How To Make Your Home Feel Cozy

[@v_kaydubz7424]

I had a friend who lived in a small apartment and even though she had minimal furniture it felt warm and inviting. First, the colours in the room were creams, beiges, reds, and browns. Her floor was carpeted, she had some cushions, and she had a bookshelf filled with books. 80% of the time I was over, she had cookies or cake baking in her oven - the smell was incredible and made me go, "Ah, I'm home." Then we'd get to eat them during my visit and she'd send me home with a few for my kids to have. But the coziest thing about her apartment was her. She was such a warm and welcoming person. I'm working on making my home feel like this for when my kids come home from school :)

[@pixie3760]

Sounds absolutely lovely

[@tara7206]

How sweet

[@ribbrascal]

Hygge!

[@496brit]

She sounds incredible I felt warmed up just reading about her

[@angierodriguez4729]

I love this comment :)

[@erikaronska1096]

One of my favorite scents is fresh air! I open my windows every day. When you air out the space first, candles or diffusers can really do what they’re meant to do.

[@jjbowman4653]

To be fair, we open our windows all the time. We also always make sure they are open when our neighbours are doing laundry ❤

[@bigvalley4987]

@@jjbowman4653, Nice. I really enjoy the fresh smell of the dryer.💝

[@jessicat3951]

The feeling of "Cozy" is when you feel protected and safe from the elements. Repeat. The feeling of "Cozy" is when you feel protected and safe from the elements. If you live in a hot or hot and humid climate, cool hard surfaces that are warm in tone and have texture (like plaster work on walls, travertine or other tasteful tiles, etc., are EXTREMELY cozy. I live in the north, so i can follow Nick's rulebook. But imagine you are on the mediteranian, or Buenos Aires, or SoCal... A big expanse of clean beautiful tiles and a ceiling fan is absolute bliss because it is so hot out!

[@victorialester1634]

Very interesting, I wouldn’t have thought of that simply because it doesn’t apply to me lol

[@cobyloewen3388]

So, the Dutch have a word/concept all about coziness. The word they use is ‘gezellig’ It was something my immigrant mother, my Grandmother, my aunties would refer to all the time. It was the smell of homemade soups and cookies. The texture of knitted items and needlepoint. The look of orderliness and gleaming surfaces and floors. And much more. Many of them in postwar Netherlands had very little but they strived for this ‘homey ness’ and as they made starts in new countries as immigrants, we (the children of those immigrants) learned to understand what ‘gezellig’ meant. Thanks your your tips to help us create that. An Okanagan fan

[@Nick_Lewis]

Awww I used to live in Amsterdam and I remember "gezellig" so well! Thanks for the reminder! ❤

[@awesomelife3710]

There’s a fantastic book, “Home: A Short History of an Idea,” by Witold Rybczynski, about the many wonderful concepts, including coziness, that flourished in The Netherlands and moved, from there, out into the world.

[@cobyloewen3388]

@@awesomelife3710 Great. Will check it out.

[@cobyloewen3388]

@@awesomelife3710 Recognize the author, who also wrote the brilliant book The Most Beautiful House in the World- story of a boat shed he built that ended up being the beautiful house. Thanks for reminding me of that book and I’m looking forward to another read!

[@ak2944]

Do you know the Flow magazine? It gives me that "gezellig" vibe :) it's a Dutch magazine btw, it's really good!

[@Chelseabee55]

I think we should try to go back to normalizing small homes. Over consumption is a massive issue. I’d rather have a small cozy (but not cluttered) home I feel comfortable in, than a cold and lonely mansion

[@ribbrascal]

Same but with a jacuzzi, steam room, sauna and a pool in the backyard.

[@cs4849]

I so agree. We deliberately built a smaller home and I love the coziness of it.

[@ChristieNoble]

Agreed. I love my smaller house. Easier to clean, maintain and improve. I feel kind of grossed out by those houses that have large entrance ways with two stairs going up to one balcony -like what's that about? I've never seen on in NZ where I'm from so don't know what they're called but they seem tacky wasteful and ostentatious to me.

[@SirS2pendous]

And in debt. LOL!

[@BB-re8mw]

Amen!

[@fifidt271]

Nick! I love your work and your sense of humour 😊 SPECIAL REQUEST: Could you please create a video reviewing interior design of famous tv show apartments such as Will and Grace and Friends. Why they work, why they don’t. It could be a whole series, I think a lot of people would be interested in. Thanks for all your awesome content!

[@jewellerycourseonline1705]

That would be awesome. Please do that.

[@fionataylor4179]

Cool idea

[@chelseayell9885]

Yes please do this!

[@erinmoore9681]

Schitt’s Creek 🤗

[@alicesonorbe1762]

This is an amazing idea!!!

