8 Tips for a Cosy Home (Psychology of Design + Architect-Approved!)

[@baixu]

BOOK MENTIONED (GERMANY) A Pattern Language, Towns, Buildings, Construction: amzn.to/3Oc6af8 (UNITED STATES) A Pattern Language, Towns, Buildings, Construction: amzn.to/3ALVaSp (UNITED KINGDOM) A Pattern Language, Towns, Buildings, Construction: amzn.to/3UWX0GX COSY or COZY? Hi everyone! I've noticed lots of comments about whether it should be "cozy" or "cosy." Just to clarify, "cosy" is the British English spelling, and since I'm from the UK, it's the version I'm used to! Of course, both spellings are correct-it's just a matter of preference and where you're from. 😊 TIMESTAMPS 0:00 intro 0:42 avoid this bulb like the plague 1:42 feeling of warmth 3:10 embrace nature like our ancestors 4:13 visual silence 6:06 pools of light 6:56 there is no substitute for fire 7:41 set boundaries 8:35 embrace curves

[@lovepilie]

A KZbinr actually referencing a book ? Subscribed !

[@xn9333]

Ikr

[@julieunderhill1198]

I had seen this book before as a recommended text. But she sold me on it for sure!

[@sarahpohlig6952]

My jaw dropped when you pulled out A Pattern Language. That book is my BIBLE!!!

[@local534]

Mine too! The world would be a better place if we just followed the guidance therein!

[@startwiththeheart]

I love your content because you are not just giving design advice you go into the psychology of why it is people generally really love and chose these specific timeless elements that make a space feel like a home. Thanks for sharing!

[@xn9333]

Aye it's actually quite insightful for a change 😅

[@wendyduncan9084]

I agree that people prefer nooks. I’m not really sure how open floor plans became so popular honestly. We are trying to restore ours but with more little spots to get away and less huge, open room.

[@julias.4980]

Open Floor Plans (also called Open Concept) are a fast, easy cheap way to produce homes and commercial spaces. Fewer walls, doors and windows save time and money but do not make for a cozy, relaxing or productive space for humans or animals. Spaces need not be fancy to be comfortable A few basic creature comforts and good lighting can go a long way.

[@wendyduncan9084]

@ Ours is a 1970 sunken living room plan. It’s definitely easy to maintain for working women but lacks the homey vibes. We are respectfully making changes that respect the original home and make it more comforting and attractive. Like a half wall between the kitchen and living room and wood floors. We are contemplating real linoleum tiles in a classic checkerboard.

[@skojigoquist9288]

I lived in a for er socialist country for a few years as a teenagers. I was surprised to See how much they tried to push the open concept, uniform light Ing, big Windows, glass-everywhere type of interior. Most people resisted. In school we had all of these but private houses kept the nooks, the cosy Little places, the built-in beds with curtainsvand tapestry - making eveyone realizing that the system tried to push something on eveyone.

[@jeannecrowley8383]

​@@julias.4980builder grade homes and open floor plans are easier to build. Everyone lives in these wide open spaces and it's so loud! Plus, there's no privacy or surprise around the corner. Ultimately, it's not very warm. Give me my walls!!

[@hounamao7140]

same thing with open space offices. A f* intrusive nightmare. First thing I asked for in my new job was a small private office. Now I can work without feeling the threat of people behind my back. People who come to ask me things now always ask if I they can stay for a bit and work on the sofa because the space feels cozy and quiet.

[@julieunderhill1198]

I've been told for decades that my apartment is "so cozy." One friend calls it The Nest. Now I know exactly why/how I got there. I'd already been doing these recommended things intuitively. I appreciate the insights into design psychology that reinforce our connection to the natural world and the safety therein. Thought-provoking. It reminds me how "nature" walks soothe us, as does "forest bathing," making us less prone to rumination. ✨ 🌲 ✨ I also like side-by-side comparisons with colder and more sterile spaces, to illustrate the point.

[@hanaelkhedri9593]

I agree with you!

[@santabanga]

Do you have Instagram? Would love to see your house

[@Shart-santha]

I did NOT expect humor to be in a home decor video! I normally don’t click on videos like this because they feel sterile to me. I LOVE humor so watching this video and seeing so many jokes being made, made my day!🖤 Instant subscribe! You’re a gem and your personality seems awesome!🖤

[@cynthiaa.4826]

Me too. It is a very COZY video. 😊

[@robbykidman]

Love the sarcasm 😂 i only use big lights to find where cockroach went though.

