5 Ways to Make Your Living Room Feel More Cozy

Mercedes Amato · December 28, 2021 · Leave a Comment

Hello Design Lovers!

As we approach the new year (I still can’t believe 2021 is coming to an end), that means even more cold weather is upon us…at least where I am in New Jersey. In winter, I tend to hibernate and not go out as much as I would in the warmer months. I’m sure many of you who live in cold climates know exactly what I’m talking about. When we stay home, we want our homes to feel cozy and warm during the cold winter. We tend to stay in on weekends, watch movies, cuddle by the fireplace, order food in with friends and binge some shows on Netflix. So I’ve come up with 5 ways to make your living room or family room feel more cozy this winter!

1. Add texture with pillows and throw blankets

Nothing screams cozy the way pillows and throw blankets do! Snuggling up under blankets and pillows with your friends and/or family on the sofa in front of the fireplace or watching a movie is the definition of cozy. You don’t have to have a ton of pillows for every season. Most of us don’t have the space to store them all! Switch up your pillows during the winter for some warm tones with various textures by swapping pillow covers. This is a great way to save on space since you can store the removable pillow covers easily! Adding some chunky throw blankets that vary in texture from your pillows will give your living room that cozy feel.

2. Layer rugs

Layering rugs of various textures, colors, and sizes in your living room adds another dimension to make your living room feel cozy. Make sure not to go too crazy with pairing up two rugs that compete with each other in colors. You can start out with a natural material rug such as a jute in a larger size than the patterned rug you will be layering on top of it. Make sure at least the front legs of your sofa and chairs are able to go underneath the larger rug which makes for a more complete look. The next rug can be about a foot or two smaller than the larger rug. Go for some sort of pattern with various colors which will differ from the jute rug. This layered look will be inviting and cozy!

3. Bring in some greenery using plants

Nothing brings a space together the way plants do. Adding greenery to any room makes it feel warm and put together as you bring in a little bit of nature into the space. You don’t have to go over the top with your plants but a few here and there will definitely make a world of difference in transforming your living room. They’ll make your living room feel more cozy.

TIP: If you don’t have a green thumb, opt for some faux plants. I’ve seen some pretty realistic faux plants!

4. Soft, warm light

Bright, cool lighting can make for a very uninviting space. The room can feel very cold, similar to walking into a hospital or an office building (at least that’s the impression I get!). Try going for some soft, warm light tones which will make you want to curl up on the sofa with your blanket and rest your head on your pillows for a relaxing night of Netflix. Now you don’t have to go too yellow with the lighting, unless you like more of the yellow hue. I know color temperatures can be very confusing but simply put, the larger the number, the cooler and more blue the tones get. I personally prefer anywhere from around 2800-3000 Kelvin, giving the space some warm light. Check out the color temperature scale for reference.

5. Surround the room with candles

My personal favorite: candles. Nothing beats coming home after a long day of work or activities, changing into comfy clothes, dimming the lights, and lighting some candles for a relaxing night in. Candles really set the mood and will of course make your living room smell heavenly! I love the crackling sound of wood wick candles. It’s just so relaxing and soothing.

I hope these tips sparked some inspo to get your living room feeling cozy this winter. Make your space feel comfortable for you by going with whatever design choices feel right. Pick out some pieces that you are drawn to and that you will enjoy for years to come. These tips don’t have to apply just for winter. You can make your living room feel cozy throughout the entire year. Have fun with this!

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5 Tips on Mastering the Art of Mixing Textures

Mercedes Amato | April 1, 2023 Leave a Comment

Hello Design Lovers!

Mixing textures in interior design can add warmth and depth to a space, making it feel more inviting and visually interesting. The way different textures are combined can make or break the overall aesthetic. By combining different textures, you can create a multi-layered and visually appealing space that reflects your unique style. Here are some tips on how to mix textures effectively in your home:

1. Start with a neutral base: To mix textures effectively, it's best to start with a neutral base. This creates a cohesive foundation for the different textures that you will add to the space. A neutral base could be a neutral wall color, such as white or beige, or a neutral-colored sofa or bed frame. Starting with a neutral base allows you to experiment with different textures and colors without overwhelming the space.

2. Mix materials: Experiment with mixing different materials to add interest and variety to a room. You could mix materials such as wood, metal, leather, and fabrics. For example, a leather sofa paired with a chunky knit throw, or a metal coffee table with a soft, shaggy rug. Mixing materials will create contrast and add depth to the space.

3. Vary texture scale: Varying the scale of textures in a room is an important aspect of mixing textures in interior design. To do this, you can mix large and small textures together. For example, a large, nubby rug paired with a delicate, sheer curtain. Or, a smooth, glossy side table next to a chunky knit blanket. Varying texture scale will create visual interest and add depth to the space.

4. Mix patterns: Mixing patterns is another way to add texture to a space. To do this effectively, it's important to balance the patterns so they don't clash with each other. You could mix a bold, geometric print with a subtle, organic pattern. Or, a small-scale pattern with a large-scale pattern. Mixing patterns will create a dynamic and visually interesting space.

5. Layer textures: Layering textures is a great way to add depth and interest to a space. You could layer a faux fur rug over a jute rug, or layer a velvet throw pillow on top of a linen sofa. Layering textures creates a multi-dimensional look that adds visual interest to the space.

