The Art of Cocooning: the Complete Guide to Transforming Your Apartment into a Haven of Peace Thanks to Light
Reading time: 5 min
UNDERSTANDING THE COCOONING TREND
Like many other social networks, Instagram has changed the way we view and interact with our domestic space (1). The platform not only reflects society's decorating aspirations, it also acts as an amplifier, intensifying and spreading trends through the voices of content creators.
You've probably come across this lamp dozens of times while scrolling through Instagram. Today, you find yourself wanting it... By getting it, you'll be following the trend. Photo Credits: La Lampe Champignon
But what particularly interests me today is to reveal to you the reasons for the success of a trendy theme: "cocooning interiors".
The accounts devoted to this subject are in fact based on a simple but powerful promise: to offer a refuge of well-being and comfort within one's own home. They thus reveal a collective aspiration for tranquility, simplicity and balance, in contrast to the ambient chaos and productivism.
Many content creators are tapping into this dynamic by transforming their apartments into virtual cocoons, providing virtual comfort and inspiration to their followers.
A perfect example, and one of my favorites, is the Instagram profile of Wioleta Marut ( @rapsodia_w ). Her concept shines with its simplicity: she films scenes of life in a space that perfectly embodies the ideal of cocooning. A small, well-lit and tastefully decorated veranda, a haven of peace that evokes a calm and secure life.
All it takes is rain to multiply the contemplative effect (and the engagement rate). Photo Credits:
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN WELL-BEING AND LIGHT
In this quest for serenity at home, light plays an essential role in shaping our perception of space and directly influencing our moods.
Talking about the science of well-being can sometimes lead to clichés or abstract, even hazy theories, like the symbolism of colors. Sorry for those who thought they could have sweet dreams in a blue room or that painting a wall yellow would suddenly make them more optimistic.
Fortunately, science offers us revelations that are extraordinary enough to avoid getting lost in these speculations. Research has explored the effects of lighting on human intellectual abilities. It has shown that, under certain conditions of colored lighting, most people tested showed an improvement in their ability to understand their own emotions as well as those of others (2).
This goes far beyond the purely aesthetic question; light is an essential component that can radically transform the pleasure we have in living in our homes. Choosing the right lighting is therefore crucial for anyone wishing to create a living space conducive to well-being.
You're probably dreaming of curling up on this sofa... And it's not just because of its welcoming shapes. Photo Credits: Irrational Flames
4 TIPS TO MAKE YOUR APARTMENT COSY USING LIGHT
After the theory, let's move on to practice. Here are my four favorite tips (tested and approved) to transform your apartment into a real haven of relaxation:
1. Do not overlight
It may seem surprising, but creating a pleasant atmosphere is based on a delicate balance between light and shadow. Rather than using a powerful ceiling light that evenly illuminates every corner of your space, opt for several small light sources distributed throughout your living room.
On this subject, I highly recommend the book In Praise of Shadow (3) by Jun'ichirō Tanizaki, which discusses the beauty of shaded spaces in Japanese culture. For Tanizaki, shadow is not simply an absence of light, but a vibrant element that gives depth and texture to our environment.
The art of "in-between" here mastered wonderfully by the architect Toshiki Imamura. In the Japanese tradition, architecture is made of opaque, translucent, transparent, striated walls that sculpt the shadow in movement.
2. Avoid spots
Spotlights create sharp contrasts between light and dark areas, so I recommend avoiding them unless you're trying to highlight a piece of art or create a theatrical atmosphere for a rehearsal. Joking aside, as mentioned earlier, a warm atmosphere relies on smooth transitions between light and dark. Spotlights should therefore be reserved for specific, most often functional uses, such as kitchen lighting.
Conversely, for spaces dedicated to comfort and relaxation, opt for indirect lighting that diffuses light onto the walls or ceiling. This method creates a softer, more welcoming atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after a long day.
Relaxation mission accomplished for this composition. Photo Credits: Irrational Flames
3. Choose the right material
When looking for lighting fixtures for your cozy interior, don't be too quickly seduced by attractive aesthetics or gimmicky features. Focus first on the materials used. Opt for those capable of creating diffuse lighting, such as glass, textile, paper, and some plastics.
In this regard, Irrational Flames lamps are the result of extensive research and development work aimed at achieving a particularly soft lighting quality. The nature of the material used (a bioplastic derived from corn) and its implementation (the shape of the lamps, the number and thickness of the elements, the superposition of colors, etc.) are the result of an incalculable number of tests designed to deliver the most comforting light possible.
If you have your heart set on one of my lamps (very good choice) and you want to increase the diffuse effect even more, prefer a composition with a satin veil like Marguerite , Hélène , or Élodie . Photo credits: Irrational Flames
4. Dare to use color!
Imagine looking up at the sky at the most beautiful time of day, just before the sun sets below the horizon. This unique moment, often called the golden hour, reveals an enchanting palette of colors. The sky transforms from the bright white of day to hues of pink, orange, purple, and golden highlights. These soft, warm colors create a serene and captivating atmosphere, reminiscent of idyllic fairytale landscapes.
Transposing these nuances into your living space can have an equally magical effect. Imagine your walls dressed in these subtle and elegant hues, thanks to colored lamps that evoke this natural spectacle. Every corner of your home could become an invitation to contemplation, a refuge of beauty and tranquility. Dare to use color, I promise you, you will not regret it.
Spoiler alert: the golden hour, or “Golden Hour” could be the subject of a future article. You will see that it is a source of inspiration for many artists. Photo credits: Irrational Flames
THE FINAL WORD
While writing this article, a simple but essential idea came to me: ours is the mirror of our inner state. By investing time and attention in creating a harmonious space, we take care of ourselves, positively influencing our mental and emotional health.
This effort to shape a calming and inspiring environment goes beyond mere comfort. It is part of a quest for balance and personal fulfillment. A carefully designed habitat can transform our daily lives, making each day a more serene and enriching experience.
I hope I have made you want to start this journey towards a luminous renewal in your interior. For any questions or sharing of experience, do not hesitate to join the comment space!
-Romain Gratiot
State-certified architect and founder of the Irrational Flames brand
Sources consulted:
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(1) “Instagram as a Co-Creation Space for Tourist Destination Image-Building: Algarve and Costa del Sol Case Studies” → available on MDPI .
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(2) “A Study of the Emotional Impact of Interior Lighting Color in Rural Bed and Breakfast Space Design” → available on MDPI .
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(3) Jun'ichirō Tanizaki, In Praise of Shadows .
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(4) “Architecture: Main principles of the traditional Japanese house” → available on HouzzMagazine .
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“Mood Changers: Why Lighting is The Most Important Design Feature” → available on ArchDaily .