[@serenakoleno9338]

Or spiders 😅

[@baixu]

Haha, cockroaches and spiders... that’s one way to ‘bring nature inside’ 😆

[@wendylang2360]

I would add - frame the view- into each room. Sometimes there are rooms in our homes that we aren't attracted to (or actually avoid). Stand back from the doorway/entrance to that area & take a critical look at what you see 'framed' by the doorway. Is there something you could rearrange or add or take-away to improve that 'view'?🤔 Little things can make a big difference. Sometimes a well placed mirror can reveal an attractive space that would otherwise be out of sight from the doorway. It can also reflect natural light & possibly a nice view of the outdoors from a window.

[@kassandramcpherson2839]

Yes! The view into an adjoining room is a little vignette. Makes you imagine what life would be like in that "other" world! My question is how much the colors in that adjoining room need to be considered as accent colors in your original room.

[@wendylang2360]

@kassandramcpherson2839 I am no expert but I would say that a small amount of colour will do it- I would at least start small. Maybe the thing that also links rooms is a cane basket or another item that carries the theme from other areas in some small way. Don't forget about visual texture. You may have sage green kitchen lowers with quartzite counter tops & your adjoining room may have an artwork with a white cottage with a sage green roof, or a lounge chair with a throw rug in white & sage check, or if it is a powder room, then a sage soap dispenser on the white counter top. It is amazing what you can find at second hand shops when you go with a colour palette in mind - the item you come across makes the decision for you of what you think looks 'just right', & you achieve an individual decorating style. Happy decorating. 😊

[@GailAnderson-t8q]

Love your factual presentations sprinkled with your sense of humor. Always look forward to your videos.

[@camellia8625]

I hope your channel takes off. You have some great content here

[@baixu]

I appreciate that!

[@nonawolf7495]

Excellent video! So many home are just featureless white boxes...thank you showing us ways to offset that visual boredom!

[@DH-gk8vh]

I just ordered a coffee table made ethically from Mango wood. The tree will eventually stop producing fruit. When it does, they cut it down and make beautiful furniture from it. They plant another Mango tree in it's place. I have a cream colored sofa coming that is angular, but soft pillows. The coffee table is a beautiful brown called Burnt Wax. You can see the grain in it. The edges have been softly rounded even though it a rectangle. I'm changing out my light bulb today to a warm bulb. That's all I will use from now on. I'm in the mist of redoing my living room. Thank you for a great video! I'll be using your suggestions!

[@bobchevallier8456]

I love Coastal style. Lots of white, but i have windows looking into the woods near me. Have to have nature. Colorful paintings, pretty throws, aqua and blue, pink accents, flowers, pretty lamps, plants, pillows and throws. Done

[@allthingsiro]

I'm glad KZbin recommend this video. Immediately subscribed.

[@northernlights6459]

Me too!

[@niki-mars955]

When you told the cat, love me, love me! Gahahaga I laughed out so loud. Great video! ❤

[@LaLoutreDanoise]

That was such a well-thought, well edited video and interesting subject! Thanks for breaking it down and explaining the why behind each recommendation!

[@kh884488]

Great suggestions! Regarding pools of light, not only do pools of light make a environment more warm and cozy but they often can make a small room feel larger. Whereas with a large central overhead light, it is great for cleaning the room but tends to make the room feel smaller. I renovated the kitchen in our old house a few years ago. It came with a large overhead light. I left the large overhead light in but added some over-counter lights, some under cabinet lights and some lights on top of the cabinets shining up at the ceiling. The variety of location of lights makes the room feel a lot bigger as well as more cozy and inviting.

[@je55_kaya]

The fact that I see your velvet couch makes me so Happy. I was shopping for couches yesterday and I saw a grey velvet sofa bed that I loved compared to all the other ones i've seen.

[@Duvessa-darkbeauty]

I love dark moody interior design and dark paint color. I makes me feel calm and relaxed

[@annika7310]

This was really helpful for my disseration I am currently writing. But also helpful for making my own home more cozy.

[@alinegomes4475]

I’m brazilian and your video cames to me. I’m IN LOVE with your accent and now I’m “using” your channel to practice british accent/english. THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTENT! Ps: Also, I’m building my house with my groom, so your tips is very rich. Again, thank you!

[@sleuththewild]

Wonderful! The direction away from minimalism, with specific recommendations, is a your own touch to this topic. Although I've thought of some, there are other home items I hadn't thought of yet. Great illustration of the points from photos.

