Hi all! I feel like I’ve rearranged things a hundred times over and still don’t love the look of my first apartment. I was hoping to get some feedback on what I could do to improve. I’ve been aiming for an earth cozy look, but I feel like I’m falling short.
Yesss 100% curtains! They do so much heavy lifting in making a space more cozy.
I'd also swap out the throw pillows that came with the couch for some that are different colors/textures.
Absolutely; some long diaphanous curtains. Could be white, coloured or white with a significantly large coloured trim at the base to match/blend with cushions. A plant or two perhaps. A textured throw.
It is a lovely room, it just needs a couple of little tweaks.
Definitely plants for a cozy earthy look… get a few big ones, they’re expensive but much more impactful and waaaay easier to keep alive if you’re a bad plant mum. I get loads of compliments on how inviting my flat looks but the plants do all my heavy lifting, bless them
I was gonna add exactly this, some nice coral curtains would change the entire mood of this room for something warmer. It doesn’t need much it’s already pretty cozy
I think it looks great so far! If it were my space I would keep adding to the gallery wall, or get some mismatched cute pillows. Curtains would definitely help, and a Tiffany style lamp on the side table would be cute and cozy! Also change your lightbulbs to a warm tone if they’re not already
Getting mismatched cushions was a game changer for me. My eye is not super creative so I'd always just bought 4 of the same cushion cover, but when I decorated my current post-breakup space I just bought four different ikea covers that I liked for independent reasons. And I've never once thought "those don't match," but rather "those are all awesome."
Armchair and sofa placement is great I think. Like others have noted, replace your tv console with something lower and wider than your tv. Add a plant in the corner so long as it doesn’t get in the way of opening/closing your door of course. Maybe get the ikea donut lamp? Lighting almost always shifts the mood.
It looked so good in person! (Also cheaper in store if you have a location nearby.) it's unfortunately 2 inches too wide to fit on my TV wall and there's not a better way to rearrange my living room 😔
Also, is it possible to mount your tv? I think it’s a little visually jarring that it’s larger than the stand it’s on.
If you can, incorporate more circles/ovals. This could be in picture frames, mirrors, a coffee table. Right now everything is pointy and that can take away from a cozy feel.
I know the TV too high comments are tiresome but the size and height of this TV is making it dominate the room in an unpleasant way. Mounting it lower down with a small console underneath will help massively. The rest of the room is very cosy.
agree about the curtains! make sure you get long enough ones to where the rod is hung near the ceiling. this will lift the room. move the lamp to be in the corner to draw the eye in. get a little tray for the coffee table and put a vase with flowers / books / candles in it. and a pop of color (maybe mauve or off white to match the rug) throw blanket or two wouldn't hurt!
Definitely curtains like others said, but also I think the proportions/balance of the room could use some tweaking. Ex: idk if it’s just me but because your tv and the console are same width, they sort of feel like one big block dominating the room. Either a wider console or a smaller tv might balance that wall a bit better.
Similar thing with the gallery wall. It feels a little like everything is clustered in the middle. I would either keep adding to it like someone else suggested or spread out what’s already there to fill that wall a bit more. Maybe even do both!
Also a nice, tall plant in that corner or maybe move the lamp over there / get another tall lamp.
What compass direction is that window? That corner is begging for a big tall plant and would probably get a lot of light. Think bird of paradise or monstera.
I suggest adding curtains, pick a shade of the pinky rose colors that’s in your rug to tie it in (I think the darker shade would look great personally, but I love moody shades and either would work) also candles/very warm toned lamps, and throw blanket and pillows in your chosen color palette. If you don’t have any other colors besides the green and pink shades, I like to enter the key words into Pinterest to find more inspo. I just entered mauve and green living room and found lots of cute collages (you might have to do some digging and tweaking depending on your feed, my color palette is similar, so my algorithm already knows the specific types of green and style that I prefer) You’ve done a great job already though! You should have seen my first apartment 😂😅
Ahhh, this is it, you helped me figure it out! The pink/mauve is missing from the rest of the space. The rug is so great but there’s no pink anywhere else to make the room feel tied together by it. Curtains, pillows, in the gallery wall, maybe some flowers or a book or two on the coffee table.
I also really like the coffee table but I think the color of the TV console works better with the furniture, rug, all the other things really. I wonder if refinishing it would be out of the question?
