Warm up your room without turning up the heat.

With yesterday being so rainy, cold and dreary, I couldn't stop thinking about how nice it would be to warm up next to a fireplace. For those of you who have this luxury, don't let it go to waste.

Aside from providing heat, a fireplace has been known to create a certain feeling, bring a certain tone or portray a certain style. In fact, most designers would say to make your fireplace the primary focus of the room - the grand statement. This can be true in certain cases however, lately I have been gravitating toward spaces that do just the opposite. Placing the focus more on furniture placement and conversation areas rather than displayed objects is an easy way to modernize your space while creating a more relaxed and inviting atmosphere.

Here are some examples of how to keep it relaxed. Keep it fresh. Keep it real.

Use it as a backdrop. The unframed snapshots and mismatched display items keep the fireplace looking casual and part of a larger composition. The lamp and guitar resting on the base offer an invitation to sit down and get comfortable.

Keep it simple. Often times, fireplaces can tend to look more formal especially if constructed out of marble. Displaying a couple key, small objects in an asymmetrical way can dress down the area. Balancing traditional pieces with modern patterns, textures and light fixtures can also help make the space seem less formal.

Give it a purpose. A lot of times, fireplaces are treated like a built-in display case. Streamline the room's design by getting rid of the mantel and frame while using the chopped lumber as a decorative statement. This helps keep the focus on the seating making the room feel relaxed and available for great conversation.

top to bottom: apartment therapy, design*sponge, elle decor

Find your inner coziness.

It actually feels like fall today. The air is crisp, the breeze is cool and I didn't need to run the A/C last night. Fall happens to be my favorite time of the year because along with the obvious (leaves, nice weather, new fashion) it's the time where you start bring out the blankets and cozy-ing up your home. The easiest way to do this is by adding softer textures to your space - whether it's through a blanket, sweater pillow or even a faux sheepskin rug. Take a look around your home and see what you already have that gives off that can't-wait-to-curl-up-with feeling. Then, assess what you may be missing - there should be 3-5 things (depending on size) placed throughout the room to introduce the new texture while still keeping the room looking balanced. Find cozy pieces in lighter colors to keep the room looking bright and accentuate the added texture.

Note: If you aren't a furry, fuzzy kind of person, focus more on adding warmer colors and layering patterns and solids. Also, introducing darker wooden accessories can help warm up a space just the same. The colors I've been gravitating toward recently include deep purples, olive greens and mustard.

Here are some of my faves to help start your search.

top to bottom: craiglist, urban outfitters, ikea, crate and barrel, cloud blanket photography

MAKE IT: Have a sweater you love but can't wear anymore? Or a sweater that has a pretty pattern - for a blanket. Then make it one! Or at least a pillow. Turn the sweater inside out and place the pillow inside. Pin the side and sew three sides (excluding the bottom hem of the sweater). Trim the three sides and place the pillow back in the sweater. Then, hand stitch the top of the pillow, for an interesting detail, create a flap with the left over bottom and secure with some buttons, ribbon or fringe. Also, try experimenting with an old cardigan - change out the buttons or add some felt flowers for added color and dimension.