20 Urban Home Decorating Ideas for Big City Vibes

Last updated on March 26, 2024

In this article, I’ll share 20 creative and practical ideas for decorating urban homes that will make your living space stylish and functional.

One style that always presents a unique challenge is urban living spaces. With limited square footage and often unusual layouts, decorating an urban home requires creativity and practicality.

But fear not, as I am here to share with you 20 ideas for urban home decorating that will help you make the most of your space while still creating a stylish and inviting atmosphere.

So whether you’re living in a small apartment or a trendy loft, these tips will inspire you to transform your urban dwelling into the ultimate sanctuary.

Vertical Gardens

Vertical gardens are a great way to bring the outdoors inside and add some greenery to your urban home. They can be created using various materials such as pallets, hanging planters, or even repurposed gutters.

Not only do they look beautiful and add visual interest to any room, but they also have numerous benefits such as improving air quality and reducing stress levels. Vertical gardens can be customized according to personal preferences by choosing different plants that thrive in indoor environments with low light conditions or high humidity levels.

Whether you opt for a small herb garden in the kitchen or an entire living wall in the living room, vertical gardens are sure to make a statement while providing health benefits at the same time!

Exposed Brick Walls

Exposed brick walls are a popular feature in urban home decorating. They add texture, warmth, and character to any space.

Whether you have an old building with original brickwork or you want to create the look of exposed bricks using wallpaper or faux panels, this design element can transform your room into an industrial chic haven.

One way to make the most of your exposed brick wall is by pairing it with minimalist furniture and decor. This will allow the wall’s natural beauty to shine through without overwhelming the space.

Another idea is adding contrasting elements such as metal accents or bold colors that complement the rustic charm of a brick wall while creating visual interest.

If you’re not lucky enough to have real bricks in your home but still want this aesthetic appeal, there are many options available for achieving it on a budget-friendly scale. Faux-brick wallpapers come in various styles and colors that mimic real bricks’ appearance without breaking down walls!

Industrial Lighting Fixtures

Industrial lighting fixtures are a great way to add an urban touch to your home decor. These types of fixtures often feature metal and exposed bulbs, giving them a raw and edgy look that is perfect for an industrial-style space.

Pendant lights with wire cages or vintage-inspired Edison bulbs can be used in the kitchen or dining room to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. For the living room, consider adding floor lamps with adjustable arms or tripod bases for added functionality and style.

Industrial lighting can also be incorporated into bedrooms by using wall sconces with black metal finishes as bedside reading lights. With so many options available, it’s easy to find industrial lighting fixtures that will complement any urban home decorating scheme while providing ample light throughout your space!

Multi-functional Furniture

Multi-functional furniture is a must-have for urban homes where space is often limited. These pieces of furniture serve more than one purpose, making them practical and efficient.

For instance, a sofa bed can be used as both seating during the day and sleeping quarters at night. A coffee table with built-in storage can hold books, magazines or even blankets while also serving as a surface to place drinks or snacks on when entertaining guests.

Other examples of multi-functional furniture include ottomans that double up as extra seating or storage units; dining tables that fold down into console tables when not in use; and bookshelves that also function as room dividers.

When selecting multi-functional pieces for your home, consider their design aesthetic so they blend seamlessly with the rest of your decor. Ensure they are made from high-quality materials to guarantee durability over time since these items will likely see frequent use due to their versatility.

Bold Accent Colors

One of the easiest ways to add a pop of personality and energy to your urban home is by incorporating bold accent colors. Whether it’s a vibrant red throw pillow on your neutral sofa or an electric blue statement wall in your living room, these bright hues can instantly transform any space.

When choosing bold accent colors, consider using shades that complement each other for a cohesive look. For example, pairing deep emerald green with rich mustard yellow can create an earthy yet sophisticated vibe.

If you’re hesitant about committing to such strong hues, start small by adding colorful accessories like rugs or curtains before moving onto larger pieces like furniture or walls. Remember that color has the power to evoke emotions and set moods so choose wisely!

Geometric Patterns

Geometric patterns are a great way to add visual interest and depth to any urban home. These patterns can be incorporated into various elements of the decor, such as rugs, throw pillows, curtains or even wallpaper.

The key is to choose one or two geometric shapes and repeat them throughout the space for a cohesive look.

For example, you could use hexagonal tiles in your kitchen backsplash or bathroom floor and then incorporate hexagon-shaped mirrors on the walls. Alternatively, you could opt for triangular prints on your bedding and then add triangle-shaped shelves on an accent wall.

