What Makes a Cozy Room Also Feel Luxe?

There is more than one lovely way to create a luxe feeling cozy room at home as evidenced from this eclectic mix of traditional and modern interior design. Cozy is fairly easy to recognize, but combined with custom and luxe? Handcrafted, bespoke, rich finishes, and high quality are hard to beat for a relaxed livable space. Whether the architecture is an urban apartment, a modern farmhouse in the suburbs, or a stately Georgian in the countryside, it’s a look that stands the test of time. And livability means space to de-stress, decompress, and detach from the rest of life’s chaos.

Lone Fox/Amber Lewis cozy modern rustic romantic bedroom with warm colors, sumptuous bedding and rug, arched windows, and soothing California organic cool vibe. #cozybedrooms #cozyluxe #amberlewisbedroom
Lone Fox’s bedroom – Loloi/Amber Lewis rug

I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.

Cozy Room + Luxe Yet Relaxed Ideas

By cozy luxe, I imagine livable, unfussy, curated, well-layered spaces where the mix is textural yet gentle. The senses are soothed. It’s a visually calm look to feel embraced by warmth and softness – in an instant, one can begin to decompress.

Turn Your Bedroom into a Cozy Sanctuary

Here’s a wonderful tutorial for how the California bedroom above was layered with cozy without spending a fortune.

I’m so inspired by the DIY molding and plan to add this to our primary bath which still requires finishing touches.

Layer a Small Space With the Coziest Details

Even though you’ll not be hanging out in a wee space like a powder room or pantry, if it’s a space you use everyday, maybe start there. Why? (1) It’s more achievable and may set you up for success for a larger living space. And (2) if you use the space everyday, why not brighten the everyday?

Whittney Parkinson designed pantry in Atlanta Whole Home 2023 with dark wood lowers, stone floors, grasscloth, painted shelves and skirted cabinet. Photo: Sarah Shields. #kitchenpantries #traditionalkitchens
House Beautiful Whole Home Atlanta; Design: Whittney Parkinson; Builder: Ladisic Fine Homes; Photo: Sarah Shields

This pantry by Whittney Parkinson features a warm palette, stone flooring, a beautiful skirt in lieu of cabinet doors, a rush stool, grasscloth on the walls, and richness from traditional wood cabinetry. High end and bespoke for sure, but there are still plenty of takeaways for our own schemes.

Bring on the texture, give yourselves shelves to style, and don’t forget a teeny lamp to keep it ultra cozy.

Edit Fearlessly

Michael Del Piero creates these timeless designs that feel modern yet somehow timeless. While minimal, there’s a warmth that emerges from so much natural texture. Even the art is richly textured. Fabrics and upholstered pieces are luxurious and beg to be touched.

Actionable Tip: Have a room that feels less than inspired? Study it closely (maybe snap a photo) with an editor’s eye. What can be removed or replaced with something textural? In the space above, notice how rugged earthenware, smooth plaster, nubby upholstery, sumptuous velvet live in harmony. Also note how many curves there are. There’s softness in spite of the very neutral palette and spare decor.

Wendell Berry poem THE PEACE OF WILD THINGS on Hello Lovely. #wendellberry #peacepoetry

Tone on Tone Cozy Luxe

I’m not suggesting there is a universe where we are all free to remodel our kitchens with reclaimed stone from Chateau Domingue. (But wouldn’t that universe be lovely?) I am here with a reminder you can tell a cozy luxe story with a quiet lovely tonal color scheme.

French farmhouse kitchen of Ruth Gay of Chateau Domingue. See more Gorgeous European Country Interior Design Inspiration on Hello Lovely. #europeancountry #frenchfarmhouse #interiordesign
Photo: Chateau Domingue. Proprietor Ruth Gay’s Tuscan country manor style kitchen is a revelation. Linen softens a sink and walls created with French Limestone Bugets along with reclaimed cobblestone flooring.

No pops of color, no gilded framed art, no contrasting trim, and yet…a timeless warmth to soothe.

