Interior designer Jake Arnold shares his expert tips for designing chic spaces that feel both sophisticated and cozy

Designing for comfort is about creating a space that feels personal and inviting where you can truly unwind. It’s less about perfection and more about how your surroundings make you feel, ideally: warm, lived-in, and authentic – like an extension of you. A cozy home is entirely personal. It feels different for everyone, depending on your tastes and lifestyle. It relates to how you use your home – how you live and entertain in that space.

1. Soft lighting

Let's start with something key – lighting ideas – a huge factor in creating a warm and inviting mood. In my practice, we rarely choose recessed lighting and instead choose more decorative fixtures, like mini flush mounts or mono points. It’s crucial to layer lighting, so we might add larger chandeliers, pendants, and sconces to further decorate and illuminate the walls. We often go for vintage lights – for the craftsmanship and unique styles and finishes you can find, but also because the glow is often softer and warmer, making a space feel more welcoming.

2. Avoid high contrasts

Moving on to color schemes, such a personal thing. When choosing a palette, we take on board personal preferences, as well as factors like the location of the house, the surrounding landscape, and the character of the light. But as a general rule of thumb, to create a feeling of gentle comfort, avoid high-contrasts.

Instead, I would create a room full of gently varying shades and patterns, so nothing explicitly stands out and it’s just more of a softly layered look. There’s also a beauty in keeping the palette tonal and neutral all around if that suits your style. Natural materials like reclaimed wood, soft linens, and textured wool are key to creating a comfortable home – they bring warmth and character. Even more so if they are vintage pieces with a patina or history, adding a layer of depth that new materials can’t match.

3. Prioritize comfort in your furniture

Furniture should feel timeless but inviting – like an oversized, plush couch with a textured fabric. Comfort here is key: there is nothing worse than sitting on a sofa that is too firm – it makes a house feel sterile and not lived in. Vintage furniture often masters that balance, offering craftsmanship and character that bring soul to a room. Chic and comfort can go hand in hand. Comfort to me does not mean 'lazy boy' furniture. You can find something with a beautiful silhouette that is also designed for comfort.

A very important element of designing an inviting home is making sure there is enough storage. If everything has a place for something to go, then we avoid living sloppily. Even if you’re a maximalist and love having lots of things out on display – you still need a place for everything to avoid the space feeling chaotic and unrelaxing.

4. Create a sense of harmony

When you dress a room, you need strong foundational pieces: a great rug, beautiful drapery, plush upholstery – and then build through texture and smaller details. Design is not a science – you have to play around. Move things around until you strike a feeling of balance. Feel free to have fun and try out unexpected combinations.

A home should flow seamlessly from one space to the next. Harmony is about creating a sense of harmony through some repetition, even if each room has its own personality. Using consistent materials, colors, and textures – whether it’s a wood finish or vintage pieces – helps tie everything together.

There is a reward in pushing your boundaries at times. Whether it’s trying a bold color, playing with scale, or incorporating a unique piece, stepping out of your comfort zone can make a space more dynamic and personal. Why not take risks in the comfort of your own home?

Lean into your own sense of style – don’t try to copy someone else. It’s about surrounding yourself with things that reflect you, not what’s trending. I love a thoughtful look that avoids fads and just feels curated. That is true comfort for me.