I still remember when I first moved into my apartment after college.
I was so excited to finally have my own place and decorate however I wanted.
But I quickly realized I had no clue where to start !
If this sounds familiar, check out these aesthetic apartment ideas to create the perfect cozy space.
Here’s an interesting fact: According to research, our surroundings can affect our mood and productivity by over 25%!
Having plants and lighter walls can make us feel happier and calmer.
Adding personal touches like photos helps make a space feel more like home.
✨Click to Get My 101 FREE Designer Room Ideas
Use Natural Lighting
Open those blinds!
Natural lighting instantly brightens up any space and makes it feel more inviting.
Place your bed or desk near a window to benefit from the sunshine.
If your apartment doesn’t get much natural light, use lighter colors on the walls and decor to create the illusion of brightness.
Try to position your furniture near windows whenever possible to let the sunlight in.
You’ll feel more energized and awake with natural light, especially first thing in the morning.
For maximum brightness, opt for sheer white curtains that diffuse the light without blocking it out.
If your room faces east, that morning sunlight will give you an instant mood boost to start the day.
To reflect more light, choose glossy finishes for cabinets, tables, and other surfaces.
The high shine will bounce the sunlight around and make your space feel sunnier.
For low light rooms, paint walls white or light gray to open up the space.
Soft neutral walls also create a nice clean backdrop for decor and furniture.
Don’t be afraid to really lighten up the wall color – it will make a huge difference.
Reflective metallic accents like brass lamps or silver vases also help amplify the light.
During the day, keep window treatments open to let maximum light in.
At night, use lamps or install dimmable overhead lighting so you can control the brightness.
Having that flexibility prevents the space from feeling too dark or harsh when the sun goes down.
Incorporate Greenery
Plants bring life into any apartment and make it feel fresher.
Go for low-maintenance options like succulents or snake plants.
Hanging plants are great for small spaces and add visual interest.
Greenery instantly livens up any indoor space and makes it feel more inviting.
The color green is naturally uplifting and calming for your mindset.
Start by adding a few small potted plants in bright sunny spots to see how they do.
Succulents and cacti are easy to care for and don’t need much water to thrive.
Set a reminder on your phone to water them once every week or two.
Snake plants are nearly impossible to kill and can tolerate low light conditions.
They help purify indoor air too which is a nice bonus.
Pothos vines grow quickly and look great draping off shelves or hanging baskets.
Just be sure to keep them out of reach of pets who may nibble on the leaves.
If you have a window with good sunlight, try a few small herb plants like basil, thyme or rosemary.
You’ll enjoy having fresh herbs to flavor your cooking right on hand.
For tabletops and desks, mini succulents, air plants, or bonsai trees fit perfectly without taking up much space.
Visit a local nursery and let the staff help pick beginner-friendly options based on your conditions.
Plants allow you to enjoy nature’s beauty even while living in an urban apartment.
Use Wallpaper or Photo Galleries
Personalize a blank wall with wallpaper, photo collages, posters, or canvas prints.
This adds color, textures, and makes the space feel more lively and like your own.
Framed photos of friends, family, pets, or favorite travel spots also help.
Wallpaper or prints are an easy DIY way to decorate and add personality.
Peel and stick wallpaper has become very popular for its simplicity – just cut, peel, stick and you’re done!
It comes in tons of fun prints, textures and colors to suit any style.
When choosing wallpaper, pick a subtle pattern that won’t go out of style too quickly.
Look for neutral or earthy tones like light gray woodgrain or tan botanical designs.
Geometric shapes or minimalist graphics in muted shades also work well.
Wall decals and removable wall stickers let you decorate without the commitment of permanent wallpaper.
Try accenting one wall with a bold print or color as a statement focal point.
Photo collages are another way to inject personality using your own pictures.
Collect favorite photos in simple black frames for an eclectic gallery wall.
Or print a custom collage on canvas for a personalized piece of wall art.
For a budget-friendly option, use washi tape to display photos, postcards, mementos, or kids’ artwork.
Section Off Spaces
Define different functional areas like sleeping, working, and lounging.
Use area rugs, curtains, or bookshelves to divide sections.
This helps the studio feel less like one big room.
In a studio apartment, sectioning off different zones helps make the room feel multi-functional.
Area rugs in various sizes can instantly define each space in an open floorplan.
Place a larger rug under the bed to designate the sleeping area.
Use a smaller rug under your desk to create a little workstation.
And an area rug near the sofa or chairs marks the living room.
Curtains and screens work nicely to divide the spaces too.
Hang blackout curtains around your sleeping area for privacy and light control.
Sheer curtains on a rod can separate the work zone from the rest of the room.
Folding screens or room dividers come in versatile designs from bamboo to fabric-covered.
Position bookshelves or other tall furniture to act as room dividers.
Placing your bed, desk and sofa in different “corners” helps differentiate each one.