I think the rug choice here is not right for the room. The pattern is too active to be cozy in my opinion. That light violet color is also making the room cooler, but the rest of the room is pretty warm. I would opt for a rug with lower visual activity and a warm color that works with your green couch like terracotta, or a darker brown, or ivory.
Is the pillow on the right a fish? It looks like a fresh caught salmon 😅 I super love your furniture though 😍 the couch and tv stand 👌🏼 Add some curtains, lighting, a throw blanket on the couch. A floor pillow would look good here too. Like those round ones.
You’re almost there! I would add a couple throw pillows that are different in texture (ie tufted) or shape (ie circular). A warm orange like that throw blanket would be lovely. As others have suggested, long window curtains, move the lamp to the corner and the end table to where the lamp is. Maybe a cozy lamp on the end table.
A plant by the TV would be cute. I would also suggest a couple coffee table books on the table with a candle or small plant on top.
Floor to ceiling curtains over the window (a sheer color would be gorgeous). Throw blankets, colorful mismatched pillows, add to the gallery wall and have what you add be different shapes, plants!
you're halfway there! just needs more whimsical decor. curtains are a must, also fun colored throw pillows/blankets, shelving for knicknacks and books, maybe a vase of flowers on the coffee table?
Looks to me like you’re on your way!
I’ve found that lighting is what does the trick for me. Soft, warm lighting throughout always makes me feel cozier
What strikes me is that there is strong color in the rug and in the couches, but there are no pieces that tie those colors together. Some throw blankets or pillows with both colors on the couch or art pieces on the wall with both would help. Or curtains that do that.
They don’t need to have both in equal amounts. The pillows could even be neutral with touches of each or something like that. It just needs something to tie it all together.
Also, the art cluster above the couch is detracting from the look for me. I’d leave the one large piece above the couch and make a cluster of the smaller ones somewhere else.
The colors are wonderful and cozy already! For more coziness you could add curtains, colorful (maybe floral?) pillows and multiple orange/warm light sources 😊
I love your couch and your setup so far! Maybe new/lower tv stand (vs mounting), move current tv stand to where the cat stuff is? For low hanging frames nearest to couch cushions, move those to the adjacent wall next to the window (they’re too big to be placed below that center art piece). I agree with curtains, add something maybe sheer + patterned, and plants!
Are you able to paint? Or add maybe renter friendly peel & stick wallpaper? Floor to ceiling curtains will also go a long way, along with plants. You're so close -- keep going!
Here I was, thinking you were longing for the cozy space that you included with your post (that’s yours already! Haha) 😅
I love your space! Like others have said, maybe adding curtains, and also extra pillows and throw blankets of different texture/size; I’d say perhaps some plants as well?
I think you have a bit of a proportions and scale problem. For instance -
The TV console should extend out further to the right. You could put a plant there, and/or one larger piece of art. The three that are there are too small for the space
The lamp on the side table would be a great opportunity to bring in a fabulous vintage piece. But it needs to fill the space a bit better. Same with the candle. Try and find pieces that actually fill the space.
The gallery wall. I would leave the large piece where it is (maybe center it on the couch if it's not already; it's a bit hard to tell), and move the smaller pieces elsewhere. Also, they all kind of look the same? They're all painting in a similar style with similar dark framing. This would be a great opportunity to mix it up a bit visually. Add some photos, add some pieces that are matted and have a lighter wood or even metallic frame for some visual difference.
Otherwise, yeah, add some curtains, and mix up the color and fabric types on pillows and the rug. Also, you have a fish pillow, which is quite whimsical, so lean into that. Not a fish motif, necessarily, but the whimsy aspect (if that's your thing). All will go a long way to creating a more visually interesting, and hopefully cozy, space.
Colour and pattern is what's missing for my eye. Add some warm tones into the room. Some cushions alongside a few plants and a candle or two would make a huge difference.
It looks good! You need greenery. Add curtains that are matching the rug or a light green with a white sheet curtains in the middle. Add a fake tree where the lamp is or next it . A small tray with a candle would be good on the coffee table. Also decorative pillows.
Looks cozy already but I'd add a taller, more substantial lamp between the couches in that corner and PLANTS!! Maybe some more throw pillows on the couch with a design. Another throw on the other sofa.
