Interior designer and artist Aileen Grodzinsky may have said it best when it comes to creating a welcoming living space: “The coziest homes have a soul and a story to tell, where meaningful pieces come together effortlessly with functional ones, where every corner piques interest and makes everyone smile—a place where you feel like you are being hugged the moment you walk in the door.”
Doesn’t get much better than that, right?
In this article, we’ll explore decor ideas that can transform any apartment into a warm and inviting haven. Whether it’s maximizing small spaces, choosing the right color schemes, incorporating cozy textiles, or embracing clever storage solutions, these practical and stylish trends will make your apartment truly feel like home.
1. Make Your Entryway Feel Like a Warm Hug
Just as Aileen Grodzinsky said, one of the keys to creating a cozy living space is giving the feeling of a warm hug the minute you walk through the door.
Take a moment to step outside of your apartment. As you walk back in, take note of what you see.
Are there shoes, coats, and umbrellas in the entryway? Does it feel cluttered and disorganized?
This area sets the tone for the rest of your home, so it’s an important area to redecorate. Incorporate a bench with storage or a shoe rack to eliminate clutter and make the space feel open and airy. If you want shoes to be completely out of sight, consider a large shoe cabinet or a smaller cabinet, depending on your space.
Adding some greenery is another great addition to an entryway. Since most halls/entryways are lacking in sunlight, invest in one of these hard-to-kill plants that don’t require a lot of sunlight to get a burst of leafy greenery the minute you arrive home.
2. Swap Out Your Bright Light Bulbs for Those With Soft, Amber Hues
Lighting plays a critical role in setting the mood and ambiance of a space. Harsh white light, similar to what you would find in an office or hospital, creates a cold and unwelcoming environment. Soft yellow light, on the other hand, offers warmth and relaxation.
There are five general light bulb colors:
- Soft white
- Warm white
- Bright white
- Daylight
- Amber
Swap out bright white light bulbs for soft white, warm white, or amber light bulbs throughout your home, especially in your lamps. This will soften the edges of the room, casting gentle shadows that add depth and character to the space.
Additionally, the gentle glow mimics the soothing hues of candlelight or a fireplace, instantly transforming a room into a snug, comfortable space.
3. Reduce Harsh Lines
Most furniture tends to have straight, harsh lines. The kitchen table, coffee table, TV stand, and any rectangular artwork on the walls can make a room feel very rigid.
To soften the space, incorporate round-shaped pillows, rugs, wall art, lamps, and other decorative items to help break up fine lines. Toss throw blankets over the corners of the couch or armchair to help break up fine lines and create more breathing room.
4. Infuse Your Personality
Nothing makes a space more unique and comfortable than infusing aspects of your personality throughout. This can include hanging your hat collection above your bed or showing off your car’s first license plate on your cocktail cart.
The best homes tell a story and make a space truly feel ‘lived in.’
So, dust off that record collection or pile of books that’s hiding in your closet and make them the focal point of your decor.
5. Layer Rugs for Extra Coziness
If you have a few rug options you’re deciding between, consider layering them to bring added warmth to your space. Consider a top layer with warm colors over a neutral jute rug to add dimension to the room.
This is also a great way to add an extra layer of cushion on your floors if you have pets or young children. Your downstairs neighbors will also appreciate the extra layer of cushion insulating footsteps and noise!
6. Instead of a Couch, Incorporate a Daybed
If you’re struggling to find a comfortable and affordable couch, use a daybed in your living room instead. A daybed can be more comfortable and spacious than a couch and offers dual functionality as a bed and a couch when guests visit.
Daybeds typically offer great storage options underneath as well, providing extra space to store blankets, sheets, and pillows. Make the daybed look like a couch by layering throw pillows along the back and adding a coffee table. If you live in a studio apartment, a daybed is a great solution for giving your space a living room feel during the day and transforming into a bed at night.
7. Incorporate Mirrors to Open Up the Space
Mirrors are a great way to open up your space and reflect natural light throughout the room, eliminating gloomy corners. Mirrors create an open and airy ambiance that makes a space feel every roomier than it already is.
A full-length mirror in your bedroom or hallway or an elegantly framed mirror in the living room not only serves a practical purpose but also brings an added touch of expansiveness to a home.
8. Give Your Apartment the Sniff Test
This is especially applicable if you have pets. Every home has its own signature scent, and we tend to become accustomed to whatever that scent is. But it’s hard to fully relax and unwind in your cozy space if there are lingering odors in the air.
Spend a few hours away from your apartment and then pay close attention to any scents you notice when you walk back in. Are you getting hints of lavender from your diffuser? Or is the cat’s litter box a bit too prominent? The scent is one of the first things guests will notice when visiting your home, so you’ll want to ensure your home has a clean, pleasant aroma.
The easiest way to eliminate odors is by plugging in an essential oil diffuser or air freshener. You can also create a cozy aroma by simmering cinnamon, cloves, apples, and citrus in a pot of water on your stovetop. This is also a great way to use up items that may go bad in your kitchen while creating a comforting fragrance.
Your Place, Your Taste
If you’re in the market for a new apartment, Draper and Kramer’s spacious and luxurious apartments offer the perfect canvas to create a warm and cozy home. Visit our website to browse our full selection of luxury apartments today.