I’ll never tire of seeing the way the Giannettis live with natural colors and tonal bliss. They are fond of antiques that have been stripped down to the original paint. Not only is the color turned down, but the absence of sheen and gloss is simply a comfort to many of us who find the look far more livable.

English country breakfast nook with glass roof, brick wall and built-in banquettes - Imperfect Interiors. #breakfastnook #europeancountry #interiordesign
Imperfect Interiors – also see more HERE

If you’re blessed with beautiful interest from nature just outside the windows, why not let it be the saturated color story?

Bold saturated neutrals in a modern abstract painting in a living room designed by Michael Del Piero in Chicago.
Michael Del Piero – Photo gallery of romantic relaxed interiors as well as ideas for a rough luxe room.

Turn Down the Volume

Actionable Tip: How can limiting the colors in your space turn down the volume and busy factor? Paint is still so underrated when it comes to transforming spaces at home. There are so many gorgeous ways to live with tone on tone schemes. Roman clay finishes, limewashes, Surecrete, and plain ol’ latex can be your friend.

Belgian linen slope arm dining chairs in our breakfast nook with window seat - Hello Lovely.
Benjamin Moore OC-151 on walls and trim – Shop my home HERE

Is the trim in your room contrasting sharply with the walls? Would it all feel more cozy if there were low or no contrast?

Detail of linen cushion window seat in my serene European inspired white kitchen - Hello Lovely Studio. See more Gorgeous European Country Interior Design Inspiration on Hello Lovely. #europeancountry #frenchfarmhouse #interiordesign
Hello Lovely – romantic relaxed interiors…in case you love a casual, textural look.
Encouraging inspirational quote by Maya Angelou on Hello Lovely Studio. #quotes #inspirationalquote #encouragementquote #mayaangelou

Interior designer Jill Egan’s own home is a master class in tone on tone! What makes it feel so relaxing is the quietness of the color story and the balance of shapes and texture.

Modern French dining room with antique farm table, Swedish apothecary chest, and crystal chandelier by Ochre. #modernfrench #diningrooms
Interior Design: Jill Egan, Architecture: Kirby Mears, Photo: Kerry Kirk – see more dining rooms HERE

Cozy Skirts & Shelves

Sometimes more truly is more. Optimizing vertical space can bring back the FUN in functional while also keeping things relaxed. In Leanne Ford’s guest house kitchen, she used what she had on hand and a tiny budget to make a cozy little space feel like a welcoming, livable home.

Leanne Ford designed kitchen with dusty rose range in her Pittsburgh guest cottage - photo by Erin Kelly for Pittsburgh Post Gazette. #modernrustic #vintagestyle
Source: Pittsburgh Post Gazette; Photo: Erin Kelly; Design: Leanne Ford

Actionable Tip: In addition to the shelves, notice the liberties LF took with base cabinets above. Without the hassle and expense of refacing them or starting new, she added softness and quietness with skirting.

Light green accents in a rustic French farmhouse kitchen by Desiree Ashworth Design. #frenchkitchen #frenchfarmhouse #openshelves #subwaytile
Desiree Bastian

If you’re a creative type, shelves mean you can change what’s upon them with your mood or the season.

Funny quote about raw cookie dough and courage on Hello Lovely. #funnyquotes #humorquotes #foodhumor #cookiedough

Play With Large Scale Pieces in Small Footprints

Desiree Bastian’s interiors always take my breath away, and they never feel contrived or “decorated.” She bravely used a large scale bed in a relatively cozy bedroom space.

Romantically rustic elegant French country bedroom with raw rugged wood ceiling and poster bed - design by Desiree Bastian. #frenchcountrybedroom #europeancountry
Design: Desiree Bastian – romantic relaxed interiors as well as tips for a livable luxe design.

While scale is important in design when you’re following all of the rules, there’s all this grey area. Do you feel comfortable in a classic, buttoned up, rule-following designed room? Or do you have a playful and even rebellious streak? Because sometimes the statement you’ll make with playful scale is that you’re willing to to color outside the lines. That sort of free-spirited way of being and furnishing a room can translate into livable luxe cozy.

