Whew! A labor of love if I have ever experienced one. I started this bedroom project in October and while it may seem simple on the outside, literal mountains were moved behind the scenes to see it through to the end. Between launches and sickness, there were times when I was completely over it, to be honest. But when thinking ahead to the deepest parts of winter, and that natural tendency to hibernate into those feelings of winter blues, I knew I wanted to have a space that allowed us all to melt into the comfort of home, at that time of year when we need it most. I’m giving you the full look into this simple and cozy modern cottage bedroom space that I created. Because it’s finished!

Now, there are two things I believe in when it comes to the home and cultivating spaces that inspire us. First, making a space you own – no matter if you are renting, living tiny, or enjoying your forever home – is worth it. Every single ounce of energy, it is worth it. As we are still waiting for the timing to be right in finding our home here in Nashville, I can attest to the difference it makes in not waiting to make your current space your own. Even in our temporary and tiny living spaces, I am choosing to create a home in the now.

And the second thing I believe is that curating things with intention will serve not only our home but ourselves and our loved ones better. Taking our time to find things we truly love and bring into our space means a home filled with joy and comfort, not stress and overwhelm. 

Our master bedroom right now seems to be the hub for a lot of family time. Whether it is cuddles in the morning, chats while I am working at my desk, or family prayers and scripture study, I wanted this to be a space that made us all feel at home. And I wanted it to be a place where, at the end of another long and full day, the Bearded Gent and I can find rest. It’s been quite the year so this was especially important to me to get right.

Starting with the bedding, I was so thrilled to be introduced to The Citizenry and the incredible quality of their organic stonewashed linen sheets. Never have I experienced sheets like these and we have been so incredibly happy with them. I can now say from experience that quality sheets make all the difference and truly bring a sense of luxury to the space. Not to mention, the fact that their bedding is organic and Oeko-Tex® certified was a big deal. We are always working to ensure that we are creating the safest home possible and reducing our toxin load where we can.

Since it is a smaller space after the bedding came the small details that add up to create a truly cozy ambiance. I love a good mix of simple and classic when it comes to home decor and details. From the bow details on the pillow shams I found to the personal touches in black and white family photographs, I love how it all came together!

There are three very simple ways I create a cozy ambiance within our home:

1. It’s all about the layers. Layers, upon layers, upon layers. It’s more than just a simple sheet and comforter. It’s the added coverlet and the knit throw at the foot of the bed. It’s the decorative pillows added to the standard bed pillows. All of it works together in a way that makes a space feel full without being too much. My goal is to create that ‘Nancy Meyer’s feeling. You know, watching her movies and that instant feeling of home you get when seeing the inside of the house. Think Father of the Bride, The Holiday, or that fantastic cottage designed for Edward and Bella. It’s this lived in, warm, inviting, but not overdone kind of feel. Like, hey people live here. This is home. P.S. Just WAIT until I get my hands on our home. Wood beams EVERYWHERE.
2. Textures and patterns. I love infusing different elements into a space and I never want anything to feel too uniform or too stiff. Mixing patterns like stripes and florals as well as pairing velvet throw pillows with cotton ones. All of it combines to help infuse that cozy feeling of home.
3. Personal touches. Home isn’t home without them. I am a firm believer in family photos and handmade elements in a space. And it’s all in the way you approach them so they don’t detract, but amplify a space. For photographs, I like to utilize mostly black and white (this is the magic touch to a classic black and white finish) as well as larger mat frames so they feel more like art – they just happen to be moments from our lives and family memories which makes it all the more special. And because it is the holidays, I decided some handmade wreaths hanging from the picture frames above the bed were a great touch. Make it festive, but keep it simple, you know?

And don’t worry! I gathered everything up for you to create this same simple and cozy modern cottage bedroom look or perhaps just your favorite details to bring into your own space. I love how it all came together and I can honestly say it was worth the effort to create a space that is not only warm and comforting, but also inspires us. It’s exactly what I needed to make this winter season the coziest yet!

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As the nights grow longer and the air turns colder, there’s no place I would rather be than nestled in this simple and cozy retreat. I hope the tips I shared as well as a look into my modern cottage bedroom for the holidays inspire you in your own space.

What cozy elements do you like to incorporate in your home? Share in the comments below or tag me in your own simple and cozy space on social media—I can’t wait to see it! Here’s to curating spaces of calm during the bustling holiday season and amping up the cozy to keep us comforted this winter!