Hi Friends,

It’s your favorite lighting stylist, LaDonna, back with some glowing advice! The other day, during a lighting consultation, someone asked me a question so good I had to share: How can I create that perfect cozy lighting look in my home? With winter creeping in, holiday magic in the air, and guests coming to town, it’s time to turn your home into the ultimate cozy retreat. Here’s my foolproof four-step recipe for getting that warm, snuggle-worthy glow:

1. Say goodbye to the "big light"

Don’t get me wrong—I love a statement chandelier as much as the next design lover. But if you’re aiming for cozy vibes, it’s time to hit the off switch. Or at least dim that overhead light way down. This is all about setting the mood, and big lights just don’t have cozy in their DNA.

2. Sprinkle in some task lighting

Now that the big light is out of the picture, let’s layer in some task lighting. This is where the magic happens! Think about how you use your space: reading on the couch, playing games at the coffee table, or making your secret mulled wine recipe in the kitchen. Add table lamps, floor lamps, wall sconces, or even picture lights to shine a spotlight where it’s needed most.

3. Add a pinch of accent lighting

Task lighting? Check. Now it’s time to complete the picture. Accent lighting is like the garnish on a perfectly plated dish—it fills in the gaps and adds that final touch. Use small lights to brighten any dark corners or highlight features like shelves or artwork. This is where your space gets its “allover glow” moment.

4. Warm it up with the right bulb

The secret sauce to cozy lighting? It’s all about the bulb! Look for a warm color temperature—2700K to 3000K is the sweet spot. Anything cooler can leave your room looking more "hospital chic" than holiday cozy. Pro tip: Swap out any bulbs with blue-ish undertones ASAP, and learn more about kelvins here. 

That's it! Four easy steps to achieve cozy lighting in your home. I'd love to see how you make your space cozy this season. Snap a pic and share it with me on @mymitzi! And remember, if you're feeling stuck, you can always book a free one-on-one consultation with me here.