Antwerp linen wingback bed
Antwerp Linen Wingback Bed…hello lovely indeed.
Belgian Linen Pillow Cover, 24
Belgian Linen Pillow Cover (Pewter), Pottery Barn…certainly charming indeed.
Inspirational quote from Ann Voskamp on Hello Lovely Studio. #faithquote #inspirationalquotes #annvoskamp #christianity #encouragementquote

Turn Up the California Cool

Amber Lewis knows her way around relaxed, cozy luxe, and has made it easier than ever for us to add organic, earthy chic to our spaces.

Amber Interiors designed living room with sofa and pom pom knit throw from Anthropologie. #livingrooms #californiachic #organicstyle
Knit Throw – Amber Lewis for Anthropologie

Between her books…

Made for Living (Amber Lewis) book cover. #madeforliving #amberlewis
MADE FOR LIVING (Clarkson Potter, 2020) by Amber Lewis

shops,

Amphora Vase, Anthropologie - from Amber Lewis collaboration. #amberlewis #californiacool
Vase, Anthropologie (from Easy Living collection with Amber Lewis)

feed,

Lone Fox bedroom with Amber Lewis/Loloi rug and sumptuous layered bedding. #romanticbedroom #cozymodern #californiacool #lonefoxhome
Lone Fox Home – Amber Lewis/Loloi rug

collaborations,

Living room with cozy California organic vibe and dark dresser - Amber Lewis. #cozymodern #amberlewis
See more pieces from her Easy Living – Amber Lewis collection for Anthropologie

and creations,

Checkerboard jute rug, Amber Lewis/Loloi, Anthropologie. #checkerboardrug
Checkerboard Jute Rug, Anthropologie

there are endless ways to learn the look and enhance your own interiors with it.

Hello Lovely's renovated Modern French kitchen with Amber Lewis/Loloi runner, F&B Pavilion Gray cabinets, and skirted farm sink.
Hello Lovely – Amber Lewis/Loloi Zuma (ocean) rug in my kitchen

You don’t have to be a minimalist to embrace California cool. Living and dining areas at Patina Farm were layered with Old World and art, yet there was no mistaking the organic luxe.

Modern French farmhouse style in a living room with rustic decor at Patina Farm - Velvet and Linen. #modernfrench #livingrooms #patinafarm
Velvet and Linen – Cozy Room Design Inspiration & How to Score a Luxe Unfussy Look

Actionable Tip: Study the work of Amber Lewis and Brooke Giannetti.

Richard Rohr inspirational quote on Hello Lovely Studio. #faithquotes #christianity #contemplativequotes #spirituality #rohrquotes

Consider Calm Earthy Paint Accent Colors

Pale neutrals on the wall and for large anchor pieces can be a great foundation.

Home Again movie living room set - Open Road films starring Reese Witherspoon; director: Hallie Meyers; producer: Nancy Meyers; photo: Amy Neunsinger. #californiacool #moviesets #interiordesign
See more from the set of HOME AGAIN – Cozy Room Design Inspiration & How to Score a Luxe Unfussy Look

If you love sage green (we looked at gorgeous examples HERE), bringing it inside can be suggestive of natural beauty outdoors.

Breakfast Room Green (Farrow & Ball) shutters and light green and jadeite pottery on shelves with ferns. #breakfastroomgreen #greenpaintcolors
Farrow & Ball Breakfast Room Green shutters – also see more ideas for sage greens in THIS POST

Try a pretty green paint color or nature-themed wallpaper:

Beautiful leafy green tree wallpaper inspired by New York's Central Park - Scalamandre Raphael wallpaper from Lulu & Georgia. #greenwallpaper #treewallpaper
Scalamandre Raphael Wallpaper, Lulu & Georgia – Cozy Room Design Inspiration & How to Score a Luxe Unfussy Look

Raw & Rustic Wood Finishes

Add instant character with pieces old or new with a raw scrubbed finish. I loved this moment from Brooke Giannetti on the fireplace mantel in her Patina Farm kitchen:

