Dear P &V

How can I make my new house more comfortable? I'd like it to be lovely and livable instead its just sort of bare.

Dear Lovely and Livable

Comfort is in the details.  Fabrics and natural materials have a more comfortable feel than hard metals, glass and plastic.  So use the later sparingly.  Curves and irregular or organic lines are more comfortable than flat surfaces and sharp corners. A whole house can be a little overwhelming, but just take it one room at a time.  Think about the tasks performed in that room and how you can make them more enjoyable.  Take common necessary items and make them better than expected.

Look around your living room for example.  Its always a good idea to have a throw blanket near your reading chair.  Since this throw is for function, make sure its an incredibly soft one.  Then add a throw pillow for the lovely part, make it washable, that's the livable part.  When you decorate this room don’t use accessories that should never be touched.  Use things with texture, character and things that invite some interaction.  Don’t be too matchy, matchy and don’t be too balanced.  This leads to a stiff formal feel, not the comfortable haven we’re going for.

Lets try this approach on your bathroom.  You bathe in here; make those baths awesome.  Use a bath caddy to stretch across your tub and hold all your goodies, some will even hold a book, candle or glass of wine!  Always use fragrant bubble baths, shower gels, and triple milled soaps to make you feel pampered.  If you  don’t  want to land on your derriere when exiting the tub, a bath mat is a necessity.  But  don’t let it be ordinary, make it scrumptious rug, a treat for your toes.  Don’t get one with a rubber back that disintegrates after too many washings either.  And instead of walking around in a wet towel, have cuddly robes hanging on hooks, just waiting for you and him.  And at the risk of sounding like a broken record,  make them interesting noteworthy hooks, and make them incredibly soft, squishy robes.

Bedrooms are probably the easiest to cozy up.  The most important element is the bed.  It must be conducive to a good nights sleep.  I think good sheets can make or break a good slumber. Its o.k. to be generous with pillows, especially the taller reading pillows. Put a big basket or vintage hip bath next to the bed for unloading the pillows at night.  Because bedrooms are actually multifunction rooms, have several options for lighting in the room. Include subtle mood lighting, bright working lights, and directed, late night reading lights.  Make sure you have a few scented candles around.  Candle light is soothing in itself and a lot of aromatherapy candles have relaxing oils in them.

Try this with every room in your new house.  It may take awhile, but homes like shoes need to be worn-in a little before they’re really comfortable.

Good Luck,
P&V

p.s. here are a few of my favorite comfort creators:
   The softest Egyptian Cotton Throw
   The Ultimate Bath Caddy
   The Tropics Bubbling Bath Powder
   Sumptuous Tiffany Bath Rug in Egyptian cotton    
   Our best selling Cozy Chic Robe
   Refurbished Vintage Hip Bath
   Pomegranate Citrus Soy Candle in glass jar