in

18 Cozy Apartment Aesthetic Ideas That Prove Compact Is Cute

1

Keep It Light

Reid Rolls

Go for lighter shades and relaxing neutrals to create a snug bedroom space in your apartment that you will not want to leave. Grab a few pillows and blankets and stick to light pinks and whites like this setup from Sarah Tract of Sarah Tract Interiors.

Photo by: Reid Rolls

2

Mix Materials

Sara Liggoria-Tramp

Create a space you and your guests will want to sink into like Emily Henderson does here. By mixing fabrics like a leather chair, wool rug and and textured artwork, this space becomes a cozy paradise. “Use lots of textures in your material choices, especially soft ones (plush rugs, soft nubby fabrics, blankets), as well as great artwork,” says Jamie Ivey of Ivey Design Group.

Photo by: Sara Liggoria-Tramp

Advertisement – Continue Reading Below

3

Weave in an Extra-Large Chair

Tollgard Studio

Say goodbye to normal sized chairs and hello to the oversized chair-and-a-half. These extra large chairs are perfect for sprawling out with a good book or even cozying up with a loved one. Plus, they look just as comfortable as they are. Incorporate comfortable seating throughout your apartment like Tollgard Studio does here.

4

Layer up

Lucinda Sanford

Your bedroom should be your go-to spot when it comes to comfort. Lucinda Sanford of Lucinda Sanford Design focuses on aesthetics in order to create that relaxing space. “Layers of colors and patterns really help this, as well as making sure things look real and usable,” says Sanford.

Advertisement – Continue Reading Below

5

Cuddle up With a Good Book

FYNES DESIGNS
6

Cozy up the Flooring

Almost Makes Perfect

Advertisement – Continue Reading Below

7

Light a Few Candles

Sara Liggoria-Tramp
8

Bring Your Space to Life

Alice & Lois

While most of us may focus on super soft blankets, fluffy rugs and wide couches, there’s something that might be missing — plants. Take a cue from Alice & Lois and try incorporating a few houseplants into your apartment. “Add flowers or a plant to a room to bring in a natural element and create a soothing environment,” says Lynn Berney of LTA Interiors.

RELATED: 12 Plants That Can Boost Your Overall Wellbeing

Advertisement – Continue Reading Below

9

Don’t Be Afraid of Patterns

Reid Rolls

Coziness is all about how a space makes you feel. If you love patterned wallpaper, don’t be afraid to go for it like Sarah Tract of Sarah Tract Interiors does here. Match your furniture, rug and sofa for a cohesive design.

Photo by: Reid Rolls

10

Go With a Cool Blue

Marco Ricca

There’s no color more peaceful than sky blue. Michelle Gerson of Michelle Gerson Interiors incorporates cool blues through the wall color, rug, bedding and light fixture by Gabriel Scott to create a relaxing bedroom sanctuary.

Photo by: Marco Ricca

Advertisement – Continue Reading Below

11

Focus on Function

Lucinda Sanford

Although aesthetic is certainly a significant part of designing a warm and welcoming apartment, how you plan on actually using that space is arguably more important. Go for functionality like this space from Lucinda Sanford of Lucinda Sanford Designs. “A bench is great but if it looks like sitting on it is not possible, what is the point,” says Sanford. “Can you sit down, watch the television, talk to other people, read a book and be comfortable? It’s cozy when you can rest a drink on a table, put your feet up and really use a room like this one to socialize and be with friends or relax on your own.”

12

Buddy up With a Side Table

Boxwood Ave

How can you get cozy if you have nowhere to put your tea or rest your book? That’s why side tables are so important in allowing a space to function how it’s supposed to. Incorporate these convenient pieces on either side of your couch (or better yet, both sides, if you have the room) like Boxwood Ave. does here.

“More so than the decorative accents, the way a room is laid out really lends to the overall feeling of coziness in a space. Tighter seating arrangements designed with comfort and function in mind — is there an easily accessible side table to place your hot cocoa on? Where can you prop your feet up?” says Ryann Swan Hackett of Ryann Swan Design.

Advertisement – Continue Reading Below

13

Create Depth Through Texture

Courtesy of Lush Decor

Sheets, comforters and quilts can make or break how homey your bedroom feels. “For bedding, use understated textures like tufted or geometrical quilted fabrics,” says Jenny Jing Zhu, founder of Lush Decor and author of Dream Weaver: Finding Strength & Purpose in Life’s Twists and Turns. “They add just the right amount of texture to create depth without crowding the room. Simple accents, like a boucle throw pillow or a soft, chic blanket, can make all the difference in transforming a small space into a stylish and welcoming retreat — without overloading it.”

RELATED: The Best Bedding You Can Buy

14

Design a Dining Nook

Lucinda Sanford

There’s something comforting about dining in a booth at a restaurant. Why not recreate that feeling with a comfy nook at home? Here, Lucinda Sanford of Lucinda Sanford Design decided to use small couch (a cozy bench works too!) on one side of the dining table.

Advertisement – Continue Reading Below

15

Texture, Texture, Texture

Marco Ricca

The texture of your furniture contributes significantly to the overall vibe of your space. Go with something that looks and feels comfy, and don’t forget to layer other textures. This setup from Michelle Gerson of Michelle Gerson Interiors is a great example.

Photo by: Marco Ricca

16

Draw Attention to Cozy Accents

MICHAEL CLIFFORD

A soft, cuddly pillow can completely change the way a chair looks and feels. Keep an eye out for cozy accents like these that give off that homey feel and layer them like Candace Shure does in this space. “Layer additional cozy accents, like chunky throw blankets and fabric window treatments, to add variety and increase your space’s homey vibe,” says Jennifer Press of Press Interiors.

Advertisement – Continue Reading Below

17

Embrace Compact Spaces

David Lauer

Apartments are filled with quirky spaces and unique layouts, but with the right design ideas, you can take advantage of those nooks and crannies like Amy Pigliacampo Interiors does here. Stack some books, incorporate a couple side tables and cuddle up with a few blankets.

18

Don’t Skimp on Throws

Cherished Bliss

While pillows and blankets aren’t the only thing you need to cozy up your apartment, they’re definitely an important feature. Take inspiration from Cherished Bliss and find ones you truly love to get comfy with. Throw them on the couch, in a basket or anywhere that’s easily accessible.

Laura Millar (she/her) is the assistant editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers home design. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2024, she wrote for NBC’s TODAY.com where she covered everything from entertainment news to product reviews to pop culture updates.

Watch Next
 

Advertisement – Continue Reading Below

Advertisement – Continue Reading Below

Advertisement – Continue Reading Below


Source: Home Ideas - goodhousekeeping.com

Gustaf Westman hosts Brooklyn pop-up modeled on “museum experience”

25 Cozy Breakfast Nook Ideas That Pack Style Into a Small Space