How to Make Your Apartment Feel Homier

Picture this: it’s been a demanding day. You’re tired. You arrive home from work, you turn the key in the front door, walk inside, and breathe a sigh of relief. Your space! Your things! It’s pure bliss, right? 

One look at your favorite couch, cozy carpets, and expressive wall art and you know it’ll all be okay.

Think this kind of luxury is only for homeowners? Think again. 

This stressful world can sap the life out of you; going home (wherever you live) should be like opening an escape hatch. Fortunately, we have loads of handy tips to share that’ll turn your apartment into a homey haven.

We’ll keep things easy and cost-effective, so you can get a whole lot of cozy without breaking the bank. There are also loads of DIY projects you can tackle yourself. Above all, have fun and make it YOU.

Warm Me Up

Dark colors and loud patterns can bring down the mood, especially in a small space. To add warmth, choose more neutral tones. It doesn’t have to be a full overhaul; these simple touches will make a world of difference:

• Repaint the walls (if your landlord allows it!) with soft pastel or neutral shades
• Change the linens in your bedroom to warmer colors (i.e. nudes and earth tones)
• Create visual texture with scatter cushions on your favorite chairs and couches
• Place some blankets or comfy throws close to sitting areas

Create Break-Away Spaces

Be creative. Scan the length and breadth of your apartment. Are there any vacant spaces begging to be reinvented into snug little coves? These spots are ideal for curling up with a blanket and getting lost in the pages of your favorite book.

Create bold and functional nooks with things like:

• Striking chairs
• A round glass table
• Furry ottomans 
• A half-moon lamp

Pawnshops and second-hand stores are great places to find pieces that will spruce up your space without draining your savings.

Candles Are Your Friend

Candles are such a budget-friendly way to bring hominess to any space! Grab scented ones for an extra luxurious feel. Scatter them everywhere, sit back, and sink into the glow.

Ever been to a spa or retreat and not seen a candle - or ten? Probably not, because candles create an atmosphere of calm and tranquility. Create your own sanctuary with these inexpensive treats.

All the Feels

The trick to adding more texture to your home lies in creating the illusion of a multi-dimensional environment. Sprawl a chunky knit blanket over a chair or couch, hang airy curtains over windows, or add a kicky wallpaper to the back of a lounge area for a pop of personality.

That said, you may want to avoid these:

• Suedes and velvet fabrics (they show wear and become shabby quickly)
• Busy wallpaper that distracts from the overall feel of the room

Light It Up

Ditch the overhead lights and place soft glowing lamps in strategic places: next to the couch or bookshelf for reading light that’s easy on the eyes, near sitting areas, and in places where they’ll illuminate your favorite things and spaces. 

Bring the Outside, In

Greenery will spruce up your space and deliver some quality air, to boot!. Grab a potted plant and place it near a window to ensure it drinks up enough sunlight.

To our friends without green thumbs, try getting a cactus or other resilient, low-maintenance plants. You can be a plant parent, we know you can. 

Reduce Clutter

Clutter creates confusion and chaos by taking up space. To declutter, resolve to keep only the things that serve a purpose or really (truly) spark joy. If you’re worried about self-discipline, enlist a trusted friend who will side eye you if you try to keep unnecessary things. They’ll keep you focused.

If you find some idle tools during your cleaning spree, don’t discard them! One person’s clutter is the key to another’s DIY project. Advertise your spare tools on Sparetoolz and earn some easy money. It's a hassle-free way of making your tools work for you. That should be incentive enough to clear out the clutter, right?

Show off Your Favorite Reads

Books are timeless treasures; display your collection with a bookshelf you love! Don’t have a bookshelf yet? We feel a DIY coming on. Some things you might need:

• Inexpensive wood
• Varnish or paint 
• Nails 
• A hammer
• Wood glue

Jump Around

Trying a new arrangement is an easy way to breathe life into old furniture. To create a natural flow that will make your space look bigger, place larger furniture, such as couches and tables, against the wall and smaller pieces around it.

Pro tip (especially for apartments without carpet): use plush rugs to add some fluff to the places your feet go most. Your toes will thank you on chilly mornings! 

Picture Perfect

Use prominent walls to show off your favorite photographs. Great photo displays give your guests something to talk about, and serve as constant reminders of everything and everyone you love.

Amp it up with an interesting theme, like black and white shots only, or a visual travel log of the most exotic places you’ve been. This is your opportunity to show off a little bit; don’t hold back.

Now that you’ve got the ideas, it’s time to get to work! It might seem daunting, but the satisfaction of the perfect space is worth the effort. Don’t lose momentum midway! 

When you’re finished, sit back and enjoy all the little comforts that make your apartment special, then invite some guests over (or force your friends to videochat you) to take in your handiwork and admire the personality in every corner.

They say home is where the heart is. We want your heart to love where it lives.