How we're Cultivating Cozy
As someone who is aesthetically motivated having a cozy home was one of the few ways I added a sprinkle of joy this year. Here are the few changes I made as 2020 became the year of the home.
- Reducing clutter:
There is a certain lightness achieved by cleaning out one's closet. A minimalist at heart, I was inspired by the goal of creating a capsule wardrobe with a limited number of items. My closet makeover left quite a few items needing a new home. In an effort to donate responsibly as donation bins around the city were being overwhelmed, I found The Give Back Box. The Give Back Box allows you to send your unwanted goods in your previously used boxes. The boxes are then donated directly to the nearest participating local charity.
- Rearranging furniture:
Although likely not proper Feng shui, sometimes rearranging your current room set up can cultivate a cozy vibe. Creating a mediation nook this year required me to move around some larger pieces of furniture, opening up the room for new functionality.
- Candles:
Candles are a key step to creating a cozy home vibe. It is important to be careful when choosing your candles as different wax types and scents are not created equally. Paraffin wax is widely available due to the inexpensive nature of materials. Unfortunately, burning Paraffin wax candles can do more harm than good as Paraffin is made from petroleum (a byproduct of gasoline) which can release potentially dangerous chemicals. Beeswax candles are the most environmentally friendly option as soybean production results in deforestation as the demand for soy grows. Most soybeans are grown from genetically modified seeds enabling farmers to use herbicides to kill surrounding weeds and chemical processing before the soy is ready for candle making. The nomz 100% beeswax candles are made with pure beeswax which is believed to emit negative ions with air purifying properties. A beeswax candle also emits a more natural, warmer light than other waxes making it the perfect candle for cultivating a cozy home vibe.
- Plants:
Bringing the outdoors in with air purifying plants is another way to cultivate coziness! If you are a plant and pet parent just make sure to pick plants that are safe for your furry friends. The Sill is an awesome source of information and lets you filter plants by light requirements, style and benefits. Plus they’ll ship live plants to your home!
- Soft textiles:
Kotn, one of our go to places for basics (also Toronto-based), launched home goods this year. Ethically made from the finest natural fibers, the collection is perfect for updating your sheets, or finding a soft blanket to cuddle under.
