When you first toured your apartment, did it feel like an empty white box? At times, it can be tough to envision a homey space when you’re presented with a blank slate. But with a few accessories and tweaks over time, a rental can become an incredibly cozy home to unwind in.
We sat down with Lexi Larson, founder of loungewear brand Sunday Cherries, to learn what products and strategies she uses to make her apartment feel way cozier. (And if you’re interested in some cozy clothing to wear in your space, you can use the discount code COZYCLUB10 for 10 percent off your first purchase with Sunday Cherries.)
1. Ban the big light.
One of the most heinous apartment crimes a person can commit is turning on—and leaving on—the big light. If you’re not familiar, the big light is the light emanating from the ceiling, likely from a flush-mounted fixture or a large pendant. These lights typically cast a glow that’s too bright, too overstimulating, and simply too harsh. That’s why Larson rejects it entirely.
“I hate overhead lighting,” she says. “I use lamps and candles throughout the house to help create a more soft and comfy vibe.”
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2. Add lots of plants.
Having plants around the apartment lends it an earthy feel, Larson says, ultimately bringing more life into your space. Hers are concentrated in the living room, but you can never have too many.
“I have plants mostly in the living room” she says. “My favorite one is a pothos I’ve had for a couple years now—it’s grown to be really long. I’ve also cut it to propagate it, and that’s been really fun since it’s like our plant is having babies.”
3. Buy cut flowers, too.
Buying some cut flowers to throw in a vase is an excellent way to make your apartment feel homier. They don’t have to be expensive, either. Larson usually opts for the ones from Trader Joe’s, which start at around $5.99 per bunch.
“I love picking up a couple different kinds and making a little flower arrangement,” she says. “Lately I've been really gravitating towards tulips, but my go-tos are usually hydrangeas or baby’s breath.”
4. Turn on the galaxy light.
Consider investing in a galaxy light, which completely transforms your space at nighttime.
“I always turn on my galaxy light as soon as it gets dark outside,” Larson says. “It makes blue swirling stars on our ceiling and really elevates the ambiance.”
Plus, it just makes your ceiling look cool. Having multiple forms of lighting, including galaxy lights, is a surefire way to establish a relaxing environment.
5. Get an air freshener.
Larson swears by her Pura air freshener—she has the Pura Plus fragrance diffuser in her living room and a plug-in version for her downstairs entryway. Ensuring your apartment smells nice can be an overlooked (yet critically important) factor in your comfort levels.
6. Fill a basket with blankets.
When it comes time to snuggle up on the couch, a blanket should be within arm’s length so you can simply reach over and spread it out. For this reason, Larson keeps a basket filled with blankets right next to the couch—a genius move from a coziness expert.
