That ceiling light should only be on when you have to clean the room! It does not create a cozy vibe at all. You need lamps! A plug in wall sconce over the sofa/bed with larger art there (little wee baby art could go by desk - it’s too small to float on any large wall). Desk lamp, maybe even a floor lamp…think 3 way switches so you can get multi levels and shades that are white linen so the light goes on all directions (no solid shades that only direct light down).

Do you use all of the furniture? It looks like the credenza and file cabinet may be excess? Is there sufficient depth (without interfering with opening the door) to locate the wardrobe on the opposite wall, or to rotate it 90-degrees in its current location?

I like the idea of the daybed, and I'm guessing that you would want one with a pop-up trundle? With the trundle closed, it looks like you would have the room needed for a proper desk chair. With trundle extended, the chair could be rolled out of the way.

I think the wood ceiling is great - definitely adds some warmth, even though it necessitates more lighting. I have a vaulted wood ceiling, and shining (warmer temperature) light onto it looks really inviting. Photo is just inspiration for color palette (wood, lots of white, touch of black, green, and blue). Simple, perhaps black&white art.

I like mjlb's suggested color palette. Are you keeping that particular desk? If so, what are the dimensions? You might be able to squeeze a floor lamp in somewhere.

First of all, thank you for all the great suggestions! The color palette looks great and I like the idea of hanging some big piece of art on the wall behind the sofa. Or maybe some wooden shelves with books and hanging plants? 

The sideboard and file cabinet are leftovers from my old room, I could totally get rid of them and move the wardrobe to the opposite wall. But what would I do with the space between the wardrobe and the desk? And what about space where the wardrobe is currently standing? A small reading nook with a comfy reading chair and standing lamp maybe?

I will probably keep the desk because I like its big size (160x80cm/63x32 inches), but I plan on adding a wooden desk lamp, some sort of desk pad and a hanging plant on the shelf. When I swap the sofa for a daybed I will have enough space for an office chair.

Here are some pictures of the daybed I am thinking about buying. What do you guys think? :)

You have some good ideas already, and I like the daybed. Removing those two pieces definitely frees up space for a chair and things to make the room more cozy. I should have asked for the dimensions of the wardrobe as well. Every inch counts, right?

I watched a video of someone who owns the Hemnes daybed, and she noted that you can't pull the trundle out with a rug in front of it. You probably need a rug that will fit all the way under the bed (or most of the way?), or you will have to roll it up to be able to pull out the trundle.

Instead of putting shelves over your bed, maybe you could float them on the wall in the reading nook...

How's it going, Adam? Just checking in with you to share some thoughts and find out a little about your vision for the room. Could you post a couple of photos of rooms you like? One of the best ways to get a cozy vibe is through bedding (soft duvet or quilt, plush bed pillows), and you will need some larger back pillows since the daybed is wood on three sides. There are etsy shops that can make cafe curtains to match your bedding if you'd like.

An alternative to a room sized area rug might be a smaller one in the reading nook...

You could add a basket to store a throw blanket and pillows when not in use...

Hey skynina,

I am currently not at home so I haven't started working on the room yet😅 But my vision is to swap the sofa for a daybed, create a reading nook with a comfy chair and standing lamp and add some shelves and wall decoration as well as some fake plants. You're right, bedding does make a big impact on how a room feels! I like your idea of a smaller size, patterned and colorful rug for the reading nook. It would definitely add an interesting element to the room. Here are some pictures of rooms I like:

Thanks for the photos, Adam. You have demonstrated how texture is more important than color for a cozy space, and the wood ceiling really makes a warm statement. A monochromatic color scheme using varying shades of white is so inviting.

It's a great idea to add plants, and understandable if you want the zero maintenance of artificial ones. I just wanted to mention that if you want living plants, there are many options for plant grow lights...standing, hanging, tabletop, uplight, clip-on, strips, etc. It's all about the bulb, really.

Adding reflective surfaces like metallics, glass and mirrors can help add depth and "sparkle" to a room. As seen in your photos, candles contribute to mood and warmth.

The sides of the daybed seem kind of high making it difficult to use a side table (I could be wrong), so you might consider a small table at arms reach...

Maybe this would work for you? sofa size and style seems better suited for your space.

Got rid of the long sideboard but ketp your file and added a 3-drawer dresser.

the sofabed is narrower than the Hemnes daybed you're considering (except for the chaise section at the end) and more comfortable to sit on to watch Netflix. Everything from Ikea...

You can also get a set of framed posters and change some of them for other black & white you like.

We are working with some small spaces too (the work room is 2.5x4m, my childhood bedroom was actually even smaller than that), and heavily relied on apartment planning software (Sweet Home 3D) to try out different furniture arrangements – can't recommend it enough! It might be tricky with the slanted ceiling, but you could try more things while away from the house, like finding the best placement for the bed and reading nook.

The ceiling light is a nice replacement for daylight, I wouldn't get rid of it since you might want to work or study there, but I agree that additional warmer, softer lights are a good idea for cozy evenings. :)

Some other elements I see on your inspiration pieces are natural materials (wood, rattan, terracota pots?), warm fairy lights and candles, blankets and pillows with lots of cozy "texture" (fluffy, knitted, with tassels etc.), and beige/brown/green. I'd keep that in mind when getting new furniture and decorations, pull up the references when shopping etc. Then you can think how to incorporate it – e.g. rattan for a chair in the reading nook / as a lamp shade / storage box; pops of green could be the fake plants, some pillows or the painting on the wall. Those are just random ideas, but I hope it helps with thinking about it!

Out of curiosity, did you ever get around to remodeling? It would be super fun to see the results!