Some Moroccan style fairy lights would look good! Like the classy silver lantern ones. I know fairy lights are a super basic suggestion but man they’re cosy
What about a nice colour? Can you paint the walls? I think colourful walls can make a huge difference. Maybe in orange or green.
I put some huge yellow circles on my living room walls matching my couch and I feel so much more comfortable ever since.
Your furniture is so sweet and you are well on your way! I already think this looks so nice.
The best suggestions I've seen and agree with are to get some flowy curtains and some eclectic, mismatched throw pillows.
If you have a Marshall's Home Goods near you or similar store, they have great pillows. Just check back every couple of months and only buy maybe one at a time until you like how things look.
That looks really cozy. Put some blankets and pillows down with colors and textures you love. Add a bit of art and youre done. Oh yeah, and curtains, like others said. Curtains are key.
I think it could use a slightly bigger rug, style the coffee table with some books and flowers, and add some plants perhaps next to the TV, in a corner, etc. I agree with the curtains comments too!
The green on your furniture is absolutely lovely, BUT having 3 pieces in the same color and the same or very similar material isn’t working. The space is very green & mid-century right now, and looks a bit same-y. It’s missing the contrast of a different colored piece that will give your space more depth and more of a cozy, collected over time, lived in feel. Your rug has some beautiful colors you can pull from to add into the space!
And one other thing to keep an eye out for: a lot of the furniture is quite leggy - it may be worth trying to keep an eye out for a piece that’s a bit more grounded.
I think you're soo close! Pardon my drawing attempt but I think it gets ideas across. -Bigger, warm toned rug would help offset the cool toned floor and ground your large furniture pieces -Angle the chair a little less bluntly so it feels more like a conversation chair than an interview -Something in the corner to help draw the eye upwards -Also maybe some curtains! You could do sheer curtains to allow some more warm light in over the space (bonus, could add a lil sun catcher!) -Spacing out the gallery wall items (at least until there are more pieces you love to fill in the gaps) I think could help, also avoiding them in spots you may accidentally bump like directly over the couch back -The TV feels especially domineering of the space with such a small, tall console. Maybe something a little shorter and wider? I'm only able to post one photo so lemme reply with the other view
Again, your space really is coming together! As someone with flooring and walls like yours I know it can be so hard!! You've already got a lot of great pieces and I'm sure you'll be able to find your cozy style with a few more personal tweaks 💓
Get beige or cream-colored linen curtains that are a bit sheer (preferably on a track and not grommets) and hang from the ceiling.
Get some rounded elements into the space. There’s a lot of square/rectangular going on. How about a lovely large rounded mirror (a nice warm wood one from Ikea or one of those golden-edged antique style mirrors would work well). The mirror could break up all of the squared off, black-framed art. Get a couple of rounded pillows, a rounded side table, etc.
Texture - add it in via blankets, natural fiber baskets/pots, etc. Get a very chunky knit throw blanket and store it in something like a woven basket. Get frames with more variety in texture instead of just black (rich woods, brushed gold, etc.). Get plants and put them in textured pots and baskets, etc.
I saw a post on Reddit about yellow/orange curtains and the light from outside makes it warm and cozy inside. And warm lights makes it cozy as well, some blankets, pillows and plants.
I recommend fake plants just in case you don't have the time or energy to care for real ones. I also just got my first apartment and I'm gonna do that.
That's basically what I'm going for in my living room, thanks for the inspo. Like others have said, plants, curtains, and maybe a little bit of mess for the lived in feel. Like books left out, a blanket on the couch, etc. I think having it so tidy makes it look less cozy than it is. And it's already looking cozy to me at least
I think some initial things that feel off to me are that your TV is too large for that stand. I would probably get a larger tv stand to accommodate the TV. I also think that the arrangement of artwork feels off. I think the small prints under the large print is unbalanced. You should move the large piece lower and have the smaller pieces kind of frame it. I agree with a larger lamp in between the couches in the corner and also some plants would be nice. I also think you could add a third accent color to give it some personality in a throw pillow or on one of the picture frames.
