Many real estate listings will describe your apartment as “cozy”; that’s NYC real estate slang for small. You took it anyway, because really, that’s all you can afford, thanks to your not-for-NYC budget. Well, now that you ended up in your cozy place, why not actually make it comfortable?
Unless you get permission from your landlord, there isn’t much you can do about the basic white walls and generic build-outs in your apartment, much of which is far from cozy. The floors, walls, and permanent fixtures may have to remain the same, but that doesn’t mean that your furnishings and accessories can’t make your apartment feel more like a cozy home.
Here are five solutions that will make your cozy apartment feel truly cozy.
Soft, Plush Furniture
Some furniture is meant to look pretty but many are not very comfortable; this is especially true for sofas and chairs. Consider seating that’s plush enough to make you want to take a nap. We suggest “window shopping” before purchasing anything; therefore you’ll have the opportunity to look and feel the piece of furniture that you’ve been coveting and decide if it’s right for you.
Warm Colors
Warm colors, like reds and browns, can really cozy up a room. Bring in wood furniture with wood colors such as walnut, cherry, or mahogany; there are all great colors with rich red tones in them. However, you can also go wild and bring in a muted red dresser or credenza to soften up your place.
Textiles
We’re talking fabrics like throws, pillows, rugs and drapes. Fabric touches soften a room, especially when they have a bit of texture to them. Consider a faux fur throw, perhaps a shag rug carpet, or a set of crushed velvet throw pillows. The combination of texture and softness in these items can really make a difference.
Lighting
Adding soft lighting around your apartment can make your place feel cozier. Think table and floor lamps, especially in the bedroom and living areas. The energy-efficient bulbs used today provide a soft, white light that gives its surroundings a soft glow.
Personal Touch
Fill your home with things that mean something to you. Keeping up with trends that aren’t you is one of the best ways to make your home feel cold and distant. Choose objects you love. Whether it’s memorabilia from places you’ve traveled or the retro cabinet from grandma’s house, filling your home with items that mean something to you help make your place warm and cozy.
Most importantly, make sure your home reflects someplace you want to be. It doesn’t need to be perfect; it just needs to be you.
This post is contributed from our friends at AptDeco. AptDeco is an online marketplace for quality pre-owned furniture. With a verified community of buyers and sellers and pre-arranged pick-up and delivery, AptDeco is a simple and reliable way to buy and sell furniture without the hassle.
