When it comes to homes, many people today seek more than just a place to live. They want a space that feels like a refuge from the stresses of everyday life, and prefer a comfortable place where they can disconnect and truly feel at ease. The best way you can achieve this for yourself is by creating a space that nurtures warmth, relaxation, and personal expression.
Thankfully, with the right design choices, it won’t be as hard as you think to transform your apartment into a haven of comfort that can make nights in just as appealing (if not more so) than a night out. From choosing the right lighting to incorporating soft textures, these small, but thoughtful changes can make a significant difference.
If you love the idea of staying in and making the most of your home, here are some cosy apartment design ideas from DROOL to help you craft an irresistibly snug retreat.
1) Incorporate Curves for a Softer Look
Many modern or newly built apartments often feature straight lines and angular architecture like sharp angles in door frames, windows, kitchen cabinets, and even furniture like rectangular dining tables and boxy shelving units. While this sleek and structured look can be visually appealing, too many hard lines can make a space feel rigid and less inviting.
Incorporate curved elements into your decor to soften the look and achieve a more inviting atmosphere. Round-edged furniture, such as an oval coffee table, a curved sofa, or an arched mirror, can all introduce a sense of fluidity and warmth to the space.
If replacing furniture isn’t an option, small decorative touches can still make a noticeable difference. You can add round cushions on a sofa or circular rugs beneath a coffee table. Even in your gallery wall of art prints and art posters, mixing round or oval frames among traditional rectangular ones adds variety and softness. This makes the display feel more organic and cosy.
2) Set the Mood with Soft Lighting
Lighting also plays a crucial role in creating a warm and cosy atmosphere. Harsh overhead lights can make a space feel stark and uninviting, so swapping them out for softer alternatives can completely change the mood of your apartment.
If you want to achieve a warm ambience, consider layering the lighting. Start with dimmable table lamps, floor lamps, or wall sconces to create pools of light rather than harsh, direct brightness. Then, add fairy lights for a whimsical, comforting touch. Candles can further enhance the feeling of warmth, whether real or battery-operated.
3) Layer Rugs for Added Warmth and Texture
Bare floors can make a space feel cold, both visually and physically. A simple but effective way to make your apartment feel cosier is by layering rugs. Combining different textures, patterns, and sizes will easily add depth and warmth to your space.
A large, neutral-toned jute rug can serve as a sturdy base, while a smaller plush rug placed on top will create a soft, inviting surface underfoot. This works especially well in areas where you tend to relax, like the living room or bedroom.
4) Opt for Comfy Furniture Over Traditional Choices
Comfort should always take priority when it comes to making your apartment feel like a true retreat. Instead of a structured, formal-looking sofa, consider opting for a plush daybed that doubles as both a lounging space and an extra sleeping area for guests.
Deep-seated armchairs, oversized cushions, and chunky knit throws also add to the comfort factor, making it easy to sink in and relax. Soft, upholstered furniture in materials like velvet or bouclé can further enhance the feeling of cosiness, as these fabrics are both warm and inviting.
5) Enhance Your Space with Soothing Scents
Scent is often overlooked in interior design, but it has a powerful impact on how a space feels. The right fragrance can instantly make your home feel more inviting and cosy.
Try using essential oil diffusers, reed diffusers, or scented candles to transform the atmosphere of your apartment with calming or comforting aromas. Opt for scents like vanilla, lavender, sandalwood, or cinnamon—all of which evoke a sense of warmth and relaxation.
6) Infuse Your Personality into the Space
A home should reflect the personality of the person living in it. Adding personal touches—whether with framed photos, books, or unique art pieces—instantly makes a space feel more lived-in and inviting. You don’t have to follow any design trends rigidly; just mix and match colours and textures that speak to your personal style.
7) Bring in Greenery for a Fresh, Cosy Feel
Plants are another simple, yet effective way to add warmth and life to your apartment. If you’re not confident in your plant care skills, start with low-maintenance options like peace lilies, snake plants, or hanging ivy. They all require minimal attention, but make a big impact.
Also consider placing potted plants on windowsills, shelves, or even hanging planters to add greenery without taking up valuable floor space. You’ll be surprised how comfy your apartment will be after these simple additions, especially if you and your loved ones like being in nature.
All it takes to achieve a cosy apartment setting that you’ll love to spend time in is to make thoughtful design choices that enhance comfort, warmth, and relaxation. Shop for art pieces on DROOL and consider incorporating these other design ideas to make staying in feel like the ultimate luxury. You might even find yourself making excuses to cancel plans just to enjoy your cosy retreat. After all, when your home feels so inviting, why would you ever want to leave?
