There’s a lot to be said for city living. Virtually anything you could want or need is easily accessible by foot, bike, or public transportation. There’s never a shortage of interesting things to do and see. No matter what else the city may be, it’s never boring.
But for all the perks of the urban lifestyle, there’s also a flip side. Sometimes all that excitement, noise, and access can get, well, a little overwhelming. Even though the organized chaos of a city has its moments, everyone needs a bit of quiet and solitude at some point. The good news is that it is possible to transform your city apartment into an oasis in the urban jungle.
Focus on Window Treatments
One of the first and best ways to begin transforming your urban pad into a soothing retreat is to find the right window treatments for each room. For kitchens and living rooms, blinds, sheers, and light-filtering shades can offer some measure of privacy while also allowing rejuvenating, mood-elevating sunlight to shine through.
On the other hand, in rooms where you want a bit more seclusion and coziness, such as the bedroom, light-blocking drapes can help you create a peaceful retreat where you can shut out the rest of the world. Best of all, many of these fabrics have sound-proofing qualities as well, meaning you’ll have a bit of a respite from the endless tumult of the city.
Transform Your Outdoor Space
Anyone who’s ever rented an apartment in the city knows that outdoor space is truly at a premium. In many cases, the most you can hope for is a bit of a patio or a swath of balcony on which to enjoy the great outdoors.
But just because your outdoor space may be cramped doesn’t mean it can’t also be calming and captivating. It just takes a bit of strategy.
No matter how small the space, it helps to think of your balcony or patio as an extension of your home, another living space. This might entail utilizing comfortable seating, coffee tables, and inviting decor.
Don’t forget to incorporate soothing lighting elements and greenery into the space. LED string lights can be both elegant and inviting, while a potted palm or other plants can bring a bit of the country into the city.
Design for Living
Another great way to turn your apartment into an urban oasis is to give your digs an overhaul. If your apartment is crowded and cluttered, it’s simply not going to feel like a soothing retreat. So focus on design ideas that help make your apartment feel more spacious.
Getting rid of the clutter and opting for a minimalist touch in your furnishings and decor will make your home feel light and airy. By doing so, you’ll have a perfect escape from all the cramped conditions of the city outside.
Hearth, Heart, and Home
Turning your urban apartment into a comforting haven isn’t just about making the right design choices. It’s also about building a lifestyle that prioritizes serenity, peace, and wellness.
This can include, for instance, emphasizing sustainability in your home life. By utilizing recycled furnishings and materials, you can rest easy in your space knowing that you are treading lightly on this earth.
Creating an urban oasis also means designing for our post-pandemic world, where many of us continue to spend a significant amount of time at home. As a result, we’re tackling some pretty important tasks, like working and schooling, from the comfort of our living room, kitchen, or bedroom.
To make your apartment meet every demand you might place on it without losing the inviting nature of your urban retreat, you will want to ensure that every space has a designated purpose and is filled with items that not only help you to achieve that purpose but also to feel good while doing it.
Creating a designated space for your remote activities like school and work can also help with other remote needs, especially if you’re seeking out telehealth services. Thanks to the convenience and safety that it provides, millions now receive most, if not all, of their healthcare through virtual consults and remote health monitoring.
To optimize your remote healthcare, you need to create a space in your home that is private and soothing — a place where you can close the door, draw the blinds and curtains, and speak to your care provider in comfort, no matter what may be going on in the city streets outside your door.
The Takeaway
City living has a lot of advantages, but sometimes you just need a haven. The good news is that you don’t have to relocate to find the peace and tranquility you crave. With a bit of effort and some strategy, you can transform your apartment into a true urban oasis.
