To ask how to make my cold and sad home cosy?

[Cacticus12345]

I’ve been away for 3 weeks helping a relative and have returned home to a cold, dark rather miserable (and messy) house.

I live alone so don’t have the family warmth and activity I can see through people’s windows at this time of the year

What can I do to make myself feel better and feel cosy at home?

@Summerrain123

A christmas tree and sparkly lights

Yes this. Also lamps dotted around will give warmth and they are cheap. Cosy throws on the sofa and a comfy slippers.

If you are naturally untidy (like me) lots of storage that you can put (throw) the clutter in. Then buy some good quality throws, cushions, a rug and some lamps.

Get a slow cooker, put something yummy in it and simple ( chicken veg gravy) go out, be cold , buy fleecy blankets, a spiced apple and cinnamon candle , hot chocolate and whipped cream
If you want a plant- buy a ponsietta for Christmas
Return to cosy yummy smelling house with dinner already cooked, cuddle in nice blanket and Christmassy candles and drink hot choc and watch fave show or film

A cat 🐈‍⬛ xxxx

Get up, shower and clear up any mess while listening to Shania Twain on high volume. Then go and buy some Christmas crackers and a Christmas tree and decorate it ( more Shania Twain - I'm obsessed by her amazing voice). Make a large casserole then go and ask other people who are on their own to come and eat with you.

Apologies, haven't RTFT, but I was just wondering if it were possible for you to get some lights on timer, and heating, maybe even some sounds, to get your house lit, warm, and welcoming before you get home?

Oh, and if you can, a big bouquet of flowers!

Definitely candles, cushions, and throws, and if you're decorating, warm tones like russets, sages, and reds.

One great advantage of living on your own, is that when you do find the energy to clean and tidy, it will stay looking and feeling lovely for you.

@hivemindneeded

Create mini 'altars'. Like an altar to reading could be a cosy chair with a rug and cushion, a table beside it with a stack of good books and a lamp. An altar to meditation might have a candle and some flowers. A family altar could be an arrangement of family photos in nice frames. Anything that guides the eye towards an appealing setting and makes you think of something happy.

I love this way of describing it. I too have little "altars".

I have a reading nook- my favourite armchair, lamp, books on display, somewhere to put a hot drink. I will make a reading nook in my baby's room too when he's a little older. Even a work space can be a cosy altar with the right lamp and a beautiful plant.

As PPs have said, the key to this is definitely minimalism, however you want to define it. The less clutter you have the more the things you truly love have space to shine.

Clean and decluttered. I can't relax in a messy place. Twinkly fairy lights and nice soft lighting, lighting really is the most important thing as everything looks softer in nice light. Some pillows and throws. Get some nice candles too and maybe a special mug or glass depending on what you drink. Nice bubble bath or shower gel that feels luxurious and makes you feel special.

Lamps, rugs,candles, cushions, throws

Makes me feel cosy just thinking about it

Some trailing houseplants, plenty of lamps and curtains!

I have a "winter" look,throws on sofas,furry cushion covers,thick curtains, table lamps.fairy lights, light up twigs in vase.candles,if you don't like the smell, flickering battery ones.yeah,hot chocolate,soup

Candles always make me feel cozy. Asda are doing a gorgeous Christmas range for just £3 - I've got a Pumpkin Spice one and it's devine.
Big fluffy blankets and cushions on the sofa too. Again; don't have to be expensive.
Plants. A simple peace lily. I got one for £4.99 on Amazon.
Lastly; books. I'm an avid reader and seeing my current book on the sofa makes me feel relaxed and cozy.

I definitely echo what others say. I think the following make a huge difference: lamps, cushions, throws, rugs, pictures on the wall, plants and vases of flowers.

Lamps on timers. Lived on my own until mid 30’s. Always worked silly long hours. Lamps that came on in the morning so wasn’t going downstairs to a dark lounge and coming home to a house with the lights on makes all the difference. Still do it now even though no longer on my own. Also a cat-best thing ever! 😊

Get a cat 😻

Seconding texture and light!

Lamps, candles, fireplace, fairy lights.

Cushions, throws, comfy sofa, a nice rug.

Tidy = calming

Add in a tin of biscuits and hot chocolate!

Warm colours, even if just accessories.

I'm not a fan of plants because I just kill them .

I've just realised I have something else that helps me feel cosy, and that's my tea set. In the evening, I make a pot of tea, fill my little milk jug, pour into my teacup on the little saucer, all on my side table next to my cchair. Feels very relaxed to me

Lighting for certain. I love battery operated lights and have lots dotted around to give a warm ambient mood. Use the warm bulbs not led bulbs in lamps for a warm light effect. Mirrors, cushions, pillows,throws and pictures on the wall. My place was a dump and now I love it.

I love plants and now have them everywhere and it makes such a difference to the feel of the place. Plus they are great for your environment and well being. Maybe grab a few large easy to look after plants,a yukka, spider plant etc. Hanging basket from the ceiling with a spider plant is another idea.

Matalan do great fake plants. We have cats that would eat everything and the fake plants really work. Also candles, blankets (big and fluffy) soft lighting. Tidy mess away in main rooms, living room and bedroom. I promise it will help

I've lived alone for decades - my little home is really cosy, always flowers, houseplants, a candle or 2, lots of soft lights from lamps, a nice rug, cushions, photos and pictures on the walls, it's not difficult or expensive - what is stopping you????????

This thread is lovely and cosy

So many votes for a cat

Old vintage woollen blankets are great too- look at charity shops.

I can't read through the whole thread as pushed for time but ... I love a real fire - don't have one though! So ... I put a real fire video on YouTube and honestly, it sounds daft but, it really does make it feel more cosy and relaxed.

I thought cat 🐈 too! Mine are very soft and cuddly and also one of them just does Not.Shut.Up. so there's a definite feeling of being welcomed home, even if it's in a tone of 'where have you between? Pay attention to me!'