Try to create separation between sleep and work areas so they don’t distract each other.
✨Click to Get My 101 FREE Designer Room Ideas
Add Pops of Color
Liven things up with fun accent colors in your decor.
Try bold throw pillows, patterned blankets, or even bright appliances.
Just a few colorful touches go a long way in a neutral space.
Pops of color enliven a neutral palette and make decor more exciting.
Accent walls are an easy way to brighten up a room with bold paint.
Opt for vivid hues like emerald, mustard or cobalt blue on one wall.
Paint the remaining walls a soft neutral tone so the color really stands out.
Look for brightly patterned fabric like throw pillows or blankets to layer onto sofas or beds.
Ethnic textiles like ikat, suzani, or mudcloth add global flair.
Vintage Moroccan poufs or Turkish kilim pillows pack tons of eclectic color.
For kitchens and dining areas, mix in brightly colored dishware, glassware or utensils.
A set of retro turquoise dining chairs instantly sparks joy at mealtime.
Paint or replace kitchen cabinets in a fun hue like mint, sunny yellow or deep red.
Pick appliances like stand mixers, toasters or coffee makers in retro colors to brighten up counters.
In living rooms, select bright artwork, vases, books or decorative objects to style shelves and tables.
A handwoven cotton rug in an intricate Indian design channels boho vibes underfoot.
For bedrooms, hang colorful fabric like tapestries or macrame pieces to add artistic flair.
Vintage glass lanterns or paper globes make exotic bedside lighting.
Accent your bed with piles of festive throw pillows in contrasting patterns and prints for a cozy feel.
Paint or decoupage dressers in vibrant jewel tones for a blast of drama.
Display Collections
Show off meaningful objects like books, plants, mugs, or small artworks.
Floating shelves, ladder shelves, and ledges give you plenty of display space.
Seeing special items sparks joy and shows off your personality.
Displaying curated collections shows off what you love while adding personalized decor.
For book lovers, mount floating wood shelves to hold rows of favorite books.
Organize by color or subject and style horizontally or vertically for visual appeal.
Install floor-to-ceiling shelving and fill with mementos, framed photos, art pieces and treasures.
Mix in some plants for a living wall of greenery blended with keepsakes.
Ladder shelves mounted on a wall provide plenty of ledges for displaying special objects.
Style with sand dollars, sea glass, pottery, and other coastal finds for a beach cottage vibe.
Or fill with your vintage cameras, antique toys, globes, and favorite collectibles.
For a rustic farmhouse feel, use an old wooden ladder as shelves to display woven baskets, galvanized buckets, bundled lavender and mason jars.
Showcase your mug collection on open shelving using cup hooks or stands in the kitchen.
Hang them from the hooks for a pretty eclectic display.
Group together items with personal meaning like family photos, travel souvenirs, or childhood mementos.
Seeing cherished objects on display daily sparks nostalgia and warm memories.
Pick Multifunctional Furniture
Maximize a small apartment with furniture that serves multiple purposes.
Look for a sofa bed, ottoman storage, or a desk that folds up.
Dual-purpose pieces keep clutter to a minimum too.
Multifunctional furniture is a smart way to save space in a small home.
Look for coffee tables or ottomans with built-in storage to tuck away blankets, books magazines.
Nesting tables provide versatile surfaces when you need them, and slide together when you don’t.
Benches that flip open to reveal hidden storage are perfect entryway solutions.
Try a storage bed with drawers built right into the base to maximize bedroom space.
For home offices, choose a desk that folds down into a compact console when not in use.
Dining tables with extensions, drop-leaves or folding sides are ideal for smaller kitchens.
Look for stackable stools and chairs that slide neatly under the table when not in use.
Entertainment centers with shelving maximize space for the TV, media components and displaying decorative objects.
An upholstered ottoman at the foot of the bed can also work as extra seating for guests.
Dual-function furniture makes the most of every inch in your apartment.
Add Soft Fabrics
Incorporate cozy materials like velvet, fleece, wool, or linen.
Use them on furniture, pillows, throws, curtains, or area rugs.
The soft textures make the hard surfaces feel more warm and inviting.
Natural fiber fabrics add wonderful texture and coziness to living spaces.
Velvet upholstery on sofas or chairs provides luxurious softness you’ll want to sink into.
Cashmere or wool throw blankets draped on furniture feel divine and look elegant.
Plush cotton chenille or faux fur pillows create irresistible comfort.
Linen and cotton bedding looks casual-chic and softens up modern bedrooms.
Display cozy woven throws and quilts for a rustic cabin vibe.
Sheepskin rugs layered on the floor cushion your feet and define seating areas.
Window treatments in velvet, linen or cotton add softness and warmth to rooms.
Natural jute, seagrass or sisal rugs add organic texture underfoot.
The key is layering soft textiles throughout to create a welcoming nest.
