Cosy, warm and relaxing environments: the so-called cozy style is, in fact, the transformation of the home into a ‘nest’ that favours comfort and a feeling of well-being through the use of soft materials, warm colours and soft lighting.
What is cozy style? Where does it come from?
The concept of cozy(which in English means cosy, warm, comfortable) has always existed, but it has become a real style thanks to cultural influences and contemporary trends.
The cozy style in interior design does not have a precise date of birth, but is the result of a cultural and stylistic evolution rooted in different living traditions:
- the concept of ‘hygge’ in the Nordic tradition: the Cozy style is strongly influenced by the Danish philosophy of hygge, a concept that promotes domestic well-being through a warm and cosy environment. As early as the 19th century, Scandinavian homes favoured natural materials, light colours and functional yet cosy design solutions;
- cottagecore and rural life: another important influence came from the cottagecore style, which was inspired by the simplicity of country life. In the 19th and 20th centuries, especially in English and French houses, the idea of a ‘cozy’ home manifested itself through fireplaces, soft fabrics and rustic furnishings;
- American rustic and shabby chic: in the United States, the cozy style found its way into rustic and shabby chic design.
With the advent of social media and interior design accessible to all, the cozy style began to evolve as a category of its own. The return to natural materials and comfortable spaces was reflected in people’s needs, especially with the rise of smart working.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, the idea of a home that was a safe and comfortable haven made cozy a dominant trend. The need to create cosy, relaxing and functional spaces reinforced the use of warm colours, soft textures and flexible furniture solutions.
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How to create a cozy environment?
Today, Cozy is more than an aesthetic: it is a philosophy of life that emphasises comfort, sustainability and well-being. It is often integrated with other styles such as Scandinavian, boho chic and warm minimalism, declining into more modern and customised versions.
Warm and neutral colours
The predominant shades are beige, cream, light grey, brown and delicate pastels.
These colours – many of which are part of the latest colour trends in interior design – help to create a relaxing and cosy atmosphere.
The Vintage Prestige palette lends itself particularly well to cozy style. We find colours such as Hazelnut brown, Frappè pink, Vanilla yellow, Coconut white, Milk green, Anise blue, Marzipan and Truffle in an extremely supple, textured and opaque paint that can be used on all surfaces.
Natural materials
Wood is undoubtedly the star of the cozy style. It is used for floors, furniture, beamed ceilings and decorative details. With rough or natural finishes, you can opt for light-coloured woods such as oak, birch and pine. Aged or rustic effects, with woods with visible grain and slightly imperfect surfaces also add character and a lived-in feel to spaces.
Among the fabrics, wool blankets, soft plaids, cushions in natural fabrics and long-pile carpets contribute to a sense of visual and tactile comfort. One can focus on overlapping layers and textures.
Woven materials such as rattan, bamboo and wicker are widely used for furniture and decoration.
Ceramic, stoneware or terracotta objects add an artisanal and authentic touch to cozy rooms.
Although this style favours organic materials, brass, copper or wrought iron details can be incorporated to give a sophisticated and harmonious touch.
Here we recommend the metallic effect paints from the Golden Prestige line, especially in the colours Rose Gold and Brown Gold.
Warm, diffuse lighting
Lighting in the cozy style is based on a few basic principles:
- warm tones (2700K – 3000K): warm tone lights (between warm white and amber) are essential to create a cosy ambience. They avoid the aseptic effect of cold lights and promote relaxation;
- diffuse and soft light: no direct and strong lights, better to opt for a light distribution that gently envelops spaces without creating too sharp shadows;
- light layering: the combined use of several light sources (floor lamps, table lamps, candles, wall lights) helps to create depth and dynamism in the room;
- natural materials for lamps: lampshades made of fabric, rattan, opaque glass or rice paper help to diffuse light softly, avoiding harsh reflections.
Functional and comfortable furniture
Deep sofas, cosy armchairs and beds with plenty of cushions are key elements in emphasising comfort.
The essentials:
- ergonomics and comfort: soft seating, cosy beds and furniture that promotes relaxation.
- natural materials: wood, natural fibre fabrics, warm, textured finishes;
- timeless design: soft lines, rounded shapes and a style that mixes vintage, handcrafted and contemporary;
- versatility and functionality: furniture that adapts to everyday spaces and needs;
- sense of intimacy: proportionate dimensions to create a cosy and welcoming ambience.
Personal details, intimate atmosphere and relaxing corners
Vintage objects, books, photos, handmade ceramics and houseplants add personality to the space, making it more lived-in and authentic.
Spaces dedicated to reading, tea or knitting are a must in a cozy style. A corner with a comfortable armchair, a blanket and a reading lamp is perfect for relaxing.
