Homing 2.0: Tips and ideas for a cosy retreat

Meetings no longer take place in the restaurant or bar. Instead, the kitchen becomes the centre of a social gathering. A film evening together in front of a projector and screen replaces a visit to the cinema, a games evening replaces an event concert. At the same time, people exercise in the home gym and relax after a day in the home office by gardening or cooking. 

• Divide your home into clearly defined (semi-)public and private areas. For example, the dining room and kitchen are ideal for socialising, whilst the bedroom and living room remain private. 

• Create meeting places. The island kitchen is the perfect spot for cook-along evenings, whilst at the large dining table you can play, laugh and chat with your loved ones – or perhaps the XL sofa is more your style for cosy film nights? 

• Multifunctional, flexible furniture can be transformed in no time at all and adapted to suit your needs: Thanks to its pull-out function, the desk transforms into a large dining area; folding wall tables turn your bedroom into an office space when needed; folding chairs allow you to expand your dining circle in a matter of seconds. Rolling shelving units and flexibly configurable partition walls create a sense of space and privacy as required. 

• Put your trust in the power of nature: Home textiles made from cotton and linen exude a cosy feel and are pleasant to the touch. Linen, in particular, creates fascinating effects thanks to its coarse yet delicately shimmering texture. To achieve this, arrange some green plants and opt for solid wood furniture. 

• Use light colours to create a sense of space: If your life is mainly centred around your home, space and a sense of openness are key factors in your sense of well-being. Wall colours such as cream, rosé or greige, light-coloured parquet flooring, and curtains or blinds in cream or white can make even small kitchens and living areas appear spacious. 

• Make the most of the effects of light: Warm light appears golden-yellow – and this has a relaxing effect and instantly creates a cosy atmosphere. Cold light, on the other hand, is similar to daylight and is ideal for work requiring concentration. 

Tip: In combined living and working spaces, lights with adjustable colour temperature are a real hit. Here’s how to switch flexibly between light for concentration and mood lighting.

• Create contrasts: Arrange striking individual pieces or eye-catching splashes of colour to draw the eye. This gives the room a sense of depth and adds a sense of drama to the overall effect. 

• Opt for cosy furniture: Who says an office always has to be strictly functional, or that ‘easy to clean’ has to be the top priority in the kitchen? Create a cosy kitchen with wooden cupboards, atmospheric décor, warm lighting, houseplants and comfortable seating. 

• Design multi-purpose rooms: At first glance, it’s hard to tell whether a room furnished with solid wood shelves and a desk, a sofa and a reading corner complete with a floor lamp is an office or a living room – and you can look forward to feeling more at ease in your workplace.