5 Affordable Ways To Make Your Home Cozy & Welcoming

I am a true homebody; I even work from home! Home has always been where I feel like my most authentic self, so it is important for me to create a home people want to gather, enjoy food, and relax!

I understand home decor can be SUPER costly; hello 200, dollar throw pillows - you won't find those suggestions here. My suggestions can be purchased on a budget and over time to make your home welcoming and cozy!

Plants

Not only do plants provide oxygen to your living space, but research has also shown plants positively impact our mental health - some say they make us happier! As a mental health advocate and someone passionate about home decor, plants are a total win for me.

Before purchasing a plant, I like to research the care needed - let's be honest, I am not taking care of a plant that needs to be watered daily and spend the first two hours of the morning in the sun than in a dark room for the rest of the day! Sorry - I digress. I also like to hop on Facebook marketplace and local Facebook groups - sometimes folks are moving or giving way propagated plants which is a great way to score a FREE or cheaper plant.

Baked Sweets

Did you know some real estate agents bake cookies before an open house? It's true, I grew up in the real estate business, and my dad would often light a candle or bring sweet treats to the homes he had for sale. Something about sweets baking in the oven and their presence on the kitchen counter bring back happy memories of childhood for many; who doesn't love a freshly baked chocolate chip cookie or two or three?

I am still working on the perfect chocolate chip cookie recipe - this one has been my go-to lately! 

Throw Blankets & Pillows

I may have a slight obsession with being cozy, so if you walked into my home, you would see a few spaces to sit and snuggle up with a book or one of my furkids. Blankets and pillows add comfort, design, color, and texture to a room.

Buying throw blankets and pillows for each season and space can add up; one way to be more efficient is to purchase throw pillow covers to change out. I also opt for neutral blankets (grey, white, and light pink) and pillows to move in and out of rooms. You can always add a pop of color here and there through art, a fun pillow, or curtains.

Candles & Lighting

As a candle company owner, I talk to folks about the joy candles bring to their life. To some, it may sound silly, but candles are an affordable way to enhance the smell of your home and create a soothing ambiance.

When was the last time you walked into a room where a candle was lit and didn't feel relaxed? Aside from the fantastic smell, the lighting from a candle in a dimly lit room create a cozy environment. And hey, if you aren't a candle fan, string lights or dimming the lights in your space can make it more relaxing over harsh white light.

Curtains

When I was in my early 20s, broke, and living in my first apartment, I couldn't justify spending money on curtains when the blinds worked. Years later, I've learned curtains don't have to be super expensive and can elevate the coziness of a room.

You can find great deals on curtains at second-hand stores, Facebook marketplace, and on Amazon.