The start of the year is a time when many are looking for a change of scenery. Whether you’re a student beginning another term at uni, a recent graduate hustling for your dream job, or even a young couple looking for an exciting neighbourhood with a vibrant nightlife, there’s plenty of appeal in owning or renting a flat in the city.
Still, creating a snazzy DIY space with city-living prices can be tricky. Check out the following 5 simple tips and tricks to transforming your urban escape.
Set Mood Lighting
One of the simplest ways to transform a space is by changing up the lighting. Energy-efficient light options like LED bulbs are a great place to start as they are the most energy-efficient bulb options for general use.
To create a moody space that still feels warm and inviting, switch to warmer tones like warm white or soft white variations. Change bulbs in side table lamps, hanging lights, or even recess lights to add a luxurious and warm effect to your space.
Use Window Spaces To Your Advantage
Big windows have some of the best appeal in city flats, especially high rises.
Make the most of a stunning city skyscraper view by making the largest windows in your living room the focal point. You can do this by arranging your furniture around your bay, bow, or picture windows.
If you have larger furnishings, like a sectional sofa that needs to make use of a window wall, try adding a large mirror on the opposite side of the room. This allows for the light and scene reflected from the window to fill the entire space, making the room more inviting and cohesive.
Add some fish
Though often associated with the groovy design elements of the 70s, aquariums are a beautiful bit of nature to bring into any city apartment. Not only do they add a touch of tranquillity to the environment, but they’re also a fun hobby and centrepiece that can make a home feel that much cosier.
Experiment with different colours, themes, and fish, but always do your research first.
A reliable and high-quality filtration system to ensure the safest and cleanest home for your underwater pets.
Create a bar space
One of the best parts of a city flat is being able to entertain guests and visitors before spending a night out on the town. Having your own bar space for family and friends means you can start the night off right or keep the fun indoors.
Add an island with bar stools for some seating and cocktail-making space, or create a cosy corner of sitting chairs to serve your guests directly from your kitchen. You can even install shelves and showcase your favourite bottles for an added decorative touch.
Play with a darker colour palette
While lighter colour palettes can open up a room, a city flat can really feel empty, especially with an open floor plan. Sometimes, a darker colour palette is a better choice to make a space feel more homey and put together.
Try mixing natural materials and colours, like deep greys from cast iron and leather, with rich brown woods like mahogany and cedar. Use muted greens and sage tones to bring an outside feel into the space.
Below are a few suggestions to mix and match colour combinations and textiles for some uniquely comforting and sophisticated designs:
- Brass decorative frames and metalwork with velvet fabrics
- Brown leather couches with a slate stone coffee table
- Aged wooden planks hung beside clay artwork slabs
- Chrome barstools with a walnut bar
The possibilities are endless for dramatic and engaging dark designs.
Conclusion
While designing a swanky city pad can seem complicated and expensive, there are plenty of simple changes that can be made to make your flat more inviting and homely. Try out these suggestions to really revamp your metropolitan living space into something you’ll love this year.
For more posts on design tips, check out our home blog here!