[@luciana-j4p]

I loved this video, you make us feel cozy yourself with your kind style ❤😂

[@hanaelkhedri9593]

Thank you so much, I feel that was exactly the list I needed to get guidance on how to *actually* make my space feel cozy! I was able to relate to several of your points, to name some that resonated: - lighting! (I really feel bothered with white lighting it's like... I just can't) - enclosure yasss! Actionable tips that work for all type of style and space, thanks a lot, be blessed ! (+ I do love lists lol)

[@elisebrown5157]

Wow - I've never met anyone else who read A Pattern Language. I love that book!

[@baixu]

I love that! It’s honestly one of my favourite books and wish more people know about it! 🥹

[@alenac.3934]

This was lovely. I must read The Pattern Language. I think I am doing most of these things instinctively (or maybe not instinctively, I have been long interested in interior design). I had to smile when you mentioned the enclosed spaces - that is one of my main criteria for outdoor space, I would never be comfortable in a space that is visible from all sides. I am lucky that my backyard is nicely protected by hedges, trees and shrub so that I can enjoy the outdoor space virtually unseen by the occupants of the neighbouring houses.

[@leahweinberger583]

Yes, this is my challenge. But yes, so harsh to feel exposed outside. Will ponder for some easy cheap ways to create "enclosure" in a wide open space.

[@yadiaag7771]

For me it’s #1 Warm lighting, #2 Round curves, #3 nature, #4 bright warm colors, #5 soft textures, I guess without even seeing all the video I got the same outcome.

[@elizabethchurchill1216]

Thanks for the shout out to Chris Alexander! Excellent informative entertaining video.

[@xanthippe7923]

Sehr gut erklärt. Ich habe endlich verstanden, warum ich meine Tassen nicht mag:-)))) weiss und ohne Texture:-)))

[@kimganassin589]

I immediately subscribed to your channel just now, like others have. I will say that i do love a big open space because i am driven to express myself through movement. It is a daily inclination. I require an open space with a high ceiling because somehow, when i am moving, I end up taking up all the space. 😊

[@flipina]

I loooovveee your vibe! And thanks for the perspective you bring in. I have always felt uncomfortable in very white minimalist places, even the luxury hotels. As I got older, I became more sensitive to these things and my ability to focus and work ties to warmth rather than the generic setup of corporate workspaces.

[@ekaterinalipinets9306]

Thank you for this not boring, very quality content. And also for advices ❤

[@HoosierInUtah]

Just subscribed! 📺 Your videos are so much fun and I really enjoy your positive energy and knowledge. It is so obvious that you put a ton of thought and time into each piece...I'll be spending this morning viewing more of your channel as I sip my coffee ☕

[@FigaroHey]

I read A Pattern Language years ago and only consciously remember a few things from it. I have no memory of the pages on lighting, for example. Now I realize that possibly the reason so much design advice feels obvious to me might be because I absorbed that information from A Pattern Language years ago.

[@markus_rut]

Haha the enclosed thing really stuck with me. Never knew why I preferred sitting on the side of the couch below my floating shelf

[@leahweinberger583]

Yes. My couch is perpendicular to the wall to create a living room. Ha sitting on the couch made me feel like a tiger was going to jump on my back so I added a sofa table, lamps and a tall silk tree behind one end of the couch. and you can guess where I sit mostly. Lol. Yup "hidden" by the tree. This was a great video.

[@alicequayle4625]

Ooh, I love the Pattern Language book!! ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@baixu]

it's so gooood!!! should be compulsory reading for every architect, designer, house builder, and generally everyone who wants to understand and improve their built environment... I'm working hard on spreading the word 😁

[@dalilludallys5133]

Brilliant video. Approach, content excellent, delivery, very enjoyable! Subscribed 😊

[@mushroom_thrillers]

Excellent examples! Thank you!

[@spoiledwitch82]

This was so well done. I really enjoyed realizing the big differences it makes

[@baixu]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@__-sp1ly]

Love me! *cat* : I am! I'm watching for predators you weirdo! 😂

[@cathydelgado6477]

This is my cat😅

[@domenicamassaro8221]

True to some extent. It is not one size fits all. A lot depends on how is the exposure of the windows. If it is north, light colors are needed, to make the rooms feel more airy and large. Wood, to say one, absorbs light, so it is not always the answer. We can use a lot of soft materials, like window treatements, throws and cushions, the warm white lights and a few tokens here and there, a few memorabilia, plants or cut branches and flowers, for the cozy feel.

