Have you just bought a big city apartment? Here are some easy ways to decorate it!
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You have just landed yourself a fabulous apartment in the heart of the big smoke, and now it's time to start thinking about buying furniture for it and deciding how to decorate it. Are you going for a luxurious look? Do you prefer an urban industrial aesthetic or would you like to give your new pad the look of a 5-star hotel? Here are some big city apartment decorating ideas.
The kitchen
Chances are you've already decided on a kitchen if your apartment is brand new or has one already installed. Anyway, if you want to change the look of the kitchen, here are some ideas on how to do that. A modern apartment looks best with a modern kitchen, rather than a wooden shaker that can be found in a quaint country house. Think of high-gloss, handle-free units in gray, black and white tones with a chrome finish.
Countertops should be smooth, smooth and shiny like the walls of a futuristic spaceship. Materials like granite, quartz and silestone look great with modern cabinets and are a nice eye-catcher in your kitchen.
Pick some high-tech kitchen gadgets like a steamer, built-in coffee maker, wine cooler, induction hob, and pop-up exhaust fan to match the space age furniture. Equip it with shimmering low-level pendant lights and small appliances made of stainless steel such as kettles, toasters and food processors. Get inspiration from a contemporary Chicago or New York furniture store that specializes in products for downtown living.
The living room
You probably bought the apartment because of the floor-to-ceiling windows with spectacular views over the city. These views will be the focal point of your living room, so it would make sense to keep the decor minimalist so as not to detract from the landscape outside. Keep the color palette for the living room limited. Opt for two or three neutral tones or stay monochrome and add colorful accents with accessories such as pillows and artwork. A dark leather sectional sofa with a chaise longue would look both stylish and comfortable, as would a couple of iconic oak and black leather Eames armchairs.
A flat square coffee table goes well with modern sofas. Look for one made from dark wood like walnut for a sleek, modern look. Decorate the walls with bookcases made of wood or chrome or a sideboard made of black or white glossy plywood to emphasize the picture.
Accessories such as table lamps, vases, ceiling lights and ornaments complete the look. For a high-end hotel image, buy chrome lamp bases in abstract shapes, tall, slender and elegant vases and ornate sculptures. Always opt for expensive looking items made from leather, chrome, glass, polished metal, and crystal.
The dining room
If your apartment has a dining area or a separate dining room, you can make it a luxurious place to drink, dine and entertain friends in style. Choose a large table made of dark smoked glass and surround it with elegant dining chairs made of leather or metal.
Store dishes and drinks in a stylish cabinet with a glass front and chrome details. Present exquisite crystal wine goblets and champagne glasses in the cupboard. Put a chandelier over the table that catches the light and sends it across the room.
The bedroom
A comfortable bed is one of the most important purchases, so make sure you are getting the right bed for your needs. A modern apartment bedroom looks fabulous with a low bed flanked by a dark leather or suede headboard and with crisp, clean 600 thread count Egyptian cotton sheets. Lighting in a bedroom should be soft, flattering, and romantic, so install a dimmer on your ceiling light or just use table lamps – one on each side of the bed.
If you have a window with a breathtaking view and you don't want to obstruct it, dress the windows with modern sleek vertical blinds that won't hide any of the views when fully opened. If you value your privacy or don't like the early morning sun, put some curtains in the bedroom. Heavy curtains like those used in hotel rooms give the room a high quality look. Opt for thick, luxurious fabrics like velvet and brocade in dark tones with gold or silver embroidery.
Let your imagination run wild when furnishing your home. Remember, there is no right or wrong, so if you like something, give it a try.
