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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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

182 replies

Cacticus12345 · 05/12/2021 13:01

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?

OP posts:
Iziz · 07/12/2021 08:33

Lighting as in table lamps , candles , rugs and throws make any space cosy , wall paint colour can also make a huge difference.

user1469770863 · 07/12/2021 08:59

@HollyandIvyandAllThingsYule

A quick and easy way to tidy, which really helps when you’re not feeling it, is to do a quick walk around with a bin bag first of all to gather up any crap straightaway. Throw it out (in other words don’t leave it in the hallway/kitchen/under the stairs/whatever to take out later). Then go around again with another bag or basket to gather up all clutter. You’ll sort it later. Thirdly, gather up all clothing and put it in one pile to be sorted later.

Wipe down any clear counters/surfaces.

You’ll instantly feel much better about your space.

Then sit down with a cup of tea or coffee for a little break.

Go for a walk, even if it’s just 15 min round the block. Only excuse not to is if it’s stormy outside. You

(You can skip the above step if the thought of it makes you feel stressed/upset/overwhelmed.)

If you feel like it, sort through your clothes putting anything that’s clean into one pile and anything that needs washing into another. If you have a basket for your washing put it in there, or if you like you can put a load straight into the machine.

Otherwise, plan to do more tomorrow.

That’s it for today! Enjoy your house that’s much more tidy now than it was a short time ago.

On cosiness and warmth, as others have said, a few small lamps to add low lighting, a fragrance oil/candle, some plants, cushions and a blanket to snuggle up in/under.

Have you got the budget to treat yourself to a few new things as an early Christmas Present? I love my Emma Bridgewater Christmas mug - I use it daily, and every time I do I take a minute to think about how cosy I feel, how peaceful it is, and all the big or small things that make me happy and content. I bought it this year after quite a few years of wanting one. It’s only a little thing but it does make a difference to how I feel. It doesn’t need to be an expensive mug, just one that you love that makes you happy when you use it. It also doesn’t have to be a mug, you could treat yourself to a new book or a notebook or anything else that would feel special to you.

Excellent post
PeacheyPeach · 07/12/2021 11:03

I think fairy lights in the kitchen is the cosiest thing also. They are the first thing I switch on in the morning while making a cuppa it gives off such a lovely glow.
Hope the op isn't to overwhelmed by everyone's suggestions 🙂

Insanelysilver · 07/12/2021 11:45

Like other people have said I think you need to go out and choose a lovely Christmas tree and get some lights and decs on it.
I also like those electric stove fires. Dimplex do them. They make the place look so cosy. Also get some warm coloured cushions etc. Get some mulled wine in and nibbles and invite a few people in for a drink X

cass5 · 07/12/2021 14:27

maybe it was already suggested, but if feasible and you like animals, a pet can fill a house!

LittleGwyneth · 07/12/2021 15:38

Full length curtains rather than short ones, mix of textures, so cushions and rugs on hard surfaces. Lamps not over head lighting, candles. Stick the heating on, make it smell nice with a diffuser or whatever your preferred scenting method of choice is.

Twinkleylight · 28/12/2021 00:52

I've been following this thread as my living room feels more like a storage facility rather than homely. I've taken some tips from here a d hit the sales with my Christmas money.

I've bought cushions, throws, rugs, fairy lights, plants and candles. I hope you've managed to sort & cosy up your home too @Cacticus12345. There's loads of good deals about now. Wishing you well.

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