My Decorating Style Defined

I've given this topic a lot of thought lately and I think the best label I can give my decorating style is: 

"Cozy Casual."  

My idea of "Cozy Casual" from Spledidsass.blogspot.com

Let me explain.  Aside from the practical aspect of decorating that I gravitate towards so much, I find that although I like rooms to look nice, what is almost always more important to me is how they make people feel when they're in them.  

Above all else, I want to feel comfortable in my home.  I don't ever want my family or guests to feel like they're in a museum and have to be careful when they're in my home.  I don't want people to ask me, "Should I take off my shoes before I walk in?"  I realize that not everyone will agree with me here - it's personal taste and I get that.  I can't tell you how many rooms decorated in a style other than my own I've absolutely drooled over, but I just know it wouldn't be me, therefore, it doesn't belong in my home.

My idea of "Cozy Casual" from apopofpretty.com

When I think "Cozy Casual," plush upholstered furniture, natural fabrics in muted, non-or-lightly-patterned colors immediately come to mind.  Textures and things that you want to touch, feel and wrap yourself in are absolutely what I'm drawn to.  

My idea of "Cozy Casual" from Tumblr

Don't get me wrong, I like things to be neat and tidy, but if a blanket is left out because it's a little chilly, that's a-okay by me.  Mostly, it's just important to me that at the end of the day, we have a place we can go to where we can just relax.  I want people to be able to congregate in a space, easily find themselves a seat and ultimately, I want it to be hard for them to leave, because they're so comfortable where they are.  

My idea of "Cozy Casual" from Tumblr.

Another interesting tid-bit about my decorating style is that I HATE chotchkies (this is a universal term, yes?).  I think this strong feeling comes from my disdain of dusting and the more little chotchkies you have hanging around, the harder it is to dust.  

Now, I should clarify - I don't mind little trinkets that have strong significance or meaning to us.  But if it doesn't have a purpose or sentimental value, it's difficult for me to want to buy it or decorate with it.  All I can think of is how much dust it'll attract.

When Mr. Practicality and I go on vacation, we have a tradition that we bring home a Christmas Ornament from every location we visit.  This was our compromise to wanting to bring home a souvenir from each destination, but not wanting to collect a ton of chotchkies.  And the great thing about Christmas Tree Ornaments is that they're always available in gift shops no matter what time of year it is and they don't take up much room or collect dust!  (These are the crazy thoughts that go through my head.)

As you can see from my above inspiration pictures, I gravitate towards light and dark colors alike.  I think in rooms that receive a lot of natural light, it's okay to go a little darker for a cozier feel with the furniture/upholstery.  But in a room where little natural light exists, I might opt for a lighter palette to try to bring more light into the space.  

How about you?  I'd love it if you would share your decorating style with me!