An ultra-modern room is sleek and sophisticated. But cozy? Not always--although it can be, with the right decorative touch.
Contemporary rooms have a habit of sometimes coming off as cold. Let's turn up the thermostat by focusing on colors and textures that give the space depth, while leveraging minimalist lighting with translucent fixtures.
Your sophisticated home can radiate warmth and modern style without compromising sleek design. Take a look at how to get a warm and fuzzy sensibility.
1. Start With Natural Elements
You might be accustomed to cool furniture: a metal chair, a glass coffee table and a nickel-plated refrigerator. Inject some warmth into this cool atmosphere with a rustic palette. Add warmth with a side table in a chestnut wood hueor a chaise lounge covered in natural hide. Incorporate birch wood bookshelves, and prop your feet up on a dark leather pouf.
2. Turn Up The Heat
If you don't have a fireplace, get your hands on a portable version, stat. If you do have one, start using it. If the mantle is ... we'll guess, black ... give it a paint job to mimic the color of pale wood. Toss a bright orange rug in front of it and add a Scandinavian style magazine holder nearby -- now you can warm up your mind and body at the same time.
3. Go Rustic
Adorn your fireplace with some distressed, rustic wood picture frames. Find an old wood rocking chair, sand it down, and give it a coat of natural finish. And definitely replace that stiff dining room table with something large and bold -- a giant, simple, wood version will do.
4. Incorporate Cozy Textiles
Nothing warms up a chilly room better than a cozy textured rug or a plush throw. Go with an off-white palette for both if you're seeking a minimalist, contemporary space. Toss off your shoes and grab a pair of fuzzy slippers. Light that fire and get toasty!
5. Add a Breath of Fresh Air
Give your room a jolt of new life -- literally -- with some air plants or succulents. They don't require much care, just a spritz of water here and there. Or add a natural jute rug for an unexpected, outdoorsy look.
Can you feel the heat?
For more home decor inspiration, how to's and design advice check out Dot & Bo's Design District!