Most of us would look forward to returning to a home that is comfortable and relaxing after a busy day at work. Putting in some effort with a few home decorating touches will go a long way towards making the home a cosy and inviting place for family members and guests.

By using a variety of textures, you can create a soothing feel to the furniture in the living room as well as in the bedroom. Layer the sofas and beds with cushions and throws in soft fabric. It is easy to create a different look by changing the covers on the cushions, such as from stripes to a floral print.

Placing a throw rug on the floor not only adds texture but also warmth to a room. It can also serve as an alternative to carpeting.

One of the best ways to change the style of a room is through colour. It is worthwhile to note that painting the walls with warm colours will tend to make a room look smaller but at the same time, it also makes the room feel cosier.

However, if you have a liking for soft, pastel colours, go for them as it is important to choose colours that you are comfortable with and suit your preference.

Another way to update a room is to change the curtains. A different colour or fabric for the curtains will change the look of the room almost instantly and there are a variety of styles to choose from. Rich and soft fabrics can make a room look warmer.

Lighting is good way to add warmth to a room, especially with soft lighting. Florescent and halogen lights are bright and are more suitable for task lighting. For a warm glow, choose incandescent lights instead.

Try fixing dimmers on the light switches to control the level of lighting. In addition, consider placing floor lamps or table lamps at appropriate spots as they can help to draw attention to certain areas in a room and also create a softer mood.

Changing the décor of a room and adding a cosy feel to it need not be an expensive or time consuming exercise. With these simple ideas, you can easily create a welcoming and comforting mood for any room in the home.