I’ve always had this thing for changing up spaces in my home.
This “thing” started around the age of nine when I got a room to myself after sharing with my two brothers for a few years. It wasn’t a big room but it was mine.
I had a desk, a bed and a cupboard. Not much to play with but play I did, infuriating my parents with my need to change things up. OFTEN.
Fast forward many years and many homes later, I’m still playing and changing things in my living spaces. Now it’s my husband who eye rolls every time I’m scheming a change, especially if it involves cushions and/or a trip to IKEA.
A couple of weeks ago, when the nights finally started to cool down, that urge for change came over again. Our living space was not channelling any cosy vibes. And cosy is what you need in a Queenslander house in winter. So, I got online, adding to cart, and started to think of ways how to change and cosy up a living space for winter.
This space has always been my favourite room in the house. It’s where we gather as a family to eat. It’s where I binge watch TV with the husband on a Saturday night. It’s where I like to lie and read a book in the morning or afternoon sun.
In thinking of how I could make the space even better, I couldn’t help think of this post that my girlfriend BabyMac wrote about last year. Beth is a huge inspiration for me when it comes to all things Hygge in a home.
It’s a Danish term defined as “a quality of cosiness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being.” Pronounced “hoo-guh,” the word is said to have no direct translation in English, though “cozy” comes close. BabyMac
Those Danes know a thing or two about living your best life. I love that Hygge is all about creating a feeling, a feeling of consciousness, contentment, slowness and gratitude.
In creating that feeling in the main room of our home, I wanted to use our existing furniture pieces, make better use of the space and add in a cosy element through the addition of a few new pieces and indoor plants.
This is the result.
The biggest investment was the new rug – bought from Freedom. It was crucial to opening up the space but bringing it together at the same time. It enabled me to move the sofas further apart and incorporate a favourite mid-century replica chair I bought five years ago. The chair has always been in the living space but we rarely sat on it because it was in its own space away from the sofas.
And I LOVE the rug. It’s soft underfoot, you can lie on it and it brings a bright, white feeling to a space otherwise dominated by timber floors and shutters.
The other new purchases were throw rugs and cushions, in winter textures and neutral colours. Most were bought online at Temple and Webster. These additions are so easy to make on any budget and they instantly give a room a cosy, winter feel. In summer, I’ll swap them out with lighter textures.
I’ve been meaning to lift our indoor plant game for some time (the fiddle leafs we previously had in our living room are doing much better outside on the verandah and in a shaded garden). This post by Fat Mum Slim was just the poke and prod I needed.
This florist is near me and they do an incredible offering of indoor plants and pots. In 15 minutes, they had me sorted with four new green babies that apparently don’t need to much care and attention. (Disclaimer: time will tell)
Aromatherapy oils are very much a part of our lives. My girlfriend Kim Morrison creates the most divine synergy blends and I’ve had her Nurture Me winter blend in the diffuser (pictured below) all day/night in this space.
Every evening, I love the ritual of switching on all the copper LED lights and lamps, to keep that feeling of Hygge going from day into the evening.
So, tell me, do you like creating a cosy feeling in your living spaces, especially in winter?
PS. Stay tuned, I’m now working on re-styling my office space. I’ll share that with you once it’s complete.
Comments 17
I love Hygge. The thing I love be most in your warm area is that beautiful big knit grey throw. Did you get that from Temple & Webster? Or were you a clever thing and knitted it yourself?
Your room looks lovely and cosy. Just missing an open fire, but you prolly don’t need that in Brissy.
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It’s from Temple and Webster yes – if only I was that skilled at knitting! And yes, would love a fireplace. In a future reno we’ll do, we’ll probably have an indoor/outdoor space with one – that’s how you get use out of them in QLD!!
Stunning Nikki, love what you’ve done here, can’t wait to see you do with your office!! Adore the rug, perfect choice!
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Thanks Nicole – has been so much fun as you know! Office is coming together. Just waiting on a few more things to arrive 🙂
Yes I would also like to know where you got the round cane or rattan tray?
Author
From Olive Home in Paddington earlier this year!
Adore this room Nikki : are the cane tray and the pots from Temple and Webster? My living room needs a make over ! Thanks for the inspo x
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Thanks Marelle, not the cane tray is from Olive Home, bought earlier this year.
You have captured ‘cosy’ beautifully! LOVE your pops of indoor plants and the cane tray with the plants is absolutely stunning.
Love that feature as well – the whole look is really homely and warm
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Thanks – was fun to create and now great to experience x
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Thanks!
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Thanks so much Amanda … was fun putting together x
Love the floor rug Nikki really makes the room cosy. I have to have Lumen +Lux candles (2 Brissy ladies make these) vase of fresh flowers, stack of magazines and a small tray with tea “things” ready for chai tea.
Author
Sound just perfect – and I love those candles! x
That Florist is great my plants are still fine considering I am not a plant person
Beautiful space Nikki. I love that cane tray, is it from Temple and Webster? Agree with indoor plants, I think they make any room feel better. Can never have too many cushions! Happy Friday x