[@katieweiher]

I love that you got through this video without saying “hygge”. Also, the book Cozy Minimalist Home might interest anyone who wants more on how to make a home feel cozy.

[@bgholmq]

I LOVE that book and Myquillyn Smith!

[@electricvehiclehead]

Yup I’ve read it

[@carolinacarsolio5476]

Yes to usingnatural ingredients! A tip for the "smell" section: Simmering a mixture of coffee, cinnamon, and cloves also works to deodorize any lingering odors. I had an oven accident once, involving salmon and a broken Pyrex. My oven stunk every time I used it for months! A friend told me about this mixture, and I was very skeptical, I had tried everything to remove the fishy smell, including concentrated bleach. But it worked! I have used it ever since when my house smells bad for whatever reason and it is like magic. After all, if that can neutralize the FISH smell, I guess it can get rid of anything! 🐠🐡🐟

[@kayelle8005]

Thank you for this tip

[@parkersnowe]

White vinegar is great as well.

[@parkersnowe]

@Sue Sue That works. Just the vinegar will work as well.

[@flowersafeheart]

What a great tip!!! Look forward to trying this

[@rebeccahart3944]

Wow! I will try this for the lingering cinnamon roll smell in a rental home of mine.

[@squeekytoy123]

As a renter, I can’t put dimmers on my lights but I did invest in lamps, and I have created ambient lighting cheaply with spotlights behind furniture. It makes a huge difference :)

[@grutarg2938]

Lamps are great. I have one that is near the front window of my house, and I can see it shining out when I come home from work.

[@nintendonintendont]

Can you expand on what exactly you use as spotlights behind furniture? I’m renting as well and am looking for ways to create a little more ambient lighting in my small unit. Thanks :)

[@MoonbeamGardener]

I bought a few cheap lamps to light darker little corners in my house. I was so surprised by how warm and cozy it made my house feel. I've since bought a third lamp and plan to get at least two more accent lights.

[@squeekytoy123]

@@nintendonintendont Hey! So personally I put my furniture a little bit away from the wall then clamp spotlights to the back facing upwards towards the ceiling. It is especially easy if the piece is angled in a corner. Hope that helps!

[@cooperwesley1536]

My best friend has the most stunning condo I've ever seen... it's seriously magazine ready. He uses Georgian antiques and high end reproductions, luxurious fabrics, and beautiful art. I, and all of our friends, hate going over there and rarely do. Why? Well, it's not because we're jealous, it's because he's so nervous when anyone is in his home. "Don't sit there... I'll get you a chair" is a common expression, which he utters while pulling folding chairs from the closet. He doesn't serve food or drinks, and never uses his china or crystal because he refuses to host meals. Basically, he lives in a museum-like environment, and it's impossible to feel "at home" when you're there. Don't do this, folks! You're not achieving what you think you're achieving.

[@awesomelife3710]

Your friend sounds like someone who plain doesn’t know how to enjoy the good life. I wonder if he grew up in poverty, made money, and now thinks it’s about how things look rather than how they are meant to enhance our one and only life on this planet, this time around.

[@tereseczimbal8099]

I'm wondering if someone was a bit too comfortable and broke/spilled and ruined something expensive and treasured? I gave a friend a beautiful picture book on one of her favorite things and roommates put their drinks on (the cover) it. It's too bad as he will just be alone in his beautiful house.

[@user-kpkxgtj]

That sounds like just the kind of home that would terrify me - where everything is too precious to be of any real-life use, it's all only good to be looked at.

[@cooperwesley1536]

@@user-kpkxgtj Exactly.

[@dunkindonut36]

Patrick Bateman energy

[@ether4211]

Thank you for highlighting fragrance allergies - these are super common and estimated to impact 1 in 4 people. It's also worth knowing that essential oils are also a very common allergen and some are toxic. Instead when I have guests I hit the 'scent and taste' by having something in the oven like chocolate cake or scones, because nothing says cosy like freshly baked cake :)

[@liv97497]

Yes! And if you don't feel like baking, simmering some water + lemon peels + a couple rosemary sprigs + 1 tsp vanilla is absolutely heavenly.

[@texasliz69]

I 💯 agree. Especially those candles, Indoor air quality is a thing.

[@immafaint673]

100% Get rid of the fake smelling things. Such headache inducers. I have NEVER understood WHY people post photos of fresh baked goodies with a scented candle next to it!

[@mrnt1257]

And some of us get migraines from smells

[@Dit1160]

Thank you! I have had to leave peoples homes because they use “fragrance”. I have asthma and artificially scented fragrance is a trigger. Also breathing in the multitude of chemicals used to make these smells is not good for anyone.

