Cozy spaces appeal to the senses, says designer and Ash creative director Xavier Donnelly. To elicit that sense of hygge, he recommends layers of textures.

Bold color can also create a cozy living room interior design, says AD PRO Directory member Devon Wegman of Devon Grace Interiors. She suggests earthy shades like deep blues, dark olive greens, and rusty reds.

Colors

The colors you use in your family room set the tone for cozying up on the couch and watching a movie with loved ones. Opt for soothing hues, such as blues and greens, in addition to the classics like whites, grays, and beiges. You can also go for vibrant shades or choose a trendy color that’s gaining popularity, such as Electric Amber or Pantone’s Peach Fuzz.

A darker shade of teal brings a sense of calm to a living room, but it's important to balance with lighter accents. In this space, designer Courtnay Tartt Elias used yellow curtains and a light-colored rug to keep the room from feeling too dark and closed in.

If you want a moodier option, consider charcoal gray. It's still in the neutral family, but it has a sultry feel that gives this living room designed by Hayden Dendy of BRNS Design an inviting and enveloping vibe. Blues in a similar vein can also provide comforting vibes, as seen on the walls of this serene living room by Romanek Design Studio.

Furniture

As the heart of family life, your family room ideas should incorporate practical furniture designs that can accommodate multiple seating areas as well as ample storage solutions. Smart fabrics like boucle, sherpa and knits also add comforting texture that will be appealing to touch.

A textured wall is another easy way to make a space feel cozy, and there's no need to sacrifice crisp white walls. Adding texture via shiplap or other materials adds warmth and interest to a space, while still providing a clean canvas for layers of color and pattern.

Fill dead wall space with a console table tucked beneath a pair of benches or a neat grid of frames to create a comfortable living room arrangement and define the area. Then display family photos, plants and upcycled furniture to create a personal atmosphere that feels lived-in. These decorative touches bring a touch of hominess that will help guests relax and unwind. Add a subtle hint of fragrance to your family room design using scented candles or air fresheners for an added element of tranquility.

Lighting

It's the little touches that create cozy vibes, from a well-positioned fireplace to a curated log display. But the biggest key to a comfortable living room is the lighting. 'Create layers of light with lamps, sconces, and ceiling fixtures that can be turned down or even off when not in use,' says one interior designer.

Don't be afraid of bold color. Deep blues, dark olive greens, and rusty reds deliver warmth without overwhelming small living room ideas or creating a sombre mood. Use these colors on furniture, bookcases, moldings, and trim.

Decorate with metals that warm up the space, rather than cool and silvery ones like chrome. Bronze, gold, and copper accents add coziness when incorporated into furniture, drapery rods, and plumbing fixtures. These metallics complement the warm tones of wood, and also provide a neutral base that doesn't compete with brighter wall hues.

Accessories

Adding the right accessories is an important step to making your home feel cozy. The right colors, fabrics and textures all help create a warm and inviting atmosphere that makes everyone want to sit down with a cup of cocoa and relax.

Layering different soft textures adds visual interest and coziness to a room. Choosing plush rugs, woven textiles such as baskets or rattan, and knitted throw blankets in a range of colors provides a tactile experience for visitors that promotes a sense of comfort.

Proper lighting is another important component of creating a cozy space. Using a combination of lamps and sconces with dimmers that can be adjusted to create the right ambiance is key. You can also use candles to create an intimate glow and infuse the room with a calming aroma.