When using geometric patterns in your decor scheme it’s important not to overdo it; too many different shapes can create chaos instead of harmony. Stick with just one or two types of geometrical designs that complement each other well while also fitting within the overall theme of your home’s design aesthetic.

Wall Murals or Graffiti Art

Wall murals or graffiti art can add a unique and edgy touch to any urban home. These types of wall decorations are perfect for those who want to make a bold statement in their space.

A large-scale mural can transform an entire room, while smaller pieces of graffiti art can be used as accents throughout the home. When choosing a mural or piece of graffiti art, consider the color scheme and style of your existing decor to ensure that it complements rather than clashes with your overall design aesthetic.

If you’re not ready for permanent artwork on your walls, there are many removable wallpaper options available that mimic the look of murals and street art without damaging surfaces when removed.

Floating Shelves

Floating shelves are a great way to add storage and display space without taking up too much floor space. They can be used in any room of the house, from the living room to the bathroom.

These shelves are mounted directly onto the wall with no visible brackets or supports, giving them a sleek and modern look.

One popular way to use floating shelves is as a gallery wall for artwork or photographs. By grouping several small frames together on one shelf, you can create an eye-catching display that adds personality and interest to your walls.

Another idea is using floating shelves in your kitchen for storing dishes, glasses or cookbooks while keeping them within easy reach. You could also use these types of shelving units in your bedroom as nightstands where you can store books, lamps or other bedside essentials.

When it comes to styling floating shelves remember less is more! Keep things simple by displaying only few items per shelf so they don’t appear cluttered but rather well-organized and visually appealing.

Urban Loft-style Layout

Urban loft-style layout is a popular trend in urban home decorating. This style takes inspiration from industrial spaces, such as warehouses and factories, and incorporates them into residential homes.

The key features of an urban loft-style layout include high ceilings, open floor plans, exposed brick walls or concrete floors. To achieve this look in your home decor project you can use metal accents like steel beams or iron railings to create an industrial feel that complements the space’s raw materials.

When it comes to furniture selection for this type of design scheme opt for pieces with clean lines and minimalistic designs that don’t take up too much visual space but still provide functionality. Large sectional sofas are perfect for creating cozy seating areas while also dividing up larger rooms into smaller zones.

Lighting plays a crucial role in achieving the right ambiance when designing an urban loft-style layout; consider using pendant lights with Edison bulbs or vintage-inspired fixtures to add warmth and character to your living spaces while keeping things simple yet stylish at the same time!

Reclaimed Wood Accents

Reclaimed wood accents are a great way to add warmth and character to an urban home. Whether it’s a coffee table made from old barn wood or shelves crafted from salvaged timber, these pieces bring a sense of history and sustainability into your space.

Reclaimed wood can be used in many ways, such as accent walls, headboards, or even kitchen islands. Not only does it look beautiful but using reclaimed materials also helps reduce waste and supports eco-friendly practices.

Plus, the unique texture and color variations of each piece make for one-of-a-kind decor that adds personality to any room in your home!

Metal and Glass Elements

Metal and glass elements are a great way to add an urban touch to your home decor. These materials can be incorporated in various ways, such as metal-framed mirrors or glass coffee tables.

Metal accents like steel frames on chairs or industrial-style light fixtures can also give a modern edge to any room. Glass elements, such as large windows or sliding doors, allow natural light into the space while creating an open and airy feel that is perfect for urban living.

Using metal and glass together creates a sleek look that is both stylish and functional in any contemporary home design scheme.

Minimalist Design Approach

Minimalist design approach is a popular trend in urban home decorating. This style focuses on simplicity, functionality, and clean lines.

The idea behind this approach is to create an uncluttered space that promotes relaxation and calmness. To achieve this look, it’s important to keep the color palette neutral with shades of white or beige as the primary colors for walls and furniture pieces.

Furniture should be simple yet functional with no unnecessary details or ornamentation. A minimalist living room may have a sleek sofa paired with a coffee table made of glass or metal.

Incorporating natural materials such as wood can add warmth to the space while still maintaining its minimalistic feel. Lighting fixtures should also be kept simple but impactful; pendant lights are perfect for creating focal points without overwhelming the room.

Adopting a minimalist design approach can help you create an elegant yet practical urban home that exudes sophistication and tranquility at once!

Open Floor Plans

An open floor plan is a popular choice for urban homes. It creates an airy and spacious feel, making the most of limited square footage.

An open floor plan typically combines the living room, dining area, and kitchen into one large space without walls or barriers.

This design approach allows for better flow between rooms and encourages social interaction among family members or guests. It also maximizes natural light throughout the home.

To create a cohesive look in an open floor plan, it’s important to choose furniture that complements each other in style and color scheme. Area rugs can be used to define different zones within the space while maintaining continuity throughout.

