Interior stylists share their top tips for making your space more comfortable

“You want to create a space that gives you a big hug and makes you feel good.”

As a self-proclaimed introvert who’d take a night in over a night out any day of the week, having comfortable spaces in my home is of the utmost importance. 

While making the bedroom a cosy space seems intuitive, the ability to make any space in the home comfortable is an art form in itself, and one I take very seriously. Whether it’s your living room, study or sunroom, there are many tried and true ways to make these spaces feel homely. 

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Your obvious first step is having core pieces of furniture that just ooze comfort and relaxation. Perhaps it’s an age-worn couch your grandma passed down to you, or a chair that’s specifically designed to provide seated bliss like anything from the La-Z-Boy range – because nothing says comfort like putting your feet up in style.

But how else can you build comfort in interior spaces around these key items? I spoke to some interior stylists to find out. Interior designer Natalia Held believes that it’s about more than just visuals when it comes to making a space comfortable. “I think that sound and smell are just as crucial,” she tells me. 

“I would suggest investing in a good quality sound system with simple functions, and a scent that you feel represents you. This may come in the form of oil, wax or incense, or simply an open window with fresh air.”

She also suggests controlling natural and artificial light through sheer curtains, window furnishings and the right lamp globe, but more than anything she believes a space will appear and feel comfortable when you’re genuinely proud of your pieces. 

“To feel a sense of ‘home’ is to feel as though you’re in a space surrounded by pieces that hold some kind of significance or [are] items with an honest reason for their selection. Mix the old with the new, and layer with different materials and textures.”

This is advice that interior stylist Rikke Harker echoes. When it comes to finding preloved pieces, Rikke loves a good online marketplace. With a little patience, you’ll uncover some great vintage finds and then you can mix these in with some more elevated pieces to create a cosy dynamic.

Rikke also believes that when you designate areas of a space to calmness and you choose to cherish relaxing moments in these spaces, this will reflect in the feeling your home radiates. 

Build these spaces with a few key items and you’ve got a consistently cosy nook, because “nothing says ‘home’ more than a space that’s customised to your lifestyle and plays host to the daily rituals you carry out,” Rikke says.

“Add extra soft furnishings such as throws and comfy cushions, and fall in love with mood lighting too,” she tells me. “Playing with materiality, form and scale helps to bring character and personality to a space, and you can definitely achieve this regardless of your style.”

Writer and interior stylist Jessica Bellef is a big believer in a little bit of mess and imperfection. “You want to create a space that gives you a big hug and makes you feel good,” she tells me. “It’s like a great pair of jeans – when they’re lived-in, they’re ten times more comfortable.”

When it comes to the specifics, she suggests a vintage rug “for the softness underfoot, but also because rugs can add colour and pattern and help make a room look ‘finished’”, a throw or blanket “that’s 100 per cent natural material like linen, cotton or wool” and display books and art. All of these things create a cosy mood and a homely aesthetic. 

Jessica also knows that comfort relates to all the senses – everything you can smell, hear and touch. Permeating a space with calming sensory signals will instantly make it calm and comfortable.

“Choose natural materials like leather, wool, linen and timber too,” Jessica says. “There’s nothing like the feel of a raw, organic surface. It’s grounding. Plus, natural materials age really well and get better as the years go on.” 

That’s another great reason to opt for a La-Z-Boy leather chair like this Atlantic Recliner – it comes with a footstool ottoman as well. Need I say more?

Just like Natalia, Jessica believes you need to love everything in your home. “Aim for all killer, no filler. Surrounding yourself with things that make you happy will naturally create a cosy, comfortable space.”

And don’t forget the power of plants in the pursuit of homeliness. Interior stylist Tess Thyregod tells me that “Foraging for some flowers or a big bunch of foliage always does the trick”.

“A tall potted plant is my one go-to. Not only does it elevate the look and feel of a space, but having indoor plants can be beneficial for our overall health and wellbeing.”

For Tess, lamps and light are also key. “Having more than one light source can completely change the mood of a room and can turn a dull space into a warm and inviting one just by adding a few table lamps or candles.”

Tess also comments that if a space still isn’t feeling comfortable, even if you have all the right stuff, try and play around with furniture placement and see how different layouts can affect the feel of a room. 

And according to Tess, minimalism doesn’t have to negate comfort. “If your space and style are quite minimal in terms of furnishings, it’s important for the pieces to speak to one another and complement each other, whether that be through colour, tone or textures,” she explains.

It’s clear there’s no shortage of good advice when it comes to creating comfort in your space, and there are certainly a few key areas of interior styling that can really turn a house into a home.

But what it really comes down to is you – what you like, what makes you feel happy at home and what comfort means to you. So choose wisely, don’t forget the cushions, and go forth in cosiness.

Head here to browse La-Z-Boy’s latest collection of recliner chairs.