To prepare for an onslaught of festive guests, we needed to liven up this sleek-yet-sombre Bloggers Boyfriend HQ. Instead of trees and tinsel, we opted for a glamorous, masculine update.
Probably similar to many Manhattan residents, we Melbourne bachelors tend to gravitate towards minimalist, industrial-inspired decor in our inner-city apartments and work spaces. And while we love our grey concrete, chrome accents, desaturated hues and neutral accessories, the overall effect doesn’t always scream ‘warm, welcoming + festive’ to visiting family and friends.
I came up with a few simple ideas to instantly help my home become more holiday-friendly. Read below for the rest of the story.
1. Polish up. Introducing metallic finishes into a room brings glamour and shine without adding extra colour. The futuristic lines and gleam of the Martini side table works double-duty as extra seating and a place to set down drinks.
2. Warm up. The honeyed wood and brass of this Parker mid-century bar cart adds warmth, a hint of nostalgia with its Mad Men vibe, and a healthy dose of dapper. The minute guests see a well-stocked bar cart, they know they’re in for a good evening.
3. Reflect, reflect, reflect. Small spaces (and fashionable folks) can never have enough mirrors. They add light, dimension and interest – just like the best guests. This Brass framed floor mirror instantly lifts the space and doesn’t need complicated mounting. The curves of this Round mirror help to balance out the room’s masculinity and straight edges.
4. Make it moveable. When the apartment is small, it helps to keep things flexible, especially when there’s a crowd. Everything should be able to shift at a moment’s notice. Here, the bar cart has wheels, the mirror props against any free wall, and the Martini side can easily be toted away under one arm. Even the ceiling light can be lifted and hung to one side if it’s getting in the way.
Here’s to a season of happy hosting!