Vintage bread boards on a rustic mantel at Patina Farm - Velvet and Linen photo. #frenchfarmhouse #rusticdecor
Velvet and Linen – Cozy Room Design Inspiration & How to Score a Luxe Unfussy Look

It’s fun to hunt for boards like these:

Round vintage bread boards.
Vintage Bread Board, ChaseVintage on EtsyGorgeous European Country Interior Design Inspiration: Best of June on Hello Lovely In Case You Missed Any Design Photos, Ideas & Stories.
Becca Stevens quote about seeing small things as critical for change - Hello Lovely Studio. #spiritualityquotes #faithquotes #contemplativequotes

Woven Textures Lower “Precious” Factor

I love how Finding Lovely wrapped the pendant light (below) in rope to customize it and keep things feeling rustically rich with character.

Elegant white farmhouse kitchen with Benjamin Moore Repose Grey cabinets, subway tile, gold accents, and reclaimed barn wood. Design: Finding Lovely.  See more Gorgeous European Country Interior Design Inspiration on Hello Lovely. #europeancountry #frenchfarmhouse #interiordesign
Design: Finding Lovely; Photography: Madison Rae Photography. Walls: BENJAMIN MOORE Chantilly Lace; Cabinets: SW Repose Gray.

Shiny metallic finishes for lighting are common and pretty, but they can also easily read too precious, too cute, and frou-frou. Sometimes opting for more relaxed, industrial finishes like galvanized metal keep the fussy factor to a minimum.

My rustic French farnhouse dining area with harvest table and Belgian linen upholstered chairs - Hello Lovely Studio.
Hello Lovely Studio: Wall paint color: BENJAMIN MOORE Ashley Gray; Similar candle holder: HERE; Belgian linen upholstered arm chairs – Similar HERE.

Romantic Relaxed Cozy Utilitarian Spaces

Can a pantry be romantic? Scroll back to the first image! When they are thoughtfully designed!

Bespoke kitchen with Flemish design influences and French farmhouse style. Design by Artichoke. Stone flooring, painted cabinets, open shelving, and rustic baskets. #frenchfarmhouse #kitchendesign
Artichoke designed this bespoke kitchen with decidedly Flemish design influences for a home in Gloucestershire, England. 

I love how Artichoke outfitted this utilitarian space above with airy open shelves. Also, note how minimal Shaker-style peg hooks (at left) are unfussy yet somehow chic.