[@geniej2378]

You absolutely nailed it that cosy is a multi sensory feeling. I personally prefer less furniture, so books are a really good sound absorber - similar to a wall hanging / tapestry.

[@flawlix]

Wow, the wall in the dining area looks so much better in navy. I’d forgotten already.

[@dreamwithinadreamfilms]

“Pumpkin spice lattes… by the bucketful!” Lol! 😅😂

[@tracejohnson6273]

I love the insight about dark colors and the feeling of intimacy. We often think about how to make spaces feel… well, spacious, but making a space feel smaller to evoke a sense of security but also a sense of closeness with others all by using dark colors is brilliant. Of all the things I’ve learned from your channel, this one is perhaps the most eye-opening! Thanks!

[@grutarg2938]

Also the tip about not having too much empty space.

[@jadef8]

Basically, appeal to your inner caveman and make your home as cavelike as possible 😂 I have a candle collection (it's a problem), a mini library in my home office with a cozy chair by a window, and a blanket-filled basket in the living room. Also, mulled wine is the best cozy drink. So happy that fall is finally here!

[@Nick_Lewis]

We all love a cozy cave!

[@ribbrascal]

You'd really like the Swedish drink "glug". Also the baked fruit with chocolate "gino".

[@nopseudosleft56]

"it's a problem" 🤣🤣🤣

[@PasCorrect]

I remember reading a long time ago that the point of a scented candle is to scent the room, and when that's done, you're supposed to snuff it as opposed to letting it burn for hours. I suspect a lot of "overwhelming" candles become much more tolerable when used this way. But I totally agree that more natural, non-gimmicky scents are the way to go. Eucalyptus is a big fave of mine :)

[@4dragons632]

I was also thinking about temperature, although temperature is just common sense honestly. Fix any drafts, have a way to heat and a way to cool, consider how much of the space you want to control the temperature of and how much you're willing to ignore.

[@ribbrascal]

Might I recommend...an electric fireplace even? You heard me right, Nick!

[@katego370]

The problem with black walls and dark rooms is that they might feel cozy at 11pm at night but they look so depressing during the day with the cooler light of the sun. There's a hollowness to it in daylight. I think coziness doesn't have to be restricted to nighttime. If a room is done right, it works day and night! The main thing about coziness is really just familiarity. Minimalism isn't cozy, your picture frames, your memorabilia, etc, combined with a great lighting plan and colors that feel airy in daylight and warm in the evening.

[@Losshe]

Not to mention all the dust that you can see on dark colors during the day!

[@carmenramirez1832]

Yay! I DID swap out 3 boob lights and LOVE the improvement.

[@LaurenAnne6]

Thank you for acknowledging us folks sensitive to smells! I get so overwhelmed in a space that doesn't smell neutral. My older sister likes to have a defuser going. It's not a bad smell but I don't like smelling it. Whenever I dog sit, I turn off all of her diffusers.

[@veronicachiner2033]

Totally agree ! I boil a big bunch of fresh mint, let it sit for the night and vaporize the resulting water ... I keep the water in the fridge to avoid rottening : cheap, natural and delicious smell 😊

[@lucybraun8969]

For my living room cozy, I like to add in the coziest sofa throw I can find - with lots of texture to it.

[@melissabyrd1310]

When you said sandalwood ,i said OH YES! LOVE LOVE LOVE❤

[@Madijo70]

I love that you mentioned clean your place

[@lorenlash9174]

I loved this multi sensory explanation and your tips for coziness. Our spaces are so much more that just form and thinking in terms of our senses is just brilliant and oh-so-feng shui. Love your videos, Nick!

[@Nick_Lewis]

It really is a whole experience

[@patriciaburgess6342]

I love the look of large rugs on timber floors.

[@ides315]

I love the way you cleverly and relevantly incorporated all senses into this video. Very well thought out ☺

[@Lulu-oi9ue]

I’m going for bright, breezy and beautiful. I’m blessed to have a a cute coastal cottage home with lots of big windows so lots of natural airflow, sunlight and views. I’ve chosen a warm white for the walls, tiles and furniture is light warm timber. Lots of cozy texture in the furniture, linen and homewares. Cozy to me means also adding florals and books.

[@abigail1023]

Lighting, yes! In two homes where I had dinner the lights over the tables seemed like 500 watts. I have sensitive eyes and they were watering. I felt like I was being interrogated by the Gestapo. Dimmers, please! So cheap and easy to install and they make such a difference.

[@alistasia]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@paigebender208]

Can you make a video on incorporating holiday decorations in a classic way or to match each of the interior design styles??

[@kimgray5384]

Love the way you pulled all five senses together! Bravo!

