How to Create a Cozy Escape in Your Home

Our homes should be a place to escape the daily grind of work, running errands and any other stressors in our lives. It shouldn't be a matter of having to wait for a one-week vacation in the summer to be able to relax. You can create a cozy escape in your own home and feel as if you have a mini-vacation anytime you want. No matter what type of home you live in, it's possible to create an atmosphere that will help you unwind and escape. How can you do this?

The Outdoors

It's amazing how much the outdoors and entry can affect the whole mood of your home and help you feel like you're in a getaway from the rest of the world. You want to feel relaxed before you even enter the front door.

Spruce up your front yard with flower beds and plants for an inviting feel. Of course, be sure to get rid of weeds first. Flower beds don't have to cost a fortune to create. You can border them with rocks or used lumber you already have. Or you may prefer to purchase potted plants, which come in a multitude of varieties.

Outdoor furniture is available in anything from modern to cozy and also rustic - and some are inexpensive. Depending on your porch size, you could add a couple of chairs and maybe a table with a potted plant. Yard sales and flea markets are a great place to find inexpensive items for this purpose.

Bird houses are not only decorative, but makes your property look inviting and friendly. Birds will also love you for providing them with shelter. There are many other items that will help give a getaway feel, such as a porch swing, a gazebo, if you have the money to spend and even decorative outdoor lighting.

Inside Your Home

First, you need to make some room in your home. Get rid of junk you don't need or use. This may take some time, but it's well worth your efforts.

Too much stuff can make your home look and feel crowded and not create a homey place to escape to. Besides, a home that is cluttered can cause added stress.

Get Rid of Boring Decor

Get rid of decorative items you've grown bored with such as knick knacks, framed art, etc. Store them in boxes or sell them at a yard sale. If you see the same items all the time, it creates a boring atmosphere. You may even be able to use the items in another area where they are more fitting to the atmosphere you're trying to create.

Decorate the top of your tables and shelves with just a few items you have decided to keep. Cluttering tops of tables takes away from a soothing atmosphere. Besides, clutter just means more items to dust. Decorate with items that are eye catching or will make the statement for the kind of getaway you are aiming for.

Start with a New Canvas

Create some energy in your home by painting your walls. Don't stick with plain boring white. Try a bold color or a shade that creates a pleasant atmosphere. If you don't want to go too bold, paint just one wall with a bright color as a focal point. Then fill it sparingly with some cool art work or family pictures.

Use earth colors and warm colors to make your rooms more relaxing and enjoyable to hang out in.You want the color to blend in with your furnishings, but still be enough of a contrast to create a new appeal. If you don't want to paint every room in your home, just paint the one you think of as your main getaway area.

Tips for the Bedroom

Your bedroom is one room that should definitely feel like a getaway and cozy escape. Ditch the harsh lighting in your bedroom. Use table lamps that are warm and inviting. You want your bedroom to feel like a sanctuary. You might want to try colored light bulbs. They can really set an atmosphere. Candles are also wonderful for a bedroom.

Get rid of clutter in your bedroom. Organize items you actually use in pretty containers such as wicker baskets or plastic bins.

If you don't want to paint the entire room, try something that will make your bedroom look fresh such as painting trim around windows or doors in a different color. Or you might have a nightstand or an accent table that could use a new coat of paint.

If anything adds uniqueness to a room it's the bedding. In fact, this might be your starting point in your bedroom. Comforters and bed skirts are durable and cozy. They are also relatively inexpensive and often come with sheets, pillow cases and shams. You can use your bedding to build your getaway theme from.

Try a different window treatment. If you like a more exotic feel, try a bamboo blind. If you want romantic and airy, try lace panel curtains.

Tips for the Bathroom

Bathrooms can come to life with new sink and shower fixtures. They come in so many colors and designs, you're sure to find something that will look great.

Modernize your bathroom with new accessories such as shower curtains, towels, rugs, soap dish, etc. You might want to build from the same theme in your bedroom. Candles also work well in a bathroom, not only for decoration, but you can light them while enjoying a nice bubble bath.

Organize toiletries neatly and give your bathroom some airiness by decluttering. Add in toiletries or anything that creates a cozy atmosphere where you'll feel pampered.

Tips for the Kitchen

Often people clutter their kitchen with paper items. Get rid of bills, papers and junk that is crowding up your kitchen. Find a place to store what you need to keep.

Kitchen lighting is vital. Be sure to have adequate lighting. This is an area where lighting is important. At the same time you want a getaway and cozy feel. You can help create this by minimizing what you store on counter tops, in cabinets, on the table, etc. You could add plants in window sills. New kitchen towels and a pretty towel rack can even add a new look. Don't forget the table cloth. A table cloth is often a focal point, along with a pretty centerpiece.

As you can see, decluttering your home is the first step in creating a getaway and cozy escape atmosphere. The rest is as close as your imagination!

home decorating