Blog

In the midst of the uncertainty that is happening in the United States and around the world, it is comforting to have a space that you can call all your own – one that reflects who you are, that provides peace, ensures your safety, offers restoration and inspires joy. Such a place is your home. 

We’ve all been spending so much time in our homes that we’re really starting to look around to find ways to improve upon our surroundings. One of my favorite places to pay special attention to is what I like to refer to as the “cozy corner”. 

Don’t you just LOVE to curl up with a good book in a comfortable, plush chair on a lazy Sunday afternoon?! OR what about on a rainy day? I’m flooded with memories of my grandfather sitting quietly in the “front room” watching the rain fall. That example of centering and grounding sure does come in handy lately.

There are a few elements and principles that I use to create these “sacred spaces” that allow you to both turn inward and escape to another world entirely. I like to “design to the senses” and really play up the various sensory inputs that affect us and shape how we interact with the world around us. First, understanding which sense you are most influenced by will give you some direction for where to start as you create a cozy corner. Is your strongest sense the sense of touch, smell, hearing or sight? A combination of two or three?

If it’s touch, then selecting a plush afghan to envelop yourself in is a perfect way to cocoon. A textural sheepskin pillow also provides natural cues of luxury and comfort. How about smell? Infuse your space with lavender essential oil with a diffuser. Of course with your sense of hearing, simply the pitter patter of raindrops can create a melodic groove or do you prefer jazz saxophonists softly streaming in the background?

Now, when it comes to sight, THAT’S what we’re accustomed to talking about when we address the interior design of a space and I’m going to go into that next, but I want you to think about utilizing these other elements in your space to create an entire experience for yourself. Promise?

OK! So COLOR!! Also one of my favorite topics! We generally understand that color can affect our mood and set the tone for a space, but did you know that color can have a physiological effect on you? When you think about the energy you want to create in your cozy corner, be sure to match that with the energy of the colors you use as you decorate it. Blues and greens have longer wavelengths and will give you a soothing, serene feeling. Want some vibrancy and energy in your corner? In this Chic Ladies Study, I used magenta to bring in those shorter more energetic wavelengths. You can do the same, again it all depends on the mood you’re looking to create. 

Finally, let’s not overlook the practical side of things. Be sure you have enough lighting if you’ll be reading and that your chair is supportive for extended periods. I LOVE stressless chairs because they are customizable by size (small, medium, large) and are available in a myriad of fun leather colors and fabrics.

ENJOY creating your cozy corner as you look to ways you can make your home your personal sanctuary!  

Interior designer: Nikki N. Klugh, Owner and Principal Designer of NIKKI KLUGH DESIGN GROUP, INC

Photographer: Brent Haywood