[@l.5832]

Agree. My living room has a huge window and is south facing. In error, I painted the room a pale butter yellow. BIG mistake! All that natural sun, combined with the yellow walls was completely overwhelming. I repainted a very soft blue (Benjamin Moore Whispering Spring) and changed the light bulbs to daylight balance (never have yellow bulbs on blue walls or you'll have visual mud). LOVE my place now!

[@jakubromanczuk3004]

Great video! You deserve your channel to grow a lot bigger. Wish you luck!

[@Imledal]

These tips are amazing. I’ll think about ways to use fire in my home to make it cozy.

[@leahweinberger583]

Those Himalayan salt lamps help and dark amber glasses with candles inside also help. I use battery operated ones with an "orange bulb"

[@janicesiebert3167]

Just looked around my living room, see that I need to move 3 items to make a warmer enclosure. Thank you!

[@SN-wi6nn]

Great video! So true on warm light! I always make sure that we live in a place where a lot of sunlight can enter through windows. Ideally most windows facing South/West. I was living in an apartment once facing to the north and there was never any direct sunlight coming in. I am not lying but I was sick and depressed a lot of time.

[@baixu]

Sunlight makes such a difference!

[@hannah5245]

I read a lot. White light keeps me mentally stimulated. Cozy earthy is good for bedroom. Warm pastel tones for walls with contrast for furniture.

[@l.5832]

Avoid vaulted ceilings when buying a home. I've had 2 homes with these sky-high ceilings and you can't get 'cozy' with them. Also, it's always too hot or too cold and you always need a ceiling fan going. Now I have a traditional 8 foot ceiling and I love my cozy space.

[@paullacerda4459]

You couldn't be anymore wrong!

[@l.5832]

@@paullacerda4459 "Wrong"? Cozy being a matter of opinion, but I've owned 5 homes in 40 years so there's that.....

[@gloglos100]

I just bought a home in desperation to be near my family, it has good timber floors garage solid and big open sunny backyard but it has hideous low ceilings you admire, these are for low intelligence people. I loathe them.

[@l.5832]

@@gloglos100 Cozy....

[@malenejensen2995]

It can be beautiful with high ceilings, but it can be a problem heating the room.

[@ThinkDreamBecome]

I liked ur intro, then the first point, the second point n then paused video cz i had to like n comment. its ur personality that makes ur videos likeable content

[@adrianewolf6839]

This was such a great video, esp the way you drew connections between interior decorating and nature and how it affects are psyche, so smart!!

[@Mandyxien]

One of the best interior design videos I have ever seen I think. Damn! So funny - I audibly laughed several times. The "love me" at the cat in the intro and the hound reference really got me. But at the same time so many useful factbased tips? Wow. You really delivered on the promise to not just give the basic tips. Especially because you paired your tips with really good, more in-depth explanations of WHY something makes it more cozy. Love that! This was the first video I saw from you and it was an immediate subscribe.

[@QuirkyGirl10]

Thank you for putting into words what has always attracted me to coziness and texture and explaining the psychology of it all. I’ve always wondered if my love for cozy goes back to the womb, as my mom was in labor with me for 18 hours!😅

[@graceevans9895]

This is definitely the best video ever!!! loved it

[@themorocstar]

Awwwwww I love this when I read the word psychology I HAD to click Glad I did not only you’re giving such good advices but even you’re voice is soothing im subscribing 🫶🏼🥰

[@user-yd4yr5hr3s]

Totally on the same page with you and already love you🥰😘

[@sukhanhk]

Wonderful reference to Psychology to highlight decoration points 👏👏👏

[@freciemagdirila7075]

Never thought of applying psychology to styling my home, great concept. I subscribed.

[@maxyoko]

Came for the aesthetic, stayed for the cat :)

[@baixu]

meow 😸

[@JKBelle]

@@baixu 😂😂.. super pretty cat! Puuuuurefect aesthetic!

[@dominiqueritchey6795]

I love your lip color with your hair and outfit choice.

[@anastasiapane1658]

Wow it was very useful video with enough explanations, thank you) It’s funny but I realised that I already use some of this techniques intuitively, and now I understand why

[@evgenia_kitaeva]

The first video on KZbin, what really helped me to understand what to do with my place and why I feel it not cozy. Thank you!

[@christinaheagy4602]

Thank you. Good information in a small amount of time!

[@annagrace8502]

Really good! Loved this-learned a lot!