An open floor plan is perfect for those who love entertaining guests or want more flexibility with their living spaces.

Large Windows for Natural Light

Large windows are a great way to bring natural light into your urban home. They not only provide ample lighting but also create an illusion of space, making the room feel larger and more open.

If you have a beautiful view outside, large windows can help you enjoy it even when indoors. You can choose from different types of window treatments such as sheer curtains or blinds that allow for privacy while still letting in plenty of sunlight during the day.

Large windows work well in living rooms, bedrooms and kitchens where they add warmth and brightness to any decor style whether modern or traditional.

Concrete Flooring

Concrete flooring is a popular choice for urban home decorating due to its durability and industrial look. It can be polished, stained or painted in various colors to match the overall design scheme of your home.

Concrete floors are also easy to clean and maintain, making them ideal for high-traffic areas such as living rooms, kitchens and hallways. To soften the hard surface of concrete flooring, consider adding an area rug or layering smaller rugs on top of each other in different textures and patterns.

This will not only add warmth but also create visual interest in your space while keeping with the urban aesthetic you desire.

Statement Artwork

One of the best ways to add personality and character to your urban home is through statement artwork. Whether it’s a large painting, a unique sculpture or an eye-catching photograph, statement pieces can instantly transform any room into a work of art.

When choosing artwork for your space, consider the size and scale of the piece in relation to the room. A large piece can make a bold impact on its own while smaller pieces may be grouped together for added visual interest.

When hanging artwork in an urban home, think outside traditional gallery-style arrangements and experiment with unconventional placement options such as leaning against walls or propped up on shelves. This will give your space an eclectic feel that reflects its surroundings.

Remember that art is subjective so choose something that speaks to you personally rather than following trends or what others might deem “appropriate”. Your chosen piece should evoke emotion every time you look at it – whether it’s joy, inspiration or even contemplation – making it truly one-of-a-kind addition to your urban decor scheme!

Modular Storage Systems

Modular storage systems are a great way to add functionality and style to your urban home. These systems allow you to customize your storage solutions according to your needs, making them perfect for small spaces.

You can mix and match different modules such as shelves, cabinets, drawers, and baskets in various sizes and colors that fit perfectly into the available space.

Modular storage systems come in many styles ranging from sleek modern designs with clean lines or rustic industrial looks with metal frames. They can be used as room dividers or built-in wall units that provide ample space for displaying books, decorative items or storing clothes.

One of the best things about modular storage is its versatility; it can be easily reconfigured if you decide to change up the layout of a room later on. Plus they’re easy-to-install which makes them an ideal DIY project for those who love getting their hands dirty!

Indoor Plants

Indoor plants are a great way to bring life and color into your urban home. They not only add aesthetic value but also have numerous health benefits such as purifying the air, reducing stress levels, and boosting productivity.

There are many types of indoor plants that thrive in low light conditions or with minimal care, making them perfect for busy city dwellers who may not have much time to tend to their greenery. Some popular options include succulents, snake plants, spider plants, peace lilies and pothos vines which can be displayed on shelves or hung from the ceiling using macrame hangers for added visual interest.

Incorporating indoor plants into your decor is an easy way to create a calming oasis in the midst of bustling city life while adding natural beauty that complements any design style.

Vintage Accessories

Vintage accessories are a great way to add character and charm to an urban home. They can be found at flea markets, antique shops, or even in your own attic.

Vintage items such as old cameras, typewriters, telephones or radios can make for unique decorative pieces that also serve as conversation starters. Other vintage accessories include old maps or globes which add a touch of nostalgia and sophistication to any room.

You could also consider using vintage suitcases stacked on top of each other as side tables or storage units for blankets and pillows in the living room area. The possibilities are endless when it comes to incorporating vintage accessories into your urban home decor!

Monochromatic Color Schemes

Monochromatic color schemes are a popular choice for urban home decorating. This approach involves using different shades and tones of the same color throughout a room or space.

For example, if you choose blue as your main color, you can use light blue for walls, navy blue for furniture upholstery and curtains, and turquoise accents in decorative items such as pillows or vases.

Monochromatic colors create a cohesive look that is both calming and sophisticated. They also make small spaces appear larger by eliminating visual clutter caused by too many contrasting colors.

When working with monochromatic schemes it’s important to play with textures to add depth to the design. You can mix materials like velvet cushions on linen sofas or glossy ceramics on matte surfaces.

Monochrome palettes offer an easy way to achieve an elegant yet understated look in any urban home decor project while keeping things simple but stylish at the same time!

Recap: