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Outlook > 2007 > April
Make most of city living
WHEN
it boils down to the nitty gritty, if you're looking for relaxation,
life in New Zealand's major cities is probably not for you. And, not
for the reasons you might think (e.g. too noisy, too much hustle and
bustle, etc), but rather for the plethora of opportunities and
experiences that most cities offer.
City living by its sheer definition requires energy and a zest for
life. That's because city dwellers can immerse themselves almost around
the clock in a wide range of urban pursuits including... dining in
cafes, bars and restaurants, dancing the night away in clubs, shopping
till they drop, attending a wide variety of musical events, going to
the theatre, taking in the latest museum or art gallery exhibit, even
availing themselves of educational opportunities to bolster their
knowledge.
However, choosing to live in the city often does mean making
compromises, most of which are centred around making the most of small
spaces. If you are considering moving to the city, or are there
already, here are some practical tips to help you make the most of even
the tiniest studio apartment:
- If you have a big refrigerator, maximise the space in your kitchen with a smaller, under-counter model.
- Use track lighting aimed at walls to free up floor space and create an expansive feeling.
- Keep your windows sparkling clean to bring in more light.
- Buy good quality cookware, tableware, towels and linens. You'll be amazed how far small luxuries go!
- Use full spectrum light bulbs to energize and enliven your home.
- Make your small space even cosier: rich colours, soft
upholstery and dramatic lighting can turn almost any tiny nook into an
intimate and wonderful corner.
- White needn't necessarily mean chilly, uninteresting
or clinical. There are many shades of white that can make a room feel
cosy, yet clean and spacious at the same time. If in doubt or unsure of
which white to pick, seek advice from a colour consultant.
- Select one high-impact piece as a focal point in a
small room. Look for a large-scale piece, such as a round table or a
large canvas, to trick the eye and make the space feel larger.
- Mirror, mirror on the wall: mirrors work wonders in small spaces, especially large-scale or even wall-to-wall mirrors.
- Eliminate obstructions: the further you can see into, and through a space, the larger and more open it will seem.
- Best of all (believe it or not), people actually socialise better in small spaces, so have lots of dinner parties!
Living in a metropolitan environment is all about embracing the sounds,
smells and sights of the city. You may experience less personal space,
less privacy, more noise and greater parking frustrations than your
suburb counterparts, but many city dwellers would argue that that's a
small price to pay for the rich and exhilarating diversity of an
invigorating, cosmopolitan atmosphere. |