[@theresatrudelle3972]

LOVED this video! You covered all aspects of the senses and it made sense. Layering all of these is what creates a truly cozy home.

[@Amira_Phoenix]

Detailed analysis and a great delivery. Thank you, Nick, for the cosy tips and vibes🤗

[@AnonymousAnonymous-fz6xi]

For those sensitive to artificial scents I would recommend an oil burner (those ones where you put the oil and water in the top and a tea light underneath). I don't put oil in mine I create a mini stovetop potpourri as I have pets that are too sensitive for essential oils. This way you still get the delicious scents but it's no difference sensitivity wise than cooking would be.

[@skj4279]

The taste category was totally relevant! Definitely made me rethink the type of coffee table I’ll be getting!

[@nancyneyedly4587]

Under "sound", I think some kind of background music. Background being the main point, you choose what might be background for you, jazz, classical, lo-fi, but not so loud and obtrusive that it is the main thing happening in the space. When you sit down in someone's house the silence is deafening feeling is not so cozy, so the music kind of relaxes the moments between chatter. For me anyway, I like the BGM instrumental jazz, tinkling in the background. I just want to add, have you ever walked into a store or cafe and there is no music? Feels weird, to walk around in there all silent. The right music can create a relaxed mood that makes people want to stay. It's just friendlier.

[@ribbrascal]

I think Matt Walsh from the Daily Wire was recently disparaging music in stores. I like it.

[@thesender6321]

I love peaceful quiet. The incessant noise - er I mean music - encourages online shopping and eating at home.

[@carolhollinger6949]

i love vanilla. thanks for shouting out vanilla today!!! i have worn it as perfume and also use it for house scent for years - its my signature. i ran into an ex boyfriend a while back he told me I smell the same as he remembered. he sounded so sentimental. vanilla is a great cozy classic scent.

[@ribbrascal]

Smell is the sense most linked to triggering memories!

[@samus4799]

On the topic of scent, I’ve found an excellent candle for the fellas; Village Candle - Clean Musk and Vetiver. It’s a very refined sort of masculine scent. Found it at Publix.

[@wellnesscloud9887]

For the past 2 months I’ve been addiction FB Marketplace.. now I’m addicted to you inspiring funny exciting videos.. I’ve told all my friend to follow you.. your a breath of fresh air

[@lisaf5303]

If you are sensitive to scents ( my Mom is very sensitive) you can always use a simmer pot. Oranges, apples, cinnamon, vanilla are good ingredients to use. Throw the ingredients into a pot of water, bring to a boil and then lower to a simmer. Add water throughout the day when needed.

[@EvelynM-vlogs]

Even that would set off my husbands allergies, the volatile oils in oranges especially.

[@Card_Crazed]

@@EvelynM-vlogs Yes, my husband as well. I love vanilla fragrance in a home, but won't use it due to my husband's allergies.

[@carolaratari6373]

Thank you for that suggestion as I am sensitive to candles even soy. I will try this…sounds like it smells delicious!!

[@Nick_Lewis]

Great idea!

[@fridayhunt7075]

I’m also sensitive. I’m also paranoid about open flames, so I dab essential oils on my faux flowers, and sometimes other porous materials.

[@samijust8689]

Thank goodness for Nick! I wish I could retain all you’ve taught, but at least I can come back to your vids.

[@kevinmayers4346]

I remembered our porch had dimmers and this was in early 2000's we always went there to relax

[@ErinTheApartmentHomesteader]

I am SO glad you mentioned that carpet makes a room cozy. I don't understand why people are so against carpet. Like idk, it's not particularly exciting?... That doesn't mean it looks bad, cause it doesn't, but people take all the carpet out of their bedroom, and it's gotta be so sad because they wake up from their warm cozy bed, just to step on their cold hard floor. I insist on having carpet in bedrooms. In fact, I even like it in living rooms more so than a hard floor with a rug. People are missing out on the true cozy life excluding carpet in their life.

[@amavivian4484]

Always love your response to the "boob" light. 😂😂😂

[@il42]

Nick, I absolutely love your content and delivery. It's full blown autumn here already and this particular video makes me want to snuggle up with coco and keep watching your content 🍁🍂

[@cdavham]

Nick, you say it so well and with great humor.

[@Useernaamee]

I love yankee candles especially the spooky ones and no one or anything is ever gonna change my mind 😀

[@Chimera8883]

My entire life smelled like Midsummer Night for many years and that smell still gives me such happy memories. You can pry that Yankee scent from my cold, dead, hands 😂

[@TheAgentmigs]

10:30 One particular thing you can do for that cozy scent is simmer some orange peel, cinnamon and cloves on the stove reallly REALLY low. It helps give that warm, fall smell without being artificial. And it'll last you all day as long as you keep refilling the water.