[@buddyneher9359]

You're speaking my language! Subscribed, looking forward to catching up on your other videos 🙂

[@LAR2911]

Awww I am happy I found your channel. This makes me more content with how our family room is styled. It’s COSY! ❤️ And I had no idea. 😂 Yet this is so helpful for creating this throughout our home. Thank you again! God bless you. ❤

[@SomeOne-mp6ym]

A Pattern Language!!!! I love that book!!!❤

[@drearoach]

Haha...my friends all know i will change their lighting when i come over...warm lightbulbs and turning off the big light and turning on any lamps....I am always looking for nice lamps in thriftstores for gifts....im on a mission!

[@northernlights6459]

This was very interesting and informative.Witty too. I instantly subscribed.

[@jeannebee2935]

A Pattern Language is one of my favorite books too! I subscribed because it's one of your favorites and I'm hoping you will talk more about the ideas and concepts in the book. Thank you for this video!

[@susanmacaluso5218]

Excellent presentation! And adorably funny, too.

[@TheOctodread]

very eye opening content and good energy! Thank you for the advices

[@Zi_de_primavara]

I liike you!.... and the way you presented the ideas made some good insights about the elements that make a room intristing and cosy!

[@sbrar5182]

Great explanation. Thank you.

[@dianataylor8685]

What a lovely lady you are. Love your eyes, so cheerful. I feel a New Zealand vibe, like Lorde? Love the accent!

[@kathalaluna]

Thank you. Finally someone made this video ❤

[@LucileHR]

Just discovered your channel and I really love it! Thank you for all the work you put into making those great videos :)

[@tochukwunwokike6538]

So much useful information. Thank you.

[@rupalisalve396]

Really very helpful ✨ Thank you❤❤

[@thestorytimekitchen9706]

I love a pattern language! No one but no one talks about it. Bravo!

[@martinacrafton1252]

Thank you for explaining with ease and humour, the principles that I try to convey to my clients. I shall be sharing this video with them as a "must view" before we procede with the project! I hope to watch many more in the future.

[@rejeangagne4524]

Great video! This is a good summary of some of the patterns of home that were also the base for the series 'The Not So Big House' by architect Sarah Susanka. I have most of here books. Currently in the process of designing a new summer home, and I find that most of the portfolio from builders and architects alike are very cold and depressing. Seems the 'nordic' simplicity trend, unfortunately coupled with the high cost of construction post-pandemic, has led people to believe that white naked walls and ceilings are nice thing and make home inviting and cozy.

[@v_iika]

Love that you read "A Pattern Language"

[@anuasp]

Thank you! This was so insightful.

[@aprilcornejo5895]

Really really great content! Love the psychology behind these tips! Awesome job!

[@francescacounselling]

This is so incredibly useful 🙏

[@leastidyworld4365]

0:18 That interaction is so relatable.

[@AnnieIsaLau]

Great tips!!! I will definitely follow them as much as possible!

[@Ramonaseternalsunshine]

This explains why I prefer one room in my home over another. And now, I have learned how to create that cozy feel in my home.

[@MerryMoss]

You made me laugh in the first 17 seconds (avoid white lights like the plague), well done 😂 Honestly.. I don't really know why I watch these videos, I already incorporate all of these things and have the cosiest darn little space ever😊 I've loved making cosy nooks every since I was a small child, and I never needed any instruction in how to achieve that. I guess it's just innate ^^

[@marion7661]

Pretty, funny and well educated in your profession. Subscribed🎉

[@happyjoy77edgin73]

Excellent presentation and educational !!!😊😊😊

[@tomdelconte1022]

Great tips! Love all the examples!

[@improlife7659]

Wow! My new favourite yt-channel for interior design 😍

[@MirunaVasi]

Such a good video and advices! and now I'm really curious to read the book after going through the comments :)

[@larajohnson8656]

I absolutely adore the way words sound when you say them! 😃

[@LeonardoLoCoco]

thank you , this video was very interesting, you're voice is calm and relaxing . I'll try to follow the advice. the book that you recommended is also available in Italian?

[@Wongmads]

I’m glad KZbin recommended me to watch your video. I really received a lot good ideas from your video , Thankyou Baixu!

[@baixu]

I'm so glad!

[@rae717]

Well done! Good, thoughtful content, enhanced by photos that are clear and relevant. And you read: A Pattern Language!

[@poojacv11]

Fresh content 🎉❤

[@Pokiexnuggy]

Thanks! These are really helpful tips for my new house! ❤