Above image: Custom fireplace from Acme Brick Tile & Stone (Mason-Lite 60″ masonry fireplace, duel fuel gas/wood, buff firebrick); Installer – Sterling Masonry LLC; Builder – S&B Construction; Photo credit: Kiese & Co LLC
One of the hottest interior design trends for 2025 has proven to be a clamor for cozy. This design aesthetic leans into nostalgia by suggesting a simpler, more grounded time. It values authentic materials like wood, brick, and stone. It also prizes imperfection and charm over sterile modernism. By incorporating elements like worn wood, exposed brick, or vintage-inspired decor, a cozy space feels personal and meaningful.
What This Means for You: Residential research from Zillow and other residential research organizations notes that home listings mentioning “cozy” have increased by 35% compared to last year. Cozy spaces balance modern organics, like wood, brick, and stone, with modern functionality. Brick is a staple in cozy design due to its natural warmth, texture, and enduring appeal.
Are you looking for ideas to meet these cozy criteria? We have hundreds of ideas. Just click here and cozy up.
In today’s frenetic world, many people are searching for balance. Cozy design responds to this by encouraging mindfulness, simplicity, and intentional living, merging aesthetics with functionality. Spaces that are warm and inviting provide a counterbalance to the fast-paced, tech-saturated lifestyle, helping people reconnect with themselves and their surroundings.
If you’re ready to keep it cozy, here are some key elements to consider:
Natural materials are central to realizing a cozy design, as they bring warmth, texture, and authenticity to any space. Here are some standout design elements, organized by a few hit songs:
Another Brick in the Wall
With more than 130 years of mixing natural clay and water and then firing it in a kiln that can exceed 2,000 degrees, Acme Brick was cozy before cozy was cool! Brick has an innate, nostalgic quality that reminds us of hearth and home, spaces where warmth and togetherness flourished. Acme Brick’s earthy tones, whether deep red, soft beige, or lime washed add to the cozy palette.
Brick design may also include exposed brick walls to add character and depth. Brick fireplaces serve as focal points that radiate visual and physical warmth. Thin brick such as King Klinker, available from Acme, provide an easy-to-install way to turn a boring and monochromatic wall into one that exudes richness. Even in the largest room of the house – the outside entertainment space – can be made into a cozy enclave with fire features, conversation nooks, brick-clad cooking spaces and brick pavers extending a cozy vibe to the backyard, seamlessly connecting indoor/outdoor spaces.
Brick shown here: Cherokee Old Savannah Tumbled, available at Acme Brick Tile & Stone
Pro tip: Add to the coziness of your fireplace by surrounding it with layers of texture and warmth such as a soft area rug and oversized cushions. Establish ambience with accessories like candles or lanterns on the mantel and incorporate natural elements like greenery or wooden decor to add to the charm. Keep firewood neatly stacked in a decorative holder for both practicality and style!
Wooden It Be Nice
The versatility of wood allows it to blend effortlessly with other cozy design elements like plush textiles, warm lighting, and earthy tones. Hardwood flooring available from Acme, with warm finishes that create a solid foundation of comfort and elegance. Adding area rugs enhances the cozy vibe further. Wooden accents with natural grain patterns and imperfections add authenticity. Wooden patio furniture, pergolas, or decking connect indoor coziness to outdoor relaxation, balancing the entire design.
Hardwood and brick floor from Acme Brick Tile & Stone
A Stoned Soul Picnic
Stone design elements add a sense of stability and permanence. This aligns with cozy design’s emphasis on authenticity and a grounded, lived-in feel. Some have warm color palettes. Stone’s organic and earthy appearance brings warmth to a space when paired with soft textiles and warm lighting. Its natural hues—like grays, browns, and creams—blend seamlessly into a cozy design palette. Slate or stone tiles create a natural touch on floors and outdoor patios. Whether in the form of flagstone flooring, stone countertops, or small decorative accents, stone adapts effortlessly to cozy spaces.
Come On In My Kitchen
The foundation of any cozy kitchen is natural materials. Nothing says cozy like brick, wood, and stone! Think about the addition of fresh herbs in clay pots or vintage kitchen tools. Create seating that invites people to come and stay awhile. According to the folks at Foodblasts.com “The best cozy kitchens evolve naturally over time, collecting memories and stories along the way.”
Acme products shown here: English Cottage ThinBRIK in Ellesmere with white mortar; Heritage Contour plank flooring in Southern Charm
Pro tip: Mix and match natural materials, but stick to a maximum of three to avoid overwhelming the space. Add personal touches like open shelving with favorite dishes, pendant lighting, and vintage accents to infuse the kitchen with charm and individuality.
Like a Bridge Over Troubled Waters
Transitional spaces, which designers sometimes call “bridges,” include hallways, entryways, or the areas between indoor and outdoor spaces. These can be made cozy with thoughtful design touches. Using natural materials, baskets, and plants adds a welcoming touch. Mirrors, artwork, or stylish storage solutions enhance charm and functionality.
Pro Tip: To bridge indoor to outdoor spaces with cozy design elements, use consistent materials and colors. Using wood, stone, or brick indoors and outdoors maintains visual continuity. For example, if your indoor kitchen has stone countertops, consider using the same stone for an outdoor kitchen area. Extend flooring materials like tiles or wood from inside to outside for a seamless look. Integrate a grill, wood-fired oven, or stove with stone or brick surrounds to convey rustic charm. Use natural materials for a fire feature, such as stone or brick, to compliment the cozy, inviting vibe.
Custom fireplace from Acme Brick Tile & Stone (Mason-Lite 55″ x 38″ masonry fireplace, multi fuel gas/wood, buff firebrick); Installer – Sterling Masonry LLC; Builder – S&B Construction; Photo credit: Kiese & Co LLC
Finishing Touches
Imagine walking into a room filled with the warmth of exposed brick walls, soft plush rugs on a wood floor, and accent lighting that focuses on cherished family photographs. Cozy design is all about creating spaces that feel warm, inviting, and personal. By incorporating natural materials, warm tones, rich textures, functional spaces, and stylistic versatility, you can achieve a cozy atmosphere that balances aesthetics with functionality.
Remember, the secret to cozy design is in the details and the personal touches that make a house truly feel like a home.
Keeping it cozy in your home starts with a look at the thousands of products found in the Acme Sourcebooks. Click here and prepare to be amazed!