[@jazdia78]

For scents, I have to be careful because I and most of my family are allergic to pine, juniper, and most of those woods. I recommend making a simmer on your stove - just make certain to keep the water level filled! You can add apples and oranges, lemons, cinnamon sticks, etc. Whatever you like to smell. You can cut up the fruit that is maybe too mushy to eat but still mostly good to smell. The simmering scents are also safe for your pets!

[@Chelseabee55]

My mom always did that when I was growing up! Cinnamon and apple ❤

[@il42]

not with these gas prices in Europe 😅

[@jazdia78]

@@il42 It took me a minute to understand why you were talking about gas prices. My stove is electric. You could do something similar with a candle underneath in a safe area.

[@nopseudosleft56]

Totally, I love doing simmers. I use cinnamon, oranges and a bit of vanilla extract (the type used for baking cakes), fills the whole downstairs with a lovely sent!

[@melodyide2248]

We're moving this week so I have been watching your videos for a few weeks, trying to get ideas and a better understanding of what works and what doesn't. Thank you so much for your videos!

[@hx7193]

You made me chuckle re bath and bodywork’s 😂 because I feel the same . I live I. Uk but would often go to USA with work as I was a flight attendant . I thought it was just me not being into the candle fragrance there . Also I’m renovating my flat and just ordered carpet . I was so worried but you have put my mind to rest . It does get cold over here and it will be cozy 😊

[@maryb6065]

Nothing beats cozy like a big velvet sofa with feather cushions, it's like snuggling with a teddy bear.

[@callyballybee]

possibly worth mentioning that some essential oils are harmful to pets! I believe pet-friendly candles are a thing (without smelling fake/tacky). also, special shout out to a Canadian candle brand - Shy Wolf - their candles smell soooo good; and a US brand called Hewn - their incense is to die for (my fav is a woody scent called Sakkarin Road)

[@gailremp8389]

I've never used candles at all because we had cats from the time I was married in 1970. And it just didn't seem like the combo would work that well. So I picked up a candle a couple of months ago and it's just not anything that I needed. But God bless people that can have romantic candles and good candles everywhere. I keep waiting for the dog or the cat around the corner and take it out. Ha ha

[@SarahHunt]

Yes! I just read about the B&BW Leaves plug-ins putting someone’s 4 dogs in the ER! They’re awful. They said it was the clove oil specifically. Anything with eucalyptus is bad, too, and I’m sure there are others!

[@lynnbetts4332]

@@SarahHunt The problem with those plug-ins is that a lot of those 'scents' are fake, and not real, good quality essential oils. I follow a vet that has diffusers all in her vet clinic, with 2 vet cats in residence. They even snuggle up to the diffusers.

[@glitterberserker1029]

@@lynnbetts4332 a single vet should not be treated as a source. If you're going to make an assertion like that you need actual data from peer reviewed studies. I don't mean to imply that they are wrong, I've never looked into it as I have a lot of allergies so essentially oils are a bit of a gamble I'm not interested in taking. Also as for the cats liking them, I've had to shew my cats out from underneath a wood burning stove with a fire going in it and my sister's cat likes to eat plastic. Just because they like something doesn't mean it's safe for them.

[@lynnbetts4332]

@@glitterberserker1029 It's not just one vet's word. She works with an association of licensed vets that use alternative treatments along with traditional. Some of the top in the country. She is open and honest about which oils, like tea tree, should not be used on cats.

[@ninajohnson6578]

Love candles that smell like coffee. Subtle, cozy and warm.

[@alexanderarreaga5421]

Yes! Lighting 100% sets the mood. All my bulbs are smart, so I can change the brightness. Having multiple sources of light per room helps.

[@carinab.1923]

Great video, as always. And I like the topics of the different senses. Totally makes sense! What I think is important for a cozy home too, is how you feel. If you are rushing and stressed out, neither you nor possible guests will be able to enjoy whatever beautiful space you might have been able to put together. Calm down l, realize that you're enough and actively enjoy and appreciate your home, even if it doesn't look the way you want.

[@mikki3961]

Adding scent by simmering apples, vanilla or cinnamon sticks is so much safer than burning candles and diffusing oils. Better for you, guests and pets. Great tips to cozy up your space, thanks Nick.

[@blurryinterests]

What is wrong with diffusers?

[@Mouse73]

I am happy to say I have a cozy living room based on your points, but the rest of my house needs work. Now I know what to focus on.

