rug and neck pillow. That good old sofa can become a snug cocoon of peaceful slumber with a plush, weighted blanket. And the floors, the floors can become the best seats in the house for entertaining with a few cushions here and there, and a rich, shag-pile area rug.
As for the colours and patterns, it solely depends on what your idea of cosy is. Yellow, orange and red hues bring warmth and energy to the space, whereas cool colours like green and blue evoke feelings of relaxation and calm.
The Light
Just a single swap of a lightbulb can transform how a space looks and feels, even if everything else stays the same. Cool white is the closest to natural daylight, making it a great option for the office, kitchen or bathroom—rooms where you need an adequate amount of lighting to get things done. But for those areas reserved for hanging out and relaxing, cool white illumination can create somewhat of a sterile environment.
Here’s where warm white bulbs come into play and set the right mood. Not talking about having just one ceiling light overhead, but rather a few strategically placed light sources around the room that highlight key design features without oversaturating the atmosphere. It’s also worth installing a dimmer which allows you to adjust the brightness intensity to suit the occasion.
Closing Thoughts
Creating a cosy and homely living room doesn’t have to be a hassle or cost a fortune. Follow these three steps and see for yourself. And if you want to expand your project, there’re plenty of other smart decorating tips out there to help you enhance your interior. With that being said, I’ll leave you to it.
