The home is becoming the ultimate hangout spot. Over the last few years, there has been a significant shift in how and where people seek comfort and gather with loved ones. Rather than looking for ways to relax and connect outside their mailing address, people are focusing on creating cozy spaces at home. Designer Lindsey Herod sees it as a lingering effect of the pandemic.

“The experience of lockdowns and remote work brought renewed attention to the role our homes play in our daily lives—a perspective that continues to influence how we live and design,” Herod says. “Before that period, many people did not give enough attention to their environment; they were busy running around all day and didn’t spend enough time at home to consider it deeply,” she explains.

Today, the home has become a safe haven. While everyone is busy again, turning the home into a place of rest and relaxation has become a priority. Here’s how to turn your space into a stylish backdrop for meaningful everyday moments and the ultimate hangout spot you’ll never want to leave.

The Best Ways to Create a Cozy Hangout

While you can certainly add comfortable elements to any space, certain rooms lend themselves well to creating hangout spots. These are the top spaces Herod sees homeowners designing right now.

Dens and Lounges
Cozy dens, or lounges as they are sometimes called, are something Herod is seeing a lot of right now. “These spaces have been carved out of previous dining rooms or offices and turned into entertaining and relaxing rooms made for kicking up your feet, catching a Sunday afternoon nap, or enjoying cocktails and games on a Saturday evening,” the designer shares. Dens are experiencing a resurgence in popularity as people look for comfort and connection at home. In its purest essence, the space is cozy and comfortable. Unlike a formal living room that can feel fussy, a den begs you to sit back and linger, whether over a hot cup of coffee with friends or a solo immersive reading session.

Eat-In Kitchens
As mealtimes have become more casual, so has the setting. Rather than gathering around an oversized dining table in a formal dining room, weeknight meals and weekend brunches have moved to a more relaxed spot: the eat-in kitchen. With all the stylish performance fabrics available for built-in banquettes and upholstered chairs, breakfast nooks serve as a cozy backdrop for everyday rituals big and small. The nook exudes comfort while providing ample room for creative expression through a statement pendant light, a cool fabric for built-in seating, or a fun wallpaper.

Listening Rooms
Many homeowners are starting to incorporate listening rooms into their home. If you’re a music lover, this will be your ultimate hangout spot. Listening rooms are spaces dedicated solely to listening to music. With the comeback of vinyl records, they are the perfect spot to lean into the retro trend and lean back with your favorite tunes. To create a cozy acoustic experience, a listening room needs comfortable seating, dimmable lighting, soft textures, and a good sound system, of course!

Keeping Rooms
A keeping room might just be the coziest of all the rooms. If you’ve never heard of a keeping room, the centuries-old space is just off the kitchen and essentially serves as the overflow of the heart of the home. It’s where you can smell the delightful aromas wafting from the oven and continue a conversation with the chef without crowding the kitchen. Warm and cozy, it’s the epitome of homey comfort. It can be set up in a number of ways—a large keeping room can hold a kitchen table and chairs, while a small one can be furnished with a pair of comfy armchairs and a side table to put down a steaming hot beverage.

Tips for Creating A Cozy Hangout Spot at Home

To transform any room in your home into a cozy hangout spot for quiet nights in and relaxed get-togethers with friends and family, Herod shares three tips. They have to do with the color palette, comfort level, and practicality. “Enveloping, moody colors set the scene in these spaces,” the designer says. Don’t be afraid to embrace deeper shades or even an immersive paint technique such as color drenching.

Second, make sure it’s a place where you—and your guests—want to linger. “Include a deep, cozy sofa or a pair of chairs with ottomans comfortable for lounging,” Herod suggests. Lastly, function is key. If you’re going to cozy up with a book or settle in for a night of games, the designer says tables are essential. Think: a game table, bar cart, and small drinks tables next to sofas and chairs so you have a spot to set down your drinks and snacks.

The Ultimate Home Hangout : How to Design A Space Everyone will Love by Maria Sabella | Better Homes & Gardens