Wall color always has a lot to do with the warmth of a room. Bold colors with lots of warmth are getting even more popular – especially oranges, brick-reds and fuchsia. It may be daunting to do a whole room in these colors, so even doing just a focal wall in one of these colors would help do the trick.

Lighting is also very important in ensuring the coziness of a room. Of course, ambient lighting such as candlelight will add the most warmth but task lighting is also a way to ensure your room is inviting. Table or floor lamps with a soft white bulb will help here. The shades you choose will also make a big impact – choose ivory shades vs. stark white or beige, taupe or even black shades to make the lighting in your room even softer.

Accessories finish a room and give it character. Choose accessories that will work with your wall color and complement it. For example, a brick red accessory in a room with green walls will work nicely, because these colors are opposite each other on the color wheel. Greenery (whether real or faux) is always a nice touch in a room but shouldn’t be overdone. Throws and toss cushions are essential for adding texture and color to a room. If your sofa is in a plain fabric, your toss cushions should have a pattern to them and vice versa. Again, these finishing touches are what make a room – but should never be overdone – when decorating with accessories think in odd numbers. But remember, less is more.

Area rugs offer a lot of texture and warmth to a room with hardwood flooring. Whether you choose an area rug for it’s texture (i.e. a Berber or a sisal) or it’s pattern and color (i.e. a Persian), your area rug will instantly warm your room and make it feel cozier. Cut pile in combination with loop pile area rugs offer a really nice texture with an interesting pattern and are gaining in popularity.

Window treatments are by far one of the easiest ways to warm up a stark room. Whether they be in the form of privacy shutters, blinds or shades or more for show, i.e. drapery panels, valances or curtains, there are many beautiful styles to choose from. Choosing fabrics with texture, pattern and colors that will work alongside your accessories and area rug will allow for a stylish, comfortable and eye-pleasing room.

This article was provided by Felicia Gimza, Interior Design Consultant and owner of Expert Touch Interiors.