✨Click to Get My 101 FREE Designer Room Ideas
Style a Gallery Wall
Fill a large empty wall with a gallery of framed photos and art.
Mix up different sizes, colors, and subjects for lots of visual interest.
This transforms boring blank walls into an eye-catching focal point.
Gallery walls make a big impact and reflect your personality with cherished images.
Start by mapping out your wall with removable stickers to plan the spacing and arrangement.
Mix canvas prints, framed photos, mirrors, wall hangings and artwork.
Varied sizes, shapes and frame styles keep it looking organic.
Arrange pieces asymmetrically rather than in rigid rows for a flowing, dynamic look.
Hang a bold abstract painting as the centerpiece and build the rest of the gallery around it.
Incorporate meaningful memories like vacation photos, concert tickets and postcards.
interject fun touches like decorative plates, wall hooks or floating shelves.
Anchor the bottom with larger frames and graduate up to smaller pieces towards the top.
Stand back frequently to check the alignment and make adjustments.
Your gallery will reflect your passions and memories.
Use Mirrors to Expand Space
Strategically place mirrors to make a small apartment feel bigger.
Put one across from a window to reflect more light.
Hang a large mirror opposite your bed to expand the sleeping area.
Mirrors creatively placed can make a small apartment feel more spacious.
Hang a floor length mirror near a window to reflect the outdoor view and add depth.
Position it across from the window so it bounces more light into the room.
In a cramped entryway, a mirror opposite the door makes it seem more open.
Style a console table under it for an instant entryway update.
In a shared studio, position a room divider mirror to block noise and reflect light.
Placing mirrors across from one another creates the illusion of a longer hallway.
Finish a small powder room with mirrors on opposite walls to feel more expansive.
Angle mirrors to catch intriguing reflections and highlight architectural details.
Mirrors add drama and dimension while bouncing more light around.
Add Warm Lighting
Swap out harsh overhead lights for softer lamp lighting.
Try pendant lights, floor lamps, table lamps, string lights.
Warmer lighting makes the space cozier for the evenings.
The right lighting can transform the mood of your home from stark to cozy.
Floor lamps with adjustable heads provide flexible task lighting for reading or working.
Table lamps next to sofas or beds create a relaxing glow for leisurely evenings.
Multiple bedside lamps ensure each person can control their own light.
Pendant lights over kitchen islands or dining tables add a decorative touch.
Dimmable bulbs let you adjust the brightness as needed.
For ambience, use lower wattage bulbs like Edison bulbs or smart bulbs you can dial to warm colors.
Install track lighting and highlight wall art or architectural details.
Under-cabinet lighting illuminates kitchen countertops brightly.
Outdoor string lights draped indoors add magical ambience year-round.
Set an automatic timer so the lights turn on right before you get home.
Flickering faux candles create soothing mood lighting and require no flame.
Smart light bulbs that change color let you program different scenes at the touch of a phone.
Incorporate Wood Elements
Bring in natural wood pieces like shelves, side tables, or stools.
Wood adds warmth and texture to soften hard surfaces.
Repurpose wooden crates as rustic shelving.
Wood introduces welcoming warmth and connects you to nature.
Choose sustainable solid wood items or upcycled pieces for character.
Unfinished wood looks modern and pairs nicely with houseplants.
Reclaimed wood like old barn siding offers rugged distressed texture.
For traditional charm, select polished mahogany or cherry wood furniture.
Natural woven wicker baskets, hampers and trunks work in any aesthetic.
Wood slicing or tree trunk end tables bring organic shape to living rooms.
Frame a wall gallery or rustic mirror with authentic barn wood for visual interest.
Wood barrel planters or half-barrel containers make novel indoor planters.
Nail wooden crates or pallets together to form chunky shelves.
Leave them unfinished for casual utility or whitewash for breezy seaside appeal.
Wood’s natural beauty never goes out of style and warms up any space.
✨Click to Get My 101 FREE Designer Room Ideas
Use Neutral Colors
Stick to soft neutrals like white, tan, gray, or light blue.
This makes the space feel soothing, airy and uncluttered.
Then add pops of color with decor and accessories.
Soft neutral backgrounds create a flexible foundation to build on.
Subtle whites and beiges keep walls, furniture and floors from feeling too busy or loud.
Quiet neutrals allow you change up accents and decor freely as the seasons and your style evolves.
Crisp white walls serve as a pretty blank canvas for art, furnishings and rugs.
Choose sturdy white fabrics that are easy to clean and brighten up small spaces.
Warm beige or oatmeal walls have a soothing effect that enhances relaxation.
Tan leather sofas or chairs add refined sophistication.
Cool grays work well in minimalist rooms, creating an airy zen retreat.
Light blue walls evoke gentle water themes that lower heart rates.
Once your neutral background is set, have fun mixing in vibrant accent colors and patterns!
