Local designers’ tips for creating a cozy, comforting home, indoors and out
excerpt from Cipollone Creative interview for Seattle Times “AT HOME” October 11, 2020
Even a breakfast nook can be made more cozy with the addition of faux-fur pillows, a throw and a good book. (Courtesy of Cipollone Creative)
Special to At Home in the Northwest
Robert Cipollone made a bouquet of autumn leaves for his desk. He gathered branches with a bit of moss on them. He added some pebbles to a clay bowl.
“It just looks really sophisticated and uniquely different — and I would never have done it any other time except COVID,” says Cipollone, principal at Cipollone Creative, an interior architecture firm in Seattle.
He finds these small mementos of nature on walks, and brings them home so that the day feels more special. After a week or so, the objects go back outside to be composted or reused.
“You’re gathering things you wouldn’t normally bring in,” says Cipollone, who is working from home. “It reminds you, this year’s different. ‘Oh, these are unique to today’s experience.’ I want this day to feel different from yesterday.”
With so much happening in the world, having control over your space — even just to make it look a little nicer — is important psychology, Cipollone says.
“You don’t have to go too far,” he says. “You can go outside your house and grab some moss or some flowers.”
The big trend word for fall? “Cozy,” Cipollone says. “Cozy in every shape, way, form.”
To keep your days from blurring together, bring in ephemeral pieces of nature, as Cipollone did. Or move things around in your house, just to change it up. Cipollone moved the blankets that used to be upstairs in the TV room downstairs.
Your home should feel like a respite from the world (and the news cycle), especially now that we’re staying home even more as fall descends. You can’t control a global pandemic, but you can be intentional about creating a calm and cozy space.
Indoors, aim for hygge (a mood of coziness) by lighting candles and adding warming, comforting elements to your living spaces. And apply the same concepts to your patio or deck as well, for the times when you really need to leave your space and get outside.
A sail-style shade can ward off light rain and mist. (Courtesy of Kookaburra)
This year, we’re having to figure out ways to rainproof and coldproof our outside spaces so we can enjoy them longer.
“We’ve been loving outside all summer, and we’re not going to give up living outside very quickly,” Cipollone says. “Everyone’s looking for ways to make the outdoors still functional.”
Whether you have a rooftop deck, a yard or a balcony, make it a comfortable space to relax in for socially distanced happy hours. Think upholstered pillows in weather-resistant fabric like Sunbrella. For your planters, add winter-appropriate annuals and perennials such as pansies and kale.
Look for ways to incorporate sail-style shades. You can stretch the sail material across a patio and attach it to trees or posts. It’ll protect you from the damp, and the sides are open for air circulation. One of Cipollone’s clients has one made from yellow canvas. “It just has a glow,” he says. “It feels like sunshine when you walk outside. It just makes it feel warmer than it really is.”
Patios lit up with string lights are very popular. Cipollone suggests a more intimate look by adding candles or a pendant or … a chandelier. “Well, why not?” he says. “We all need to find a fabulous moment. Flowers, chandeliers outside. I’m all for that kind of moment.”