Mixing textures in interior design is a great way to add depth, interest, and personality to a space. By experimenting with different materials, textures, and patterns, you can create a visually dynamic and inviting environment. Remember to start with a neutral base, vary texture scale, mix patterns carefully, layer textures, and most importantly, trust your instincts and have fun! Mixing textures is an opportunity to express your unique style and create a space that feels like home.

How To Create a Functional Kitchen Using The Working Triangle

Mercedes Amato | March 1, 2023 Leave a Comment

Hello Design Lovers!

Let's talk about the functionality of a kitchen. The working triangle in a kitchen refers to the layout of the three main elements in a kitchen: the refrigerator, the sink, and the stove or cooktop. The ideal layout is one in which these three elements are arranged in a triangular shape, with the refrigerator, sink, and stove positioned at the three corners of the triangle. This design allows for easy movement and efficient use of space, making it a popular layout for kitchen designers and architects.

The dimensions between a working triangle in a kitchen can vary depending on the size and layout of the kitchen, as well as the personal preferences of the homeowner. However, a commonly recommended guideline is to have no side of the triangle longer than 9 feet or shorter than 4 feet. This allows for easy movement and efficient use of space while still allowing enough room for other kitchen features such as countertops, cabinets, and an island. Additionally, the sum of the three sides of the triangle should be between 13 and 26 feet. These guidelines ensure that the kitchen is functional and efficient.

Here are some examples of common kitchen layouts:

U-Shaped Kitchen: This layout consists of cabinets and appliances lining three walls, forming a U-shape. This layout provides ample counter space and storage, making it ideal for larger kitchens.

L-Shaped Kitchen: This layout consists of cabinets and appliances lining two adjacent walls, forming an L-shape. This layout is versatile and can be adapted to a variety of kitchen sizes and styles.

Galley Kitchen: This layout consists of two parallel walls with cabinets and appliances lining both sides. This layout is ideal for smaller kitchens as it maximizes the use of available space.

Island Kitchen: This layout includes a central island that provides additional counter space and storage. This layout is ideal for larger kitchens with ample floor space.

Peninsula Kitchen: This layout includes a connected island that is attached to one wall, providing additional counter space and storage. This layout is ideal for smaller kitchens that require additional workspace and storage.

When it comes to designing a kitchen with the working triangle in mind, there are a few key things to keep in mind. First, you want to make sure that the three main elements - the refrigerator, sink, and stove - are arranged in a triangular shape. This allows for easy movement and access between the three areas.

Now that you know the importance of the working triangle, I'm sure the next time you're scrolling on Instagram or Pinterest, you'll be more mindful on the proper kitchen design layout. You might even be able to notice the different styles of kitchen designs!

Moody Blues Master Bedroom Retreat

Mercedes Amato | February 1, 2023 Leave a Comment

Hello Design Lovers!

This project was a long time coming but wow! I'm so happy with the way it came out. But more importantly, my clients are thrilled with the end result. Let me give you a little run down on this project came to be. My clients, Hillary and Josh, were in desperate need to get their master bedroom updated. They no longer felt their room was a sanctuary for them, a place where they can come to unwind, relax, and ultimately sleep (of course).

The biggest eye sore though probably had to be the carpet. They wanted to rip up the carpet and have hardwood floors throughout. They knew there was hardwood under the carpet in the hallway of their master bedroom, but they didn't know if the main bedroom space had hardwood since that part of the house was an addition. Sure enough, there was only hardwood flooring in the hallway. I brought in a contractor to add hardwood in the rest of the space, making the transition as seamless as possible.

Hillary wanted to do some sort of accent wall, but she wasn’t really sure what exactly she wanted. She had shown me several photos of inspiration on Pinterest and then I began to work out some ideas. We had spoken about possibly putting up wallpaper, but she really wanted some dimension.

It was a bit challenging to come up with a design since there are two windows on that wall which would ultimately break up the flow, but after some planning, it worked out perfectly! The windows don’t seem like such a big deal anymore.

Once the accent wall was complete, it was time to paint. We said goodbye to the outdated gold/taupe color and freshened up the space with updated colors. We went with Benjamin Moore Thousand Oceans for the accent wall and the rest of the space is Benjamin Moore November Rain. Paint makes a HUGE difference and just like that, the room was ready to be decorated!

I wanted to go with a neutral bed frame to allow the accent wall to stand out. The contrast between the white headboard and the blue wall is exactly what I was going for! We went with off-white drapery for the two back windows, making sure not to take away from the accent wall.

The windows on the side walls were a bit challenging since they are so close to the windows on the accent wall. I didn't want to add more drapery to those side windows which I felt would take away from the showstopper of a wall, so we opted for beautiful simple roman shades. Plus, my clients informed me they needed privacy from the neighbors, so roman shades did the trick!

We incorporated light wood tones for the nightstands and dresser which really makes the room feel airy and spacious. Had I selected dark wood tones, the room would've felt a lot smaller and closed in.

I brought in some color with the beautiful vintage inspired area rug (the touches of blue compliments the accent wall really well). I wanted to bring in some more color without it overpowering the space. The neutral duvet allowed for us to play with color for the rest of the bedding and that's exactly what we did with the throw pillows. There's just enough color without it all feeling too overpowering.

My clients and I are so happy with the way this room came out! Such a major transformation...it's like night and day. Now onto the next project. Stay tuned for more!

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