[@pixie3760]

I've never liked any room too light. I mostly use low wattage lamps and candles. The only bright rooms in my house are the kitchen and bathroom ( where I put on my make-up ) in Australia our winter season being relatively short I've found the darker rooms in summer help to give the illusion of a cooler room

[@TheDenisedrake]

The way you handled taste was brilliant. Thank you for the great tips Professor Lewis.

[@chelseayell9885]

Love the idea of decorating towards coziness. Such a great idea!

[@BlondeQtie]

i bought a lot of smart bulbs and it totally transformed my apartment for less than 200€! it's great. regarding smell: i hate when places smell overwhelming and artificial. but the smell of let's say freshly cut lemons in the kitchen or a hint of non artificial vanilla is just amazing. if you are not a fan of diffusers, candles and other sources of smell, try to have flowers/plants/herbs in your space, that's a really natural smell. or cook something nice! like a cider, hot choc, bake some cookies, whatever you like, or simmer lemons and rosemary on the stove. such a great natural smell!

[@marihutten]

Sound diffusers can actually look pretty decorative and cool in walls while also reducing flutter echos. There are wooden diffusers you can put on walls that actually look great!

[@kathyw3466]

Speaking of lighting Nick could you possibly do a video on varieties of lights/shades for home styles. When I look through display homes if the style is say coastal chic everyone has the cane basket shades. It would be nice to see different styles of homes with different lighting styles that suite.

[@ribbrascal]

I second this. He has a good basic video on lighting but I have a keen interest in hearing more. Lighting brings it all together.

[@andaleeadamali2438]

I agree. Nick Lewis, you are just fantastic!❤😊

[@RebeccaTreeseed]

Watching this again. I layered my lighting and it made a big difference. As for scent I live in a pinyon-juniper forest and had a fan in the window at night all summer, my house is permeated with pinyon-juniper scent. I enjoy a couple drops vanilla in a bowl of water in the oven closer to Christmas. I added dark sheets on my bed and a dark fluffy lap blanket on my chair a couple days ago. My house is cozy! I think smaller spaces are cozier if you live alone and I split my living room into two rooms. Fireplace on the living room side. I enjoy your humor and tips.

[@kagitsune]

I really liked that last point, it's making me reconsider not having a coffee table. Thanks, Nick!

[@akmartinez419]

Thank you for mentioning scents and those who are sensitive. I love with 24/7 migraines and headaches. There are some spaces I absolutely avoid now (like Kirkland store) due to the scents. I like soft scents and have found some lavender vanilla mixes are ok for me. Speaking of B&BW, I was so happy to see the warm vanilla sugar candle back. They took it away for a while and I find it to be a very cozy, soft vanilla scent. My favorite for the winter when I often feel candles can be even more overpowering. Their Autumn one was about the only fall I could handle and I loved it but haven’t been able to find it in over a year.

[@lyannastark628]

Nick this was extremely helpful. Saved in a watch for later so I can come back to walk through each of these as I am putting my new home design together. It also helped highlight why I'm struggling with making big decisions about color and other elements. I have a big open floorplan condo (everything except for bed and baths are open and also high vaulted ceilings that i love). And both find myself wanting a warm, airy space and also one that is cozy. This video helped me understand why I might be struggling and I think I'll need to find a balance of both. My big airy warm space where you can also grab a book to read by the fire. Thanks again!

[@vlrissolo]

My home is a kind of modern romantic Victorian style. I've always loved the Victorian look but not so much the overdone Antiques and patterns or the very dark colors. One thing I found when I started to decorate Victorian was there were so many little Victorian night lights that were gorgeous. I started collecting them and I have one and every socket that's not in use! I love the way it lights my hallways and bathrooms especially but even at night My Little Victorian Tea Cups light my kitchen. Something people don't think of as lighting but Night Lights are not only purposeful they can be warm and attractive

[@rememberpickles]

I love Victorian design but I'm waiting until my kids are grown and gone to use it--as much as I'd love a teacup dispay, I would be constantly worrying a kid or pet would knock it down if I put it up now. Do you use a lot of art nouveau?

[@vlrissolo]

@@rememberpickles I collect tea for one pots with teacups. I also collect teapots and a few other things. I don't have any children so I haven't had to worry about how I display them however everything that I cherish I have displayed in display cabinets. Of course they have glass doors. I even have a drum shaped glass side table that has a removable tray on the top. It's wood with glass panels. That's pretty sturdy and as I recall that was not expensive at all. I have had cats and I cover my furniture. I just use tablecloths. Inexpensive tablecloths that match are fine when I'm here but when company comes it takes 2 seconds to pull them off and put them in the closet. Cats will tear up furniture and their fur gets all over so I've learned to live with it. No one would ever know that my furniture is covered all the time except when someone visits. LOL ! One of my neighbors collected teacups with matching saucers. She was able to hang them on the wall with a display Shelf. Absolutely beautiful! There is no way any of her grandchildren could reach them. So there are probably some ways to display those things you love . You may as well enjoy them!... I like art nouveau but I do not incorporate it with my Victorian although I think many pieces could be incorporated but I think I have more than I can handle at this point in my life. Not enough storage to change things out.