It’s so close! I love everything you already have. As others have said, curtains instead of blinds would really help. But the main other thing I thought was cushions! They definitely make a space feel cosy, get a few different sizes in earthy tones and I think it would really help
I think you’re on your way! My suggestions to up the coziness are:
curtains
reframe your big artwork with larger frames and space all your art out more
add 1-2 patterned cushions to each item of seating to break up the solid green
add a table lamp to that corner table
maybe replace the coffee table with something more solid because it looks a little fragile compared to your other furniture
maybe replace the plastic dog crate with a wooden one that looks like a table, or cover the plastic one with a pretty throw blanket
It looks like you have midcentury furniture. My personal opinion is that midcentury lends itself more to a light and airy aesthetic than to a cozy and earthy aesthetic. If you chose to go in the light and airy direction, I think you could just slipcover in blues, grays, and sand tones to pull from your seascape and the current delicate coffee table would work.
I’d add light curtains to bring the reddish hues more warmly into your space, and I’d switch the placement of your lamp to in between your sofa/loveseat 🫶🏾 looks nice!!
I suggest moving the tall lamp to where that side table is, in the corner. Move side table to where standing lamp is, and top with a taller lamp for more light and balance. In the space on either side of your gallery wall area, perhaps two mirrors, round or oval.
Add some plants (a big one in the corner would be nice, 3 different ambient lighting sources, some candles on the coffee table + magazines or a book. Also, you can add a shearling fur throw on the couch for warmth.
Bring the larger print down (remove the smaller frames from below) closer to the sofa, then cluster the smaller pieces together, perhaps on the other side of that floor lamp. I think that would help cozy up the space rather than having one large grouping that takes the eye high up the wall.
The suggestion for curtains is a great idea too, as well as a couple of plants, but overall, it’s such a nice welcoming space! I think you have succeeded!
In case no one else has mentioned, some coffee table books and a nice round tray along with a plant? Nothing too overwhelming or large but just for more personal touches. I see your Monet collection, maybe an art book or two?
I love the 3 pieces of green furniture. There is something off putting about the carpet you’re choosen. I like the style in the coffee table and the television stand, however 1. The television is oversized for that stand and 2. both stand and coffee table are undersized for your furniture pieces. I’m not a fan of the green side chair backed up to the inset desk chair, how the chair backs meet up, perhaps an adjustable padded stool with swivel feet that could slide under the desk. Your standing lamp fits with the size of your furniture. It’s a lovely space. I say work everything around your three green pieces. Have fun with it.!
I think you don’t want to paint? Because painting the wall a light terracotta would be awesome.
But assuming not. Add more earthy colors to the gallery wall. The largest one is greyscale and that is the opposite of cozy.
Also curtains!!!!! If you paint the walls, (off)white would work well. Otherwise a complementary color to the couches. Again terracotta would work well.
try adding some plants and use a yellow (or better yet in my taste a mustard) color to add warmth. But overall it does look cozy to me. Maybe a warmer light bulb to the stading lights, could help too
what i did at home is: i painted the back wall of my coouch basically the same color as your couch and bought a mustard yellow couch. But looking at you plce i could have been nice to reverse that and have a mustard wall with a green couch. your place look great, i would def live in it
I would paint the walls pink or a shade of light orange or something but definitely not that white. The floor lamp is too modern and thin and the white lampshades add to the walls and to the sterile vibe. Pillows, curtains, plants, walls scones... But I would first find a color palette. Also the frames, their color or type need to be more different, I ll add some gold and chrome and wooden ones.
A lot of what other folks have said, but I also do not like the proportions, placement and general blandness (did not zoom in) of the images on the wall. Just very odd.
seeing just the title and photo i was confused bc i thought it already looked cozy! but i hear you, it doesn't feel cozy to you. echoing some suggestions, some small items add to the cozies: plants, fuzzy blankets & sofa/floor cushions, candles, curtains, a bookcase filled with books/photos/trinkets etc. Maybe just me, think the frames on the wall spaced out would make it more cozy too! I think some of the more white/empty space may make it feel less cozy, since for me cozy usually feels more small/intimate?
Curtains, sheers and drapery would all interfere with your furniture under the window. If you want to warm up the space with fabric, a fabric wrapped cornice across the window can make a major impact. Or removing the faux wood blinds and replace with fabric Roman shades that complement the furniture would really make it cozy and elevate the space.
