6 Tips To Make Your Apartment Cozier
Moving is always a significant milestone, and starting life in a new residence is no different. While it’s an exciting experience, it’s normal to feel a bit of anxiety or nostalgia about the change. Fortunately, a few simple steps can transform a new space into a welcoming environment. To make your apartment cozier and a true reflection of yourself, we asked Marie-Claude Samson, interior designer and project manager at Le Groupe Maurice, to share her vision in the matter. Here are her tips!
1. Take your time
Moving into a new home is always a unique experience, filled with excitement and a mix of emotions. When you first arrive, don’t feel pressured to set everything up all at once.
Explore your apartment gradually and take the time to sense its rhythm. Live in it, follow your instincts and settle into your routines. You might discover that a sunny corner is perfect for reading or that a room serves a different purpose than you had expected.
As the days go by, each space will reveal its true potential and become uniquely yours. This period of observation will help you avoid impulsive buys and unnecessary clutter, while guiding you toward choices that genuinely reflect your personality.
2. Choose your furniture carefully
When choosing a smaller home, you’ll likely find that some pieces of furniture, particularly the bulky ones, can’t come along. This is precisely a chance to focus on the items that fit best in your new space and hold the most meaning for you.
A cozy armchair, a table for sharing moments with family and friends, a cherished small dresser… these essential pieces are all you need to bring personality and warmth to your home.
When it comes to functional furniture, please note that the kitchens in Groupe Maurice apartments come fully equipped with the essential appliances, so you don’t need to worry about bringing them. Beyond that, a clean, uncluttered apartment – where every piece of furniture serves a purpose or has sentimental value – feels more spacious and makes room for new experiences!
3. Showcase your memories
Your travel photos and keepsakes tell your story. They remind you of happy moments, offer comfort and can even act as anchors in your life. Simply by being yours, they deserve a place of honour!
Instead of scattering them around, try grouping them in a dedicated spot: a wall of frames, a glass shelf or a corner of a table that highlights these cherished mementos.
To keep a fresh touch, feel free to swap photos or rearrange objects from time to time. This simple rotation brings a sense of change and lets you relive your fondest memories.
4. Mind the lighting
Lighting is also crucial in creating the right atmosphere at home. In the main living area, let in as much natural light as possible by opting for sheer curtains instead of heavy blackout ones.
Think about layering your lighting: a reading lamp by the armchair, a floor lamp in the living room, a small bedside lamp, and more. The important thing is to tailor the light to suit your activities and your moments of relaxation.
Favour warm light bulbs, around 3,000 Kelvin, to create a cozy and inviting feel in your living room or bedroom. For spaces that require more brightness, choose 4,000 Kelvin: the light stays natural, not too yellow or too blue. Anything higher can produce cold, bluish light that tires your eyes and alters colours, making the room less comfortable.
5. Play with colour
Once the lighting is set, colours can truly shine and show their impact. Some people refer to Feng Shui, others to the psychology of colour.
A good approach is to keep walls light and neutral to open up the space, and introduce pops of colour through accessories like cushions, frames or textiles for lively accents.
Don’t pick a colour just because it’s fashionable – choose one that attracts you, calms you or sparks your creativity. Colour psychology suggests that shades like blue and green are soothing, while yellow and red can energize and invigorate. Your task is to find the balance that makes you feel your best.
6. Add some plants
A touch of greenery never hurts! Houseplants add colour, texture and life to any space. Whether it’s a plant on a table, some beautiful cacti on a bookshelf, or a fresh bouquet of flowers, they can stimulate your senses, effortlessly brighten a room and make your apartment feel cozier.
You can opt for low-maintenance varieties such as pothos, snake plant (sansevieria) or zamioculcas (ZZ plant), which require little care while remaining decorative. If you don’t have a green thumb or worry about neglecting them, artificial alternatives can also serve the same purpose!
Like we said, moving in isn’t just about filling a space with furniture – it’s about giving it character. Every choice, from colours to the placement of items, contributes to creating a home that feels like you and where you’ll feel at ease. Naturally, these suggestions are just a starting point to make your apartment cozier; now it’s your turn to style your space so it truly mirrors your personality and tastes!