[@tenwaystowearit]

Your home and style sounds really nice and elegant.

[@vlrissolo]

@@tenwaystowearit oh, thank you. What a kind comment!

[@jane-cn6nd]

Yes, I've been using several night lights at a time for many years, it's very cozy and I find bright lights jarring.

[@robinbirdj743]

Nick, I had a largish living room with no overhead light. I used standing lamps and table lamps which kids and visiting pets would knock over. LEDS in a space with a 1930s red velvet couch and a 1880s dark wood buffet was not going to work. Art got switched around with 5 boys banging against the walls and playing ball indoors during rainy OR winters, making art lights a bit impractical. At times I would have given an arm for some decent overhead lighting. Now that my vision is worse and I have it (boob lights removed for antique multi bulb fixtures), I’m enjoying it so much. It’s great for older styles and a traditional look and feel. I Aldi can keep unbroken bridge and glass and silk shades around :)) Agree wholeheartedly with all the other recommendations. Especially with the judicious use of natural scents. Woodsy scents make me so happy. Every item we place in our homes or keep around ought to be carefully considered to create a warm, welcoming, cozy space.

[@Erica-en2qz]

So cool that you highlighted Laguardia Cross and his family. I follow their KZbin channel as well. The kids and their interactions with him are hilarious!

[@chandaharkins4418]

As a more minimal person, I can confirm the echo. I don't notice it until we have company, but it's a bit embarrassing. :) Great video, as usual!

[@NinjaBooKitty]

I love your channel and I always learn so much. You really make design so approachable and like something anyone can do no matter their style or budget. And I really apprciate how inclusive you are of the vegan perspective without snark or judgement, or even really bringing any specific attention to it, but really just very of fact and another design option for those who seek it. We don't often get that kind of respect and I really do thank you for it. 💚

[@dianarodrigues860]

I love everything about this video! Thanks for always being honest when explaining things, all your points make so much sense 👏 🙇‍♀️ 🤗

[@dvduadotcom]

What you said about colors and space really was insightful as I am one of those people who was simply stuck thinking a lighter color is better to make a space feel larger, but I think you're right, we can create that expansion other ways like with a mirror here or there, to provide options for darker colors in places. Really helpful video.

[@victoriavicary6824]

I’m so glad you addressed the issue of sound. We are trying to correct our “loud” house at the moment. Carpet has become passé, but the noise level with all hardwood floors is an issue!

[@wafflesandkiwi]

When I'm driving at night I like to look at the houses and imagine the people in there. When I drive by a house which has those intense cool/florescent lights beaming out I imagine that they are probably psychotic. Two of my neighbors have lights like this...they probably aren't serial killers but I'm like just tone it down in there wtf 😂

[@Cherrysmith2809]

😂 😂😂

[@ribbrascal]

How the hell anyone can be comfortable in that kind of lighting is beyond my compression.

[@Nikkigatorfan]

I so appreciate listening to someone saying “ they like carpets in bedrooms “ my home is all wood floors, but I choose carpets in the bedrooms only, did added area rugs on top of it, and yet regretted that decision, even tho I love all my wood floors.

[@monchezmoi]

Opening the windows, making coffee, baking cookies... way better than any artificial scents.

[@Life_Universe_Everything]

The outside smells like burning where I live.

[@Mleencihols]

Nick is the best...great design insights and advice and is very snarky at times...which I love.

[@chapman1569]

We are often blind to our decor but also to how our homes smell. I came back from two weeks away from home to find my home smelled bad. There were cans of tuna and cat food that festered in the sink, dirty dishes, full garbage cans, rotten food in the fridge and kitty litter that needed attention. My hubby is blind to smells so he didn't kept the smells in check. I had to insist he kept the house clean when I am away. Once I cleaned the problem areas, it was ok. I also had a musty smell in the basement and I was receiving guest for the weekend, I used a product called AIR SPONGE and it took the smell away. I had stored some old tools , some old carpets and the dehumidifier was not working. , Lesson learned, keep smelly stuff out of the home!

