Trend. Less is more, the quintessence of Urban Design
Urban Design, or Urban chic, combines raw materials such as concrete or brick with finer materials such as leather or wood within an uncluttered interior. This mix of decorative styles brings a touch of softness to interiors. Inspired by the world’s major capitals, this trend is now establishing itself in modern living rooms. It is particularly suited to large spaces with picture windows and generous ceiling heights, such as lofts or Haussmann-style apartments.
The fusion of different materials helps each piece of furniture stand out within the interior landscape. Thus, a white leather corner sofa next to a lacquered coffee table will be enhanced if placed on an old parquet floor. Industrial steel furniture with clean lines, or metal shelves and desks, will make an impression against an all-brick wall. Add a steel mirror and octagonal metal or glass light fittings and you will have a living space typical of Urban chic style. Restraint and eclecticism are the watchwords of this new movement.
The Urban design trend proclaims its love of luminous grey loud and clear. However, beyond the first monochrome impression, you discover a wealth of shades that keep the settings contemporary and pleasant to live in every day. Curtains, cushions, bedspreads, sofas or even wall paint or wallpaