The cold season has arrived, we are getting ready to spend the next few months indoors. It's time to make our home a comforting cocoon, as if we were at the chalet. Here's a rundown of the essentials for a cocooning decor.
It's not about redoing the kitchen, repainting the bedroom walls or changing the sofa in the living room. Cocooning doesn't require that much...
Cocooning is simply wrapping your decor in a layer of warmth and softness.
And this layer is not just decorative – it appeals to all the senses.
Here are my essentials for a cozy decor.
A cozy and subdued atmosphere
The basis of cocooning is the ambiance. We want it to be conducive to rest and relaxation. And what could be better than candles, with their soft lighting and shimmering flames, to create an intimate and warm setting when evening comes. We prefer ecological candles made of soy or beeswax and, if possible, local artisans – many Quebec companies make them, like the boutique Les pauvres herbes . Do you have a fireplace in the living room? Lucky you! Is it wood-burning? You're even luckier! A fireplace is instant comfort, cozy on demand. Finally, we play a little music – jazz or classical in my case – to complete the ambiance. Romantic, all that? Yes, cocooning has something romantic about it…
Photo credit: Marzena Marideko
Soft and warm fabrics
In the cocooning spirit, we don't just relax on our sofa or bed... We curl up there, wedged into a small mountain of cushions, each softer than the last, wrapped in a warm blanket. Velvet, faux fur and cotton knits are all in, in neutral or natural tones. And let's not forget the throws - I have several at home. Smaller than blankets (usually 50 in x 60 in), they are placed on the shoulders, legs or feet to keep them warm. In addition, throws are pretty and enhance the decor. Tip about cushions: opt for feather or down fillings, which are much more comfortable than synthetic fillings. They are a little more expensive, but the difference is well worth the price. Also, ideally, the covers would be removable so that they could be machine washed... and changed for other, more vibrant-looking covers when summer returns.
Photo credit: Simons
Comforting smells and flavors
I wrote it above: in a cocooning decor, all the senses are engaged. To titillate the sense of smell, there are several choices: scented candles, room fragrances and mists, diffusers and nebulizers… The fragrances are almost endless, it's all a question of taste (but the scent of balsam fir is a more than safe bet). The important thing is to make sure that the waxes and oils are natural. Avoid products containing phthalates, which are endocrine disruptors (i.e. bad for your health). Another smell that is good for the soul: that of simmering dishes, which fill the house with their scent for hours, in addition to comforting you at first bite. The same goes for a homemade pie or bread, as well as for hot drinks – coffee, tea, herbal tea, etc. – the preparation of which, in cocooning mode, should become a ritual.
A connection with nature
We’ll be spending most of the next few months indoors, less in touch with nature and its benefits… But we can bring nature inside, a little bit. Think plants first. Don’t have a green thumb? Start with a pothos – pothos are practically indestructible, and they purify the air. A designer and very trendy plant: the monstera, with spectacular foliage. If you’re short on light, you can find lighting systems specially designed to grow a wide variety of plants, and even herbs and vegetables (I use those from Vegehome ). You can also bring nature inside by integrating a log of wood that will serve as a bench or side table, or any other accessory made of wood. And why not some fir branches that you can soak in water in a vase, and which will release their forest scent until a real tree appears in your living room in time for Christmas?
Photo credit: Freepik
Hobbies that nourish the soul and spirit
Cocooning, as you will have understood, is taking care of yourself. It is nourishing your senses with warmth and softness, but it is also taking time for yourself, to nourish your soul and mind. Taking time to read a book, to listen to podcasts (I love it!), to do a puzzle (I LOVE IT!!!), to play games with family and friends, to subscribe to new TV channels and watch series that you have heard SO MUCH about (you don't have to be a year-round subscriber), to indulge in a new hobby (make your own candles or knit your next scarf), to try a new recipe, to take a nice bath and make it a new routine... Cocooning is a bit like chalet life: the slow life, the cozy atmosphere, the little uninhibited pleasures. It's hygge. You don't know hygge? I'll tell you more about it in a future column.
Photo credit: Marzena Marideko
Opening photo: Marzena Marideko
Julie Deslauriers is an actress, stylist, interior design columnist and eco-friendly mom. You've probably seen her on Chambres en Ville or other shows? Alongside her acting career, Julie has developed another passion: interior design.
We are happy about our brand new editorial collaboration and her valuable advice. You can follow her on her Instagram feed @lejuliebazar .
Stay tuned for more decorating tips from Julie!