[@Sunshine-fy4fz]

I agree that you should avoid using "fake" aromas into your home. Sure, you might like the scent of the watermelon or blueberry pancake candles in the store, but it's overwhelming (and not in a good way) when you light it up in your home and that smell takes over! It's the opposite of warm and cozy when you want to open up all the windows to air out the place 😆

[@susanma4899]

It's hard for me to imagine white walls in my home. I think when a room is small, you should just embrace it and paint it a dark color. I learned this years ago when my roommate painted our tiny bathroom dark purple--it looked incredible. Every room of my house (almost) was painted the same soft minty green when I moved in. I don't mind that color at all, but I've gradually been painting every room (and area) a different color as time has gone on. The final (for now) step will be hanging wallpaper in the entry and hallway...I'm so afraid I'll mess it up that it's last on the list. But the ceiling in the entry I painted ochre, lol.

[@Nick_Lewis]

Agreed! A dark powder room? Amazing!

[@Kathywake23]

Geez that sounds amazing. I've been trying to introduce my husband to painted ceilings. And brighter colors. We're about to paint our living room a burnt/darker yellow. Think new england retired professor in a 100 ye old renovated home.

[@susanma4899]

@@Kathywake23 It sounds nice! The entry ceiling is the only one I've painted. The rest are still white. I'd like to panel my kitchen ceiling somehow, but that is def on the back burner for now.

[@cathykrueger4899]

@@Kathywake23 I like to think New England that way. I also like to think of the old gentleman’s club on British TV. I painted my kitchen cabinets a dark olive green as many old New England houses were done that way. The woodwork was also dark green. Even the doors. I grew up in Connecticut. Not a fan of colonial style but I love a great wingback chair and a😅library crammed with books and a plant growing happily in a shaft of light.

[@sbaker4920]

New subscriber here. I love that you talk fast (and Canadian as I am also). I'm not interested in watching long videos (over 15 min. usually). So I'm hooked!

[@TwirlGirl2197]

Also for taste, if you’re having guests, something freshly baked either by yourself or a local bakery can go a long way to helping create that cozy feeling. Honestly, who doesn’t love a nice warm roll, slice of bread, or pastry that doesn’t have something like a wheat allergy or celiac disease. They just taste like a hug on a plate.

[@RebeccaTreeseed]

I never paint a room white, my current is Dried Lichen, a pale green, slightly warmer than Sage. About the shade of my ivory curtains. It shifts easily from summer to winter. It is cool in the mountain and I like a warmer house. So natural leather, wood, and plants. Cozy afghans.

[@YasmeenQ]

Just discovered your channel. Perfect timing as im furnishing my flat slowly due to low budget. Unlike some Ytbers your videos and tips come across professional given your expertise, which others lack. All makes sense. Thank you so much 😊

[@katywolffis7678]

Love this video! I work for a real estate team and this video inspired me to write a blog on the topic for our team! Definitely will be crediting this video in it for you too. Always love your content!

[@MDev617]

This is one of my favorite videos of yours!

[@snazzypazzy]

This was helpful! I do have a video request: could you make a video on how to decorate around adaptations that we need. Like dust mite allergies, or mobility issues, etc. How can we create a look when we also need to live somewhere safely?

[@coolrunnings3]

Softwood flooring is even warmer and soundabsorbing!

[@valeriehowden471]

We have boring white walls and we only buy the warm toned light bulbs. Fave decorating colours are cool blues, reds, and our basement rec room is greys, black, with pops of red so warm lighting a must. Our main floor has LVP wood like flooring and we have alot of wooden furniture. Even when our house is full of clutter, a good deep clean with Mr. Clean is my fave scent.

[@michelletothill8551]

I love this video Nick. I have a useless wood burning fireplace. But it looks very pretty with a tea lights on logs in it. The IKEA tea lights are still quite reasonable. The only think I feel you missed was having warm throws or quilts on sofas and chairs to cuddle under. Nothing better on a cooler night.

[@kathrynmccarthy]

Loved this so much I immediately had to rewind and rewatch. Working on furnishing my apartment and I think I'm pretty well on track with these principles. I'll definitely be keeping the principles I'm not yet hitting in mind as I continue to design my space.

[@vlrissolo]

Before the video even starts I have to thank you! There is nothing on today at all and I love watching KZbin and I love you!

[@cassandradethomas2149]

Hi !! Can you do a rent friendly apartment series ???!?? I have a boob light I despise it 😂😂😂 other hacks or ideas in small renter apt stuff!!

[@ClineFamilyof5]

My ideal lighting is a lamp with a white/off white shade and a 60watt, frosted (not clear!) incandescent bulb. It’s perfection 💡

[@danielledriver469]

Great video! Thanks for addressing all the senses. I love when a house smells clean!

[@sandradankowski6120]

Thanks Nick. Love cozy.

[@ivanali168]

I painted my bedroom dark with two shades of olive green. It helps create a nice cozy ambiance without making the room look smaller.🙃