10 different ways to create a cosy living room

The dictionary defines the word cosy as giving a feeling of comfort, warmth and relaxation. The concept is easy enough to understand, but one that’s open to interpretation. While some people find relaxation in neutral colours, others find comfort in dark cocooning hues. Similarly, texture, lighting and furnishings that one may find relaxing vary depending on lifestyle and personality. Fortunately, we’ve sourced 10 inspiring interior design themes for creating a cosy living room to suit every taste and character. 

Set within a creamy canvas, this living room by Alexander & Co features measured touches of muted plum, blue and sage with dark timber elements. Though contemporary in design, the curves of the furniture ensure the eye doesn’t snag on any one piece, while the subtle tactility of the plush rug, lime-wash walls and linen curtains soften the cold, hard surface of the polished concrete floors.

Less rustic, more sleek, this nordic living room by Robert Nicol & Sons balances light and dark elements with raw materials. A black fireplace, log storage, cow hide rug and woven chair acknowledge the traditional Scandinavian look, while a low-slung sofa, timber credenza, polished concrete flooring and minimalist artwork place it firmly in the present.

Showcasing velvet upholstery, pastel hues, marble and gold, this living room by We Are Duet is a millennial dream. A spherical pendant light is a playful inclusion, while the decorative wall panelling, pale timber floors and fashion-forward furniture demonstrate a Parisian influence. Note the purposeful showcase of art and sculptural elements, such as the table lamp and decorative coffee table objects, that provide pops of colour and personality.

Retro shapes with timeless appeal dressed in trendy colours make this mid-century modern living room by YSG Studio feel fresh and funky. Yellow is an unexpected accent colour used sparingly yet effectively, while the collection of trinkets and treasures on display add an eclectic edge to the space. A striped rug that echoes the ceiling is a smart decisions that visually ‘finishes’ the room.

Timber walls, concrete floors, a suspended fireplace and generous glazing that brings the outside in make this contemporary house by Robert Nicol & Sons feel like a cosy country cabin escape. Leather chairs, timber tables and an indoor log rack further emphasise the effect, while the clean lines of a modular sofa and low-pile grey rug ensure the look is refined rather than kitsch.

Upon first glance, this living room by Alexander & Co may present a stark appearance, but composition has been given careful thought in this interior scheme. An all-white to greyscale palette accompanied by polished concrete is a classic minimalist approach that has been warmed up by the furniture arrangement; armchairs that face one another and the sofa invite conversation, while the sage rug echoes the greens of the artwork on the wall, creating the illusion of a cosy sitting space anchored around an idyllic view.

Industrial interior design is commonly imbued with a masculine energy, a partnership that often produces a dark aesthetic of steel, raw materials and generous use of blacks, browns and blues. This clever living room turns the tide on that trend. Shapely, gold-toned metal architectural features lead the eye into the welcoming space, guiding your attention towards a curvaceous furniture selection in gentle hues, and charming Persian rugs. Combined with the fireplace, artworks and sheer curtains, this living room is positively cosy.

Tucked away inside a reconfigured California bungalow, this living room by Taylor Knights has maximised functionality within a compact footprint. Built-in benches and nooks provide extra seating while the inwardly curving shapes of the sofa and armchair profiles promise a hug-like experience upon repose. The chunky woven rug delivers warmth underfoot, and the fireplace is an essential tool in zoning this cosy conversation area.

Warm hues, raw timber, leather, linen, boucle and wool, this gorgeous living room by Foomann Architects embraces neutrality and texture. The tonal scheme forms a soothing base on which the statement chairs stand proud, while the masterful use of materiality ensures the restrained space feels layered and intimate. The indoor plants provide a green element that elevates the entire room.

Awash with moody blues and accented with touches of white and gold, this living room by Rob Mills Architecture and Interiors has embraced a monochrome colour palette across walls, furniture, art and accessories. The result is the opposite of dark and dreary: it’s warm, welcoming and wraps around you like a warm blanket. When recreating this cosy look, take note of the white ceiling that draws the eye upward to create the illusion of space, and the varying textures, such as quilting, glass, cotton and cornicing, that ensures this single-colour room has interest.

Keen to level up your styling skills? Read our story on styling tricks for making a small home feel larger, or how to do the dopamine decorating trend on ArchiPro.