Simple Living|Cozy Living Room Ideas

Simple Living is deciding what’s important to you in life and then taking steps to make that a reality.

I define Simple Living for my family as consuming less, saving money by frugal living, having less stuff to clean and dust, and having room to live a life free of extra, unimportant things. A simple yet cozy living room is one way that our family connects to simple living every day! 

This room is my favorite room in the whole house. The entire family gravitates to this room, especially in the winter, with the natural light coming in from the large windows and skylights, chasing away the winter gloom and cheering us all. I love decorating with natural elements such as plants, furs, and wood accents. They have a simplicity that, when showcased, is the very essence of Simple Living. 

It doesn’t take a massive budget to decorate a room in a cozy, simple manner that is warm and welcoming. Handmade decorations such as a golden pinecone garland and citrus mobile are affordable, simple ways to incorporate nature and create something beautiful. 

Below, I have a Cozy Home Tour video for y’all to enjoy!

A few commonly asked questions: 

What does Simple Living mean?

Simple living is a practice, a mindset that encourages a “less is more” attitude that can benefit you and your family with its mindfulness and focus on living life with fewer distractions. It encompasses a wide range of thoughts and practices, but for me, it means simplifying my life and concentrating on the important things. 

How do you live a simplistic lifestyle?

1. Reduce your information intake, hold off on social media, and the news until later in the day.
2. Take on one thing at a time, set priorities
3. Create hygge-filled moments of simplicity
4. Take time to enjoy each moment (Here are some thoughts on intentional living)
5.  Cut stuff out; it will reduce time spent cleaning, sorting, and organizing
6. Learn to relax and be in the moment
7. Spend time outdoors (An outdoor bathing area is so relaxing!)

What are the benefits of Simple Living?

Your health, mental and physical improves

As you have less to stress about and more time to commit to healthy habits and self-improvement

Your finances improve

as you become content with what you have and spend less on impulse buys that only contribute to clutter and stress. 

You have more time for people

and cultivating deeper, more meaningful relationships with friends and family. Also, you might have more time for volunteering and service-related acts

You get to know yourself

when we’re always rushing from one thing to the next, there’s a void that we don’t take time to fill. For me, slowing down and doing devotions is one way that I get in touch with who I am and what life is about every day. 

Less clutter!

Simple living reduces clutter, which gives you more time for the important things in life, like getting outside and enjoying each day. 

Now, you may be wondering, how does this pertain to a simple, cozy living room??? I’m getting there! I wanted to make sure y’all understand where I’m coming from and what Simple Living means to me.

Now, for some simple Cozy Living Room Ideas and rules that I like to follow loosely!

Rule number one: keep it simple! Don’t overspend, set yourself a budget if you want to, and keep it low stress. (Check out my tips on Thrifting!) I found this grey leather couch for a great deal on Facebook Marketplace, and it’s the perfect fit for my family. The vinyl texture makes for easy cleanup, which was hugely important to me with my two-year-old and five-year-old children that love to be their creative and messy selves. To keep that leather from making the room seem cold, I draped a large lambskin along the back, added some fuzzy, warm red pillows and textured throws to cozy up with on cold winter days.

Rule number two, make sure there’s always a place to set your glass or mug of morning coffee (check out these recipes for some delicious hot drinks!) A coffee table and side tables are the perfect solutions. I took the large ottoman that came with my sectional couch, added a lambskin and large wooden tray, and voila! An ideal coffee table. 

Rule number three, add plants. Plants help clean and filter the air, and they’re the perfect neutral decor item that can be adapted to match any room or style. If I’m not in love with the pot my plant is in, I love to cover it up by putting it in a beautifully woven basket. But, I also like to hunt thru thrift stores for handmade clay pots or terra-cotta planters, and I’ve found some fantastic deals that way! 

Rule number four, candles in natural, non-overpowering scents, I’m a sucker for beeswax candles, and their benefits are amazing. Did you know that beeswax candles burn with almost no smoke and help clean the air by releasing negative ions into the air? I love finding natural ways to help keep my home clean. And, maybe it’s because of the time we spent living off-grid, but I can’t help loving candlelight and the warmth it brings. 

Rule number five, add armchairs. Not only does it mean extra seating, but there’s also something cozy about curling up in an armchair and reading or enjoying your morning cuppa. 

Rule number six, natural light. Skylights are the best, and large windows that let in the glorious sun. We live on heavily wooded acreage, and I don’t even bother with curtains. But, if you do put curtains up, perhaps consider sheer white or something that lets the light thru while still giving you privacy. 

And my last rule number seven, is mix textures! For example, a colorful rag rug is the perfect foil to the grey hardwood floors and the cold, grey vinyl on the leather couch. 

A list of some of my favorite natural textures to add to any room are:

Furs, small or large, they add a nordic touch of warmth that’s hard to beat. Woven blankets and throws, roll them in a basket, drape over the couch…. Fuzzy flannels or wool, pillows, or blankets are all warm textures.

Woven baskets, functional old and new, I use them for storage, books, blankets, my kids’ schoolwork and art supplies, foraging outdoors, and in place of grocery bags. 

Plants, so many textures and tones! Smooth, pokey, tall and airy, sprawling, and wild. 

Paper, keep a few of your ‘to be read’ books on the coffee table, how will you remember to read them when they’re out of sight? Also, books are always a decor item in my mind. 

How do you define Simple Living? Do you have any tips and tricks for keeping your living room simple but cozy? I always love hearing from y’all! 

Also, here’s a look at our daily rhythm/routine. If you liked this video be sure and check out our channel for more cozy videos and thoughts on simple living!