As we bid the summer goodbye and welcome the cool weather and the June rains, the way we approach our rooms changes as well. Snug and warm accents that are rainy weather appropriate are perfect for encouraging that warm, fuzzy feeling that staying at home during a drizzle can conjure. Get inspired by these accessories and remember that the right placement and mix of cozy accoutrements can dramatically change the look and feel of any place—and add just the right amount of cozy comfort that makes coming home all the more appealing on wet and drizzly days.
Blankets and throws. Because of the warm and tropical climate of our country, having a random throw strewn across a living room couch or hanging by a bed is a rare sight. During rainy days, however, a blanket can be just the thing you need to literally and metaphorically add warmth to a couch in your TV room or to lounge in your living area. Stick to lightweight fabrics like local abel iloco or breathable crochets and jersey knits to counter the cool, tropical air.
Rugs and carpets. Though high maintenance, wall-to-wall carpeting can provide you coziness you can literally dig your toes into. When dressing up a room from scratch, consider all factors when thinking of decking your floor in carpeting—regular washes and vacuum cleaning is a must, and allergies, pets must also come into consideration. A less permanent alternative is an area rug—a faux sheepskin rug provides your décor with chic eclecticism and is wonderful for laying on with a good book.
Pillows. These accents don’t just add pops of color and pattern to an otherwise plain couch, they also serve a purpose—great for laying your head on when enjoying some down time on your sofa, or always something fun to hold on to when sitting around the living room with your girlfriends, pillows don’t just hold some visual value, they offer tactile coziness as well. When shopping around for these pillows, don’t just consider their covers but check their fluffiness factor as well. Stiff pillows that may make beautiful arrangements will not work as well as soft, fluffy pillows you can actually use.
Textiles. Nothing softens the look of hard-edged furniture more than a touch of fabric. Fans of minimalist design do not need to reupholster all their wooden furniture in order to add some warmth to their spaces—they can, however work on adding some textile in strategic places to introduce a bit of cozy comfort into their space. A modern tapestry, for example can provide more texture than a glass-framed painting hung on the wall; while a padded, upholstered cushion atop a wooden bench can provide just the right amount of comfort on an otherwise stiff piece of furniture.
Country chic. Look to shabby chic English style homes for inspiration—their use of florals mixed in with stripes and colored ginghams and checks provide a timeless, classic take on lived-in, cozy décor.
Have more home and organizing questions for the author? Email her at chinggaylabrador@yahoo.com
Chinggay Labrador is a freelance writer and stylist, contributing articles on beauty, lifestyle and design to local magazines. Her background in architecture has her profiling trends and homes throughout the region. A travel junkie who likes to frequent Japan and Korea, Chinggay is the former editor-in-chief of Sparkling, a quarterly K-Pop publication and is also the author of “Popped and Popped, Too,” books based on the fun, frivolity and friendship centered on Korean Pop music.
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