The Good Life In The City
Despite growing up in Nome, Alaska (yes, how many people can say that?) I am a city girl at heart. I lived briefly in NYC, for an extended time in Chicago, and adored life for several years in San Francisco. How I eventually ended up in suburbia is another story...
However, the city girl in me got a chance to come out for a brief moment this past week while in NYC to tape a segment with Nate Berkus for his new show. While rushing through the city, trying to take in as much as possible during a brief stay, I wondered what it would be like to again live in a bustling city. And wouldn't it be grand indeed, if you were privileged enough to live in some of the spectacular city adobes featured in this week's Ideabook!
However, the city girl in me got a chance to come out for a brief moment this past week while in NYC to tape a segment with Nate Berkus for his new show. While rushing through the city, trying to take in as much as possible during a brief stay, I wondered what it would be like to again live in a bustling city. And wouldn't it be grand indeed, if you were privileged enough to live in some of the spectacular city adobes featured in this week's Ideabook!
If your home is in the city, having a bit of outdoor space is a true luxury, and this NYC terrace is about as great as it gets. Here is a space with ample room for comfortable seating, a fireplace, and a view. Simply wonderful.
Apart from an outdoor space another necessity in a (dream) city home would be a tranquil bedroom, providing relief from the noise on the street. The muted gold and ivory tones in this San Francisco bedroom embodies calm and the outstanding collection of furniture and accessories continue the mood. Then, to top off the design, a very large and dramatic light fixture takes the room to the next level.
This bedroom possesses not only a calm demeanor, but the unobstructed view brings in endless light. That adds up to pure luxury in city living.
Doesn't this bedroom tell a story of city life? An energy is always present, even in the late hours. The placement of the TV, where a firebox would typically be found, is really intriguing. I should have included this image in my Ideabook on TVs in the bedroom!
Apart from an outdoor space and a calm bedroom, another feature that would be on my wish list for a home in the city would be a big, bright...and clean...bathroom. After a day of running around a dirty city, imagine the enjoyment of soaking it all away in this bright and fresh NYC bathroom.
For obvious reasons space, and plenty of it, is another ultimate city luxury. This Seattle bathroom has it in spades, even if it is located in a hotel. The bathroom is sleek but references its location through the wooden slat ceiling, flooring under the tub and plaid rug. When was the last time you saw a plaid rug in a bathroom? It is an unexpected, but great choice, for this bathroom. And of course there is the view...
Another key component of a city home would be a large living space, ideally open to other areas of the home, preventing one from feeling closed in among the crowds. This family room has those elements. With views of the Empire State building you know where this home is located, but that might be hard to guess if you did not see the view. Filled with light and a sense of airiness, this space defies its location in a city.
Another spacious living area, this one with a view out to the city street. A carefully chosen and edited collection of modern decor is the perfect fit in an upscale loft inspired city home.
Smaller on space but not on style, this living area gets its sense of volume from its high ceilings. Living in the city just welcomes an eclectic decorating style which reflects the environment of the city and takes full advantage of the great resources available to unearth unique treasures. The key elements I notice in this home are: the unique light fixture, great wall colors and flowers picking up on their hues, an abundance of art, and the great pattern on the sofa.
What else would be on a city home wish list? A great kitchen. Some would argue that a kitchen is not that important when living in a city full of endless food choices at your fingertips. But can anything really replace the enjoyment of preparing a great meal with friends and family at home? This efficient NYC kitchen is a hit with all the essentials included, and the outdoor space as a true bonus.
I would have thought I had died and gone to heaven if this had been my kitchen while living in San Francisco. This spacious kitchen introduces modern with a nod to the old in a vintage home. And what does every city space need? A bit of greenery to ensure a connection to nature is not completely lost while living in an urban environment.
Here is another gorgeous San Francisco kitchen with cabinetry running up to meet the very high ceilings. Any other choice would have looked wrong in this vintage city home. Apart from all the wonderful function and storage this kitchen provides, interestingly I am drawn to the towel bar attached to the end of the island. This is an unusual addition, but isn't it great? A small gesture that makes complete sense and provides great function.
Fortunately, I couldn't be happier with the community I live in, otherwise this is a building I would love walking up to and calling home. If I had several spare million that is...