5 Design Choices That Can Make Your Home Look Cold and Uninviting

Most people want to live in a home that feels warm and comfortable. But many modern homes feel anything but that. So how do you take your space from cold and sterile to inviting and cozy? It isn’t as challenging as you think. You may just need to make a few design adjustments. And it's helpful to know what might be currently holding your space back. Below, here are five design and decor choices that can make your home look cold—and how to fix them. 

Too Much Black

While black is a popular color for lots of decor accents and furniture—it can really shift the tone of a space. Stark black and white decor create high contrast interiors that don't have much visual softness. But that doesn't mean you can't use black decor and still create a cozy environment. Sometimes it's just a matter of using the color in moderation or picking the right tones and finishes.

"I’m working with a client right now who wants a transitional, welcoming space but her choices at first were actually on the wrong end of the spectrum,” interior designer and HGTV star Shay Holland says. “For some of her furniture, she had chosen chrome metals and black shiny fabrics. The materials together created the wrong vibe. I showed her why it would be better to use soft black as an accent.”

Soft black shades have brown undertones, infusing some warmth into the deep, dark color. So, if you love using black in your design but feel your space looks too cold, a good remedy is to incorporate softer hues and balance the black with warm, natural colors.

All Of Your Furniture Is From One Store

Buying a living room or bedroom set can be a great way to save money and simplify the decorating process. But according to Holland, this can give a home an impersonal feel. 

Although it's more time-consuming, sourcing from antique shops, thrift stores, and estate sales—and slowly adding pieces to your home—will help you create a truly unique abode. If that isn’t possible, pick two or three stores that suit your style and aim for pieces that coordinate but don’t necessarily match.

This will keep your home from looking like it was copy-and-pasted from a showroom or store catalog and help it actually look like your home. This, in turn, will create interiors that feel more familiar and comforting.

Lack Of Layering And Texture

Both Holland and interior designer Audrey Scheck tell me one of the biggest reasons a space feels cold is because it lacks layering and texture. “Rooms need soft touches to warm them up, like rugs and various sources of lighting and artwork,” says Holland. 

Minimalism has been a major trend in recent years, but cutting out the clutter can sometimes lead to a space losing some of its dimension and warmth. “Leaning too far into the minimalism design aesthetic can make a space feel cold and empty," Scheck says. "Instead, we recommend adding pillows, tabletop decor, throws, and rugs in an array of fabrics and materials.”

You can also layer different aesthetics for a chic and eclectic look. For example, hang modern art above a toile couch. Try to find some vintage decor pieces and display them on a cool modern table. You don’t need to be a maximalist, but layering different elements will instantly level up any room. 

Not Mixing Metals and Finishes

Along the same lines, Scheck tells me that limiting the colors and finishes of the metals you use can also make a home look cold—especially if everything is silver. “Try to mix brass and matte black finishes to bring more visual interest to spaces," she says.

Using Way Too Much White

While the all-white aesthetic was popular for a long time, it turns out you can have too much of a good thing, according to Scheck. “Incorporating too much white can create a sterile environment,” she explains. “To avoid this, opt for a creamy white paint with warmer undertones to infuse character into your home.”

If you can’t re-paint or simply don’t want to take on a painting project right now—the designer suggests incorporating wooden furniture and layering warm-toned textiles, such as an ivory throw blanket or beige and brown bedding.