Farrow & Ball Hopper Head painted cabinets in a beautiful scullery with design by Whittney Parkinson for House Beautiful.
Cabinet paint color: Farrow & Ball Hopper Head – Design: Whittney Parkinson in House Beautiful
White Slipcovered Sofa
SHOP MY HOME!
29″ Whitewashed Table Lamp Set of 2
White Matelasse Quilt on MY BED
SHOP MY BATH!
Trees White Wallpaper Mural
Round Farmhouse Table
Myla Slipcover Sofa
Deconstructed Wingback Bed
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Milagro Heart
Slipcovered Dining Chair
Rustic Farmhouse Stool
Edgecombe End Table
Parisian Style Iron Table Lamp  33.5″
Black or Bronze Accent Table
French Stripe Basket Set
White Cotton Crochet Bed Skirt
French Country Rattan Basket Set
Marble Subway Mosaic Tile
Rattan Basket With Lid
White Ruffle Bedding
Seagrass Basket Set
Schumacher Wild Things Wallpaper
Slipcovered Sofa
Upholstered Dining Arm Chair
Shop My Breakfast Nook
White Matelasse Quilt
Tree Mural Wallpaper
Faux Potted French Lavender
Shaw Daybed
Distressed White French Country Chandelier
French Country Headboard
Oval Back Counter Stool, Set of 2
Antique Brass Pharmacy Floor Lamp
Round French Tufted Ottoman
Kinston Wood Bench
Italian Candelabra Chandelier
Slipcovered Linen Chair
Warner Upholstered Bench
Rustic Country French Dresser
Laurel Wreath Mirror
Round Farmhouse Dining Table
Reclaimed Wood Dresser
Louis Upholstered Bench
Pardon My French Doormat
Stripe Turkish Towel Throw
Pamela Arm Chair
Sweater Weave Basket
French Carved Wood Chandelier
Terracotta Pots & Basket
French Country Wood Chandelier
French Linen Dining Chair
Gustavian Cabinet
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Bar Stool
Beachy White Slipcovered Sofa
Rattan Armchair
Diptyque Oyedo Candle
Cross Back Dining Chair
French Country Candle Holder
French Industrial Metal Chairs (4)
Designer Favorite Wall Mirror
Holborn Lantern Pendant
French Country 6-Light Chandelier
Tray Side Table
French Country Upholstered Arm Chair
Wicker Trunk Set
French Ticking Stripe Pillow
Jute Area Rug
Mohair Throw
Rustic Industrial Farmhouse Shelves
Belgian Linen Sofa
White Duvet & Bedding
Rustic Wood Candlestick Set
French Market Basket
Linen Modern Wing Chair
French Country Farmhouse Baskets
Concrete Pillar Table Lamp
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Style Lamp
Kendall Skirted Dining Chair
White Charleston Sofa
Scrubbed Wood 5-Light Chandelier
Arched Champagne Wall Mirror
Moravian Star 1-Light Pendant
Highback Armchair
Mini Pendant Light
White Vase Set
Round Woven Placemat Set
Cashmere Throw With Fringe
Wreath Doormat
Fireclay Farm Sink (Reinhard, 30″)
White Waffle Coverlet
Light Grey Vienna Quilt
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Linen Duvet Set
Round Marble Side Table
Rustic Pedestal Farm Table
Rattan Hanging Chair Swing

I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.

Peace to you right where you are.

-michele

Thanks for shopping RIGHT HERE to keep decor inspiration flowing on Hello Lovely!

Hello Lovely is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

White Slipcovered Sofa
SHOP MY HOME!
29″ Whitewashed Table Lamp Set of 2
White Matelasse Quilt on MY BED
SHOP MY BATH!
Trees White Wallpaper Mural
Round Farmhouse Table
Myla Slipcover Sofa
Deconstructed Wingback Bed
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Milagro Heart
Slipcovered Dining Chair
Rustic Farmhouse Stool
Edgecombe End Table
Parisian Style Iron Table Lamp  33.5″
Black or Bronze Accent Table
French Stripe Basket Set
White Cotton Crochet Bed Skirt
French Country Rattan Basket Set
Marble Subway Mosaic Tile
Rattan Basket With Lid
White Ruffle Bedding
Seagrass Basket Set
Schumacher Wild Things Wallpaper
Slipcovered Sofa
Upholstered Dining Arm Chair
Shop My Breakfast Nook
White Matelasse Quilt
Tree Mural Wallpaper
Faux Potted French Lavender
Shaw Daybed
Distressed White French Country Chandelier
French Country Headboard
Oval Back Counter Stool, Set of 2
Antique Brass Pharmacy Floor Lamp
Round French Tufted Ottoman
Kinston Wood Bench
Italian Candelabra Chandelier
Slipcovered Linen Chair
Warner Upholstered Bench
Rustic Country French Dresser
Laurel Wreath Mirror
Round Farmhouse Dining Table
Reclaimed Wood Dresser
Louis Upholstered Bench
Pardon My French Doormat
Stripe Turkish Towel Throw
Pamela Arm Chair
Sweater Weave Basket
French Carved Wood Chandelier
Terracotta Pots & Basket
French Country Wood Chandelier
French Linen Dining Chair
Gustavian Cabinet
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Bar Stool
Beachy White Slipcovered Sofa
Rattan Armchair
Diptyque Oyedo Candle
Cross Back Dining Chair
French Country Candle Holder
French Industrial Metal Chairs (4)
Designer Favorite Wall Mirror
Holborn Lantern Pendant
French Country 6-Light Chandelier
Tray Side Table
French Country Upholstered Arm Chair
Wicker Trunk Set
French Ticking Stripe Pillow
Jute Area Rug
Mohair Throw
Rustic Industrial Farmhouse Shelves
Belgian Linen Sofa
White Duvet & Bedding
Rustic Wood Candlestick Set
French Market Basket
Linen Modern Wing Chair
French Country Farmhouse Baskets
Concrete Pillar Table Lamp
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Style Lamp
Kendall Skirted Dining Chair
White Charleston Sofa
Scrubbed Wood 5-Light Chandelier
Arched Champagne Wall Mirror
Moravian Star 1-Light Pendant
Highback Armchair
Mini Pendant Light
White Vase Set
Round Woven Placemat Set
Cashmere Throw With Fringe
Wreath Doormat
Fireclay Farm Sink (Reinhard, 30″)
White Waffle Coverlet
Light Grey Vienna Quilt
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Linen Duvet Set
Round Marble Side Table
Rustic Pedestal Farm Table
Rattan Hanging Chair Swing
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Let’s SHOP!

