Create a Cozy Feeling in Your Large Space

Oversized spaces present a special challenge: how do you make them cozy and comfortable? Especially for those large, open dining, living and kitchen areas, the trick is to “think small.”

Design experts urge not to fear those vast spaces. Instead, try creating individual areas by grouping furniture clusters around the room. For example, arrange home office pieces in one corner, a game table and chairs in another and a modular seating group with an entertainment armoire as the focal point in yet another.

Other ideas to add coziness and warmth to your oversized room include choosing bold fabric colors and patterns, using large-scale furniture pieces and “floating” furniture away from walls.

Home textiles – decorative pillows and throws – can make a dramatic difference. And, if you get the urge to change your room’s color scheme, you can do it in a matter of minutes. But, perhaps, the best news is this: home textiles won’t take a big bite out of your decorating dollar.

Decorative Pillows

Comforter Bed with Decorative Pillows

The patterns, colors and textures offered in today’s decorative pillows can complement virtually any decor, be it Traditional, Country or Contemporary. And, within each of those style groupings, details can set a specific mood. Piped or bordered with a flat flange, pillows take on a tailored and masculine look. Conversely, trimmed with ruffles and lace, they are distinctly feminine.

To effect some quick-change artistry in your own decor, consider these fashion-minded tips:

Though rich fabrics like damask and tapestry on larger furnishings may be overwhelming (and break the budget), they can be easily introduced on decorative pillows.

Instead of using stiff throw pillows that exactly match the sofa, consider a collection of decorative pillows – each with its own unique identity.

Vary pillow shapes – round, square, rectangular, even triangular. You’ll find that an assortment of shapes creates greater visual interest.

Consider reversible styles. By choosing pillows with one fabric on one side and a distinctly different one on the other, you can quickly change the look of your room. Use pillows and throws with cool colors, for instance, during the warm summer months; likewise, use warm hues to ward off the winter chills.

Throws

WORLD TREE Throw BLUE

Equally practical and aesthetically pleasing, throws have two basic functions: to yield extra warmth on the coldest night or to add panache to the look of a room. For years they were only found – neatly folded – at the foot of a bed. But, as of late, they’ve moved out of the bedroom and into the living and family rooms. Not only are they draped beautifully across a sofa or chair, but they’re also taking on an expanded decorative role. Here are just a few ideas:

Toss a light throw over the end of a grand piano. Then, top it with treasured family photos to create a personal gallery.

Top a skirted end table with a fringed throw. To protect it – and provide a steadier surface for collectibles – add a cut-to-fit piece of glass on top.

Keep a colorful stack of throws handy, folded neatly at the end of a bench in the family room. In addition to providing color on an everyday basis, the throws are ready to accommodate every member of the family on a cold night.

Because they’re easy on the budget, retain an entire wardrobe of throws. That way, you can change the room with the seasons – or simply with your mood.