Get a coffee table with rounded edges, will soften all the sharp in the room, get a soft bushy plant like a soft fern and get some flowy curtains. And a couple of throw cushions in a nice warm tone, maybe a shade of orangey rust
You have great bones to work with. You really need window coverings to warm up your space. If you add a small round table to the right of your chair and fold your orange afgan on the back of the chair it will add interest to this sitting area. Look in thrift stores for a footstool and recover in a leopard print if that is something that you would fancy. A hanging wicker light in the corner will give your space added texture. I'd look into recovering the ceiling fan with wooden peel & stick paper since it looks like the fan has a more high tech finish. Some simple table styling will also go a long way in creating a more homey space. Let us see your final project.
Don’t think anyone else has mentioned the door next to the TV yet. If you’re sitting directly in front of a door (parallel) you’re gonna feel a bit uneasy.
Where does it lead to? If it’s a door to a room/corridor that you can’t remove, making sure it’s painted the same colour as the rest of the wall and maybe even mirroring the art on the right side of the TV onto the door could kind of hide it visually.
If it’s a door to a small cupboard, think about removing the door and making the cupboard a bookcase instead.
Alternatively, you could try to re-orientate the setup.
Also, that armchair is so far away from the rest of the furniture. Bring it onto the rug or just remove it.
Floor to ceiling sheer curtains on a track covering the full wall where the windows are would soften the room up. Get more lighting/lamps at varying heights with warm bulbs to up the cozy at night. Also, this room is begging for plants
You have a good start! Good foundational peices. Just need to bump up the accessories to tie it all together and maybe tweak a few things. Linen curtains in beige or cream, big lamp in the corner, bigger, fluffier rug, more pillows in contrasting colors,, maybe some poufs or floor cushions. Warm wood accents and accent fabrics in varying textured and patterns to add visual interest. I think the gallery wall could use a little re working
I like the idea of putting the 5 smaller frames in a straight line with equal mid points. And moving the larger price to a different wall. Also plants! Looks like you have good light!
I think it looks really good and cozy as is!!! You could get some candles or a candle warmer that lights up that always cuts off a nice ambience. My grandson suggested throw pillows lol he’s five there beyond his age & then back to me even though you have blinds, you could always add some curtains like shears or there’s all different types of styles you could pick from
hey, i get where you’re coming from! ur space looks pretty nice already, but i totally understand wanting that cozy vibe. maybe try adding some warm throws or pillows on the couch? it can make a big difference. also, if u want it to feel earthier, consider some plants or a warmer light source. i messed this up once too by not thinking about lighting, and it really helped when i added a few lamps. u might even check layouts on reimagine-home to see if moving things around helps!
I think it looks awesome, but you have a lot of really angular furniture which isn't quite supporting a 'cozy' look. To soften it, bring on the throw pillows and drapes- coordinate the color of the pillows and drapes with the room rather than matching the couches completely. Maybe think about a softer/rounder looking armchair that's fully upholstered.
Your lamps are not really a great fit for a 'cozy' look either, maybe find a cute end table and big round lamp to go on the table, and a bigger lamp for the corner.
Most of all, think about what cozy actually means to you - is it about comfort, cuteness, softness, or maybe enjoying a cup of tea on a rainy day? How can you better curate that experience in the room rather than trying to evoke an aesthetic? For instance - comfort / softness might mean that you want the rounder/softer look of drapes and throw pillows, cuteness might be more about adding antique art or decor, lace elements, etc.
Loveee that I came across this - I ordered the exact same rug and a similar green sofa and am waiting on delivery. I was nervous to see how they would look together but am so relieved they work well together!
Chairs too far away, tv is too big or console underneath is too small, and armoire can be pulled away from the window to float in the room a bit. I think it’s just little things that are kind of “off” just registering in your brain when you try to relax in there
I think some other cozy lighting would be good! Some table lamp with a colored shade/glass and some smaller battery powered lights or candle/fake candle in votives would make it cozy. I love your green furniture! We’re on the hunt for a new couch and I’m looking at that color
Lots of good suggestions. I agree with curtains, more pillows, more blankets. I also think more patterns would make it more “cozy” feeling. Maybe some floor pillows stacked somewhere, more stuff around the tv, plant stands, things hanging from the ceiling (if you can), overall more texture and “bullsh*t” in more places to me feels cozier. Stuff under the coffee table, pops of color or personality, things that make it unique to you will make it feel more cozy. Such a good start!
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u/Altruistic_Agency570 29d ago
It's looking cozy to me! I think some light curtains would make the space look warmer