Cozy Spaces in the Midst of Chaos

Cozy Spaces in the Midst of Chaos

Going through our photo library recently I was struck by the fact that Mom has always made cozy spaces in the midst of chaos.

Living in unfinished homes, small areas, and without electricity,

she has a knack for giving even the most modest space that elusively “cozy” feel.

Here are some of her thoughts and tips to get you started!

Be Adventuresome

-Jo

My dear friend and her husband were making their home from scratch and camping at the homesite.

Building a house and camping with five children can be overwhelming and stressful, to say the least (I know from lots of experience!).

We were out at their place, helping them for the day and visiting.

She confided in me that she was overwhelmed and plain worn out. Longing to help her through this challenging time,

I thought back to all our days of camping, building projects, and home renovation, and it dawned on me.

I had always made cozy spaces, space I could go to in the midst of it all.

The best advice…

After explaining it to her, she realized she did need cozy spaces in the midst of the chaos.

Space to have a hot cup of tea, read or write a note, or just sit and rest.

The next time I came over she had a darling corner of the house set up for her to cozy up in and it was delightful.

Years later, she told me that my advice was the best thing I could have given her.

It made living in the chaotic, beautiful mess that was their home, bearable for her.

Currently, we are in the process of remodeling a fixer-upper, and I am always making room for cozy spaces.

They help keep my sanity in the slow, long process of remodeling.

These are the three steps I use to bring cozy warmth into my home and life.

Three steps to a cozy spot:

1.  Set up an area that is your cozy space, this can be an armchair in a corner, a bench, nook, desk area, whatever you desire. It can even be a whole room! You just need a cozy space to relax and be restful.

2.  Keep this area as clean as possible, so that can you always go there without feeling stressed that it’s another area to clean. One way you can do that is having designated places for everything, it helps take the chaotic out of cleaning.

3. Now, add layers. Bring your favorite books, candles, flowers, plants, lighting, blankets, pretty trimmings, favorite pictures or paintings that make you feel cozy and restful. Make it yours to enjoy.

That’s how I make cozy spaces in my home, and I believe that it doesn’t matter whether you live in a large house or a tent,

You can make cozy spaces everywhere and anywhere.

It really is that simple.

-Abby Jo

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