INTERIORS: THE IMPORTANCE OF COZINESS

Reference: O'driscoll, J., & Breckon, B. (1995). Britain for English learners. Oxford University Press, 176-
182.

1. British houses have a reputation for being the coldest in Europe. This reputation
is exaggerated.
 It is partially caused by the fact that homes in Britain are less well-insulated and, on
average, older than homes in other countries.

 They're also designed in a way that makes them feel colder, with narrow layouts and old-
fashioned styles. Some people have tried to make their homes warmer by adding
insulation and better heating, but many older houses still feel chilly.

 While many homeowners in the UK have taken steps to improve the energy efficiency of
their homes through insulation and modern heating systems, the legacy of older housing
stock and historical architectural styles has left a lasting impression of British houses as
being less warm and cosy compared to homes in some other European countries.

2. The way British people think about home and comfort isn't just about the physical
space, but also about how they feel mentally.
 Creating a cozy atmosphere is crucial, often prioritizing warmth over aesthetic
considerations.

 This preference leads to a tendency to opt for multiple pieces of affordable, mass-
produced furniture, such as synthetic-covered chairs and sofas, over fewer, more
exquisite items.

 Similarly, when decorating, the emphasis is on filling the space to evoke a sense of
coziness.

3. Not everyone in Britain considers modern comforts as automatically positive.

 For many, part of feeling cozy involves a sense of tradition, which can be conveyed by
being surrounded by old, even if not particularly comfortable or attractive, furniture.

 If authentic old items aren't available, there are ways to suggest age, such as having
items that mimic the look of older pieces.
 For example, having an open fire is highly desirable in Britain, not only for its warmth but
also because it evokes a sense of history (since it was commonly used in the past).
These days, most houses in towns and suburbs are not allowed to use open fires (they
cause too much pollution). And yet, so strong is the attraction of the 'real fire' idea that
many houses have an imitation open fire, complete with plastic coal which glows red
when it is switched on.

4. Privacy is an element of cosiness

 Older houses typically have two living rooms, allowing for formal visits in the front room
while providing privacy for family and close friends in the back room.

 Modern smaller houses often have just one living room, but privacy is maintained with a
separate hall leading from the front door.

 Some houses even have a small porch as an extra layer of privacy. The presence of
both front and back doors, even if accessible from the street, further emphasizes the
desire for privacy, with the back door typically reserved for family and close friends.