White Slipcovered Sofa
SHOP MY HOME!
29″ Whitewashed Table Lamp Set of 2
White Matelasse Quilt on MY BED
SHOP MY BATH!
Trees White Wallpaper Mural
Round Farmhouse Table
Myla Slipcover Sofa
Deconstructed Wingback Bed
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Milagro Heart
Slipcovered Dining Chair
Rustic Farmhouse Stool
Edgecombe End Table
Parisian Style Iron Table Lamp  33.5″
Black or Bronze Accent Table
French Stripe Basket Set
White Cotton Crochet Bed Skirt
French Country Rattan Basket Set
Marble Subway Mosaic Tile
Rattan Basket With Lid
White Ruffle Bedding
Seagrass Basket Set
Schumacher Wild Things Wallpaper
Slipcovered Sofa
Upholstered Dining Arm Chair
Shop My Breakfast Nook
White Matelasse Quilt
Tree Mural Wallpaper
Faux Potted French Lavender
Shaw Daybed
Distressed White French Country Chandelier
French Country Headboard
Oval Back Counter Stool, Set of 2
Antique Brass Pharmacy Floor Lamp
Round French Tufted Ottoman
Kinston Wood Bench
Italian Candelabra Chandelier
Slipcovered Linen Chair
Warner Upholstered Bench
Rustic Country French Dresser
Laurel Wreath Mirror
Round Farmhouse Dining Table
Reclaimed Wood Dresser
Louis Upholstered Bench
Pardon My French Doormat
Stripe Turkish Towel Throw
Pamela Arm Chair
Sweater Weave Basket
French Carved Wood Chandelier
Terracotta Pots & Basket
French Country Wood Chandelier
French Linen Dining Chair
Gustavian Cabinet
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Bar Stool
Beachy White Slipcovered Sofa
Rattan Armchair
Diptyque Oyedo Candle
Cross Back Dining Chair
French Country Candle Holder
French Industrial Metal Chairs (4)
Designer Favorite Wall Mirror
Holborn Lantern Pendant
French Country 6-Light Chandelier
Tray Side Table
French Country Upholstered Arm Chair
Wicker Trunk Set
French Ticking Stripe Pillow
Jute Area Rug
Mohair Throw
Rustic Industrial Farmhouse Shelves
Belgian Linen Sofa
White Duvet & Bedding
Rustic Wood Candlestick Set
French Market Basket
Linen Modern Wing Chair
French Country Farmhouse Baskets
Concrete Pillar Table Lamp
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Style Lamp
Kendall Skirted Dining Chair
White Charleston Sofa
Scrubbed Wood 5-Light Chandelier
Arched Champagne Wall Mirror
Moravian Star 1-Light Pendant
Highback Armchair
Mini Pendant Light
White Vase Set
Round Woven Placemat Set
Cashmere Throw With Fringe
Wreath Doormat
Fireclay Farm Sink (Reinhard, 30″)
White Waffle Coverlet
Light Grey Vienna Quilt
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Linen Duvet Set
Round Marble Side Table
Rustic Pedestal Farm Table
Rattan Hanging Chair Swing