Creating Warm, Cozy Spaces

Winter has arrived at My Place...

 

 

the transition from Fall to Winter is beautiful...



 

 

 

 

nevertheless, the snowy weather has me in search of any space that makes me feel warm...a cozy place to curl up with some hot chocolate and a good book.



 

 

This cozy space says it all.  To add a warm, cozy feeling to your home, think in terms of "layering."  A few ideas...

 

Bring out the quilts, throws and slipcovers...

 

 

Add warmth in your dining area by using a quilt as a tablecloth; layer with a runner.  I love the added touch of the stitched saying.  Placing a few quotes around your home as here, on a plate, or in a frame adds interest and warms your soul. 

 

Add a throw and pillow to a chair or two and your area looks and feels inviting.

 

 

 

Slipcovers transform this dining area and create a warm, cozy feeling.
 

 

 Throws are an inexpensive and easy way to add color, texture, and warmth to any space...
 

 

 

 

 

Layer with pillows...

 

Need new pillows? These textured linen pillow covers are from Pottery Barn. What an easy way to add color and texture to your room.

 

 

Pilliows covered with heavier fabrics such as velvet, sheepskin, knit...add texture to a room...an important element to create a warm, cozy feeling.

 

 

 

 

Layer with rugs and books...

 

Warm up your floors and tables with comfy rugs and books...

 

 

 

 

 

All the while I've worked on this post, my feet have been warm, my back supported with a nice pillow, now I'm ready for that hot chocolate and good book.

 

 

p.s.  The cast of Downton Abbey are certainly enjoying a cozy, warm place - ha!

 

Have a great day...it's one to remember. 

 

 

Time Honored Patina

I love objects that look like they have a story to tell...



aged with the wisdom of time...

 repurposed...reused...redefined...

 balanced with soft features...

worn...aged...beautiful.

Have a great day...it's one to remember

Known sources: http://paysdemerveille.canalblog.com/, http://www.flickr.com/photos/fernandosilveira/3124393815/,

http://ourfrenchgarden.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2009-12-20T21%3A19%3A00%2B01%3A00&max-results=7,

photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/standingstillfromtoday/2381200271/">Matthew Rice.</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/">cc</a>,

Thanks to these sources and Pinterest for allowing us to enjoy your photos.

Cornucopia...Horn of Plenty



theplaceat189.blogspot.com

 

Cornucopia is the symbol of abundance and nourishment.  Normally associated with Thanksgiving, the horn shaped container overflows with the abundance and wealth of the harvest season.  Making a cornucopia centerpiece is a fast and easy way to add a gorgeous element to your Thanksgiving table.  You can use any variety of fillers such as fruits, gourds, pumpkins, nuts, berries, flowers, twigs...the options are endless.

 

 

For a similar arrangement as mine, choose an assortment of stems like pumpkins (2-3), two or three different colors and size of berries (8-10), leaves (3-5), ribbon, 2-3 stems for length (like these glittered copper grass picks), green floral styrofoam.



 

Begin by inserting a block of styrofoam into your basket.  I don't use glue to secure it because I want to re-use the basket and picks in other arrangements.  Beginning with the bottom layer, insert your picks into the foam extending them to the desired length; insert the largest picks (pumpkins) next so it extends half the length of the longest stems (this will be about middle).  Continue inserting your picks filling in to achieve the desired look.  I like mine full...it is a "Horn of Plenty."

 

 

Wire a bow to the top of the horn or use a drop of glue or T-pin to secure it; I also like to add a little ribbon somewhere in the arrangement just to tie it together.  Cut a few stems, if necessary, and fill in around the bow.



 

 

A cornucopia can be filled very simply with fresh fruits and vegetables making a very elegant statement.

 

 

 

 

 

Fresh flowers - how beautiful.

 

 



Tip:  If you're filling your horn with produce, inserting the largest first provides a good base in which to insert the other fruits and vegetables, and to help reduce the amount you'll need.  Nuts and leaves are excellent additions to a harvest theme.











 

Whatever you use, a "Horn of Plenty" makes a warm, beautiful statement for your Thanksgiving table.  I also like that they have a low profile and don't obstruct the view of family and friends conversing.

 

Have a great day...it's one to remember.