How to create a warm atmosphere at home during blackouts: tips from an interior designer

When the lights can go out at any moment, home starts to feel different. In the dark, it becomes especially noticeable what in the space is calming and what, on the contrary, increases tension. In such moments, coziness becomes an extension of self-care, not just aesthetics.

Together with interior designer Beatrice PetyovkaLIGA.net It explains how to set up your home to support you even during power outages.

Soft, spot lighting instead of general lighting.

One of the most common mistakes is trying to compensate for the lack of overhead light with equally bright lighting, explains Beatrice Petiova:

– In fact, it's not the general light that creates a cozy winter atmosphere, but a well-thought-out system of local light sources. Table lamps, floor lamps, sconces, and delicate lighting in niches or furniture create an intimate atmosphere and help reduce stress levels.

Practical advice: during this period, it's worth choosing the warmest possible light temperature. It compensates for the lack of sun and makes the interior visually softer. If possible, use dimmers – they allow you to adjust the lighting to your mood and the time of day.

Textiles

In winter, textiles cease to be merely decorative elements and begin to fulfill their key function – creating a feeling of warmth and comfort, explains the expert:

– Throws, thick curtains, pillows, and bedspreads made of textured fabrics help make a space cozier. Natural materials work especially well: wool, cashmere, bouclé, velvet, and thick linen.

At the same time, it's important not to overload the interior. It's better to choose a few high-quality textile elements than many small and chaotic ones.

Colors and materials that create coziness

The mood in a home is created not only through decor but through a combination of color, materials, and light. Warm neutral shades – milky, cream, ivory, warm beige – work especially well in evening lighting. Deep natural colors – pine green, burgundy, terracotta, warm brown – are appropriate for use in textiles, tableware, and small accents.

A Place of Peace

During periods of instability, it is especially important to have a few stable points in the home – places that remain unchanged regardless of external circumstances, notes the interior designer:

– This could be a favorite armchair with a lamp, a sofa with a blanket, or a small table with a favorite candle. Local light in such areas seems to narrow the space and reduce anxiety: the brain perceives this as a signal of safety. Materials also play an important role.

Wood, ceramics, and textiles restore a sense of grounding and presence – something that is especially lacking in conditions of constant tension. It is important to remember: a home should not surprise – it should support. When a space is understandable, warm, and predictable, it becomes a point of support even in the dark.