Make a Fireplace Cozy?

by Carla
(Somerset, KY)

We may be moving back into our previous house (we bought a new house, but haven't sold the other one yet...and may end up back there). The one thing I dread about it is decorating the living areas. The kitchen/dining/living area is a great room...and it is huge, and also has cathedral ceilings. It always felt like the room is swallowed up the furniture and never felt cozy.

Also, there is a fireplace that sits smack dab in between the living area and the dining area. I always had trouble with it because it isn't in either area, but actually between the areas. Do you have any suggestions on how to make it cozy?

Giorgina's Answer: It sounds like you have a nice living space. While a combination living area does present some challenges, there are ways to make it feel cozy, inviting, and functional.

First and foremost, it is important to define the function of each space.

If the kitchen flows into the dining area, then you could define that space by incorporating a round table with chairs to give it a more open feel.

For the living room, try to arrange the furniture in a manner that makes the fireplace the focal point. A fireplace evokes images of comfort and warmth and it should not be ignored.

If possible, try to avoid blocking the fireplace because it adds so much coziness to a home. Consider arranging a couch so that it faces the fireplace, along with an area rug, and a coffee table.

Try to combine pieces that have varying characteristics for visual interest. If you want to achieve a nice balance, consider pieces that are relative in size to one another. This will allow them to blend in harmony. However, you could successfully combine pieces that are of varying sizes as long as they are not way out of scale. When pieces are completely out of scale, it will be obvious.

For example, a large coffee table sitting in front of a very small couch. Pieces that have similar characteristics are very soothing to the eye while pieces that are slightly different in size add visual interest.

Another good tip is to consider painting the areas. Color is very powerful because the paint color you opt for can make a room appear darker, brighter, larger, smaller, vibrant, calming, or cozy. Since you expressed that you prefer a cozy feel, great colors choices are terra cotta and brown. Terra cotta is warm and cozy while brown is a warm and neutral color that characterizes wholesomeness, earthiness, simplicity, and friendliness. It is linked to taste and sophistication while at the same time is confident and calming. 

Also, since you have cathedral ceilings, you could give the room more balance by adding pieces of art in varying sizes. All of this will allow you to achieve a more cohesive look.