Putting effort into creating a space that shows your taste and comfort will make it feel homey, no matter where you are in the world. But, this can be challenging as you can’t make permanent changes to the apartment, and you don’t want to make it harder for yourself when you’re moving out. Still, there are tons of temporary solutions for renters: from pampering trays that create a spa-like vibe to setting up lighting to create a welcoming mood. 

You spend about a third of your life in bed, so choose quality bedding and match it to the season. Find a comfortable bed set, throw in pillows, LED candles, and a tray with a vase and some decor, and you’ll quickly start associating your bedroom with home.

If the bedroom is a bit small, consider adding a floor mirror and hanging curtains close to the ceiling to create an illusion of a more spacious area. To add dimension to the bed, buy a freestanding headboard that matches the style of the room.

And, if you have a larger bedroom, you can put a bench, ottoman, or trunk at the foot of the bed for more storage and a fancy hotel-like vibe. 

You may not spend much time in the bathroom, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try to make it homey. You’ll start hating your place if you have to shower in a sterile, bland bathroom. 

Some easy ways to make it more comfortable to be in are to replace toilet seat covers, add a tray with candles for a spa-like vibe, buy cute containers for cotton swabs, pads, and tissues, and find floor mats that match the toilet covers. You can also decorate the bathroom based on a theme, such as tropical, vintage, or wood. Also, consider investing in quality hand and bath towels and bathrobes, as they contribute to the cozy atmosphere.

There is nothing like a solid theme in a kitchen — some people like to use the season, while others want something that works all year. For instance, use a simple color like navy or animal print for oven mitts, towels, and kitchen decor to spice it up a bit. You could also go with a more extensive vibe in the whole area, such as rustic, floral, or farmhouse. 

In addition, the kitchen is the perfect place to showcase your favorite cooking utensils. Are you a baker? Add a rolling pin or mixer to your displays. Research peel-and-stick stickers to incorporate a removable backsplash along with a vinyl cover for counters that add to the vibe and can be removed before you move out. 

Moreover, consider adding a drink station to this area. You can have a coffee space, a tea brewing spot, or simply put two cups set out for easy access. A coffee area can have sugar, creamer, and a special mug for a perfect start to your day. Not a huge coffee drinker? Use a little space to display loose-leaf teas in clear containers, and you’ll have a designated tea area in your own apartment. 

If your walls are a flat white and the flooring is bland, it’s time to add more texture. For example, you can incorporate colorful rugs in the living room, temporary wall stickers, and mount paintings using adhesive strips. You can also make your decor match the vibes of the area you live in — visit Souq Waqif or Katara Cultural Village and shop around for local crafts. 

Furthermore, opt for personalized wall art. Using a corkboard or adhesive, dedicate a portion of the wall to Polaroids, postcards, greeting cards, and personal notes you collected over the years. 

There is some debate about using the same scent for an extended period because you can become “nose blind” to it. So it’s best to settle on two or three primary scents and alternate them every few weeks. Imagine a smell that comforts you, and find something close to that. Does the smell of baked goods remind you of living with your family? Try cinnamon or cookie incense. Do you enjoy a crisp and clean environment? Fresh linen emphasizes the cleanliness of your home. Maybe you like a more refreshing environment — fruity and tropical scents are perfect. Try a few out to see which one is most comforting, so when you come home, you feel content.

If you’d like a scent that helps regulate your mood, you can go with lavender, as a study has shown it helps us with vigor and mental relaxation after difficult tasks. The same study revealed that citrus aromas boost energy, while minty scents increase focus. But regardless of which aromas you choose, purchase an electric bakhoor burner instead of the regular one for a fireproof solution. 

Add more oxygen to your apartment by buying one or two houseplants with aesthetically pleasing pots. Aside from making the air more pleasant, plants can make you more relaxed and even improve your cognitive abilities, as a 2022 study found.

If you are forgetful or away from your apartment for days at a time, it's a good idea to get a succulent or a cactus. Flowers in the dining room add a soft floral scent, but they tend to be more difficult to maintain, so do your research before purchasing. In case you still aren’t sure which plant is for you, you can visit stores like Floranza, Mashtal, or Plaza Hollandi and ask a clerk to help you choose.

Use lighting to create a mood by combining ceiling lights with plug-in sconces, lamps, and battery-powered lights inside cabinets or around furniture. 

A 2023 study pointed out that warm lighting has a calming, comforting effect, while cooler lights improve our alertness — so, put cooler lights around study areas, and choose something warmer for the rest.

Cute, comfy bedding, toys, and a fluffy rug already go a long way in bringing coziness to your child’s bedroom. If you want to go the extra mile, you can use removable wallpaper to add color and patterns, and, in case you find one with your kid’s favorite cartoon characters, even better. To make reading fun, drape a canopy or a tension-rod curtain to create a reading and learning nook. You can put a small armchair or a bean bag with colorful cushions. 

Night lights make the child feel safe at bedtime and ease them into sleep. You can find lamp shades with cutouts of stars or animals, or a portable light in the shape of their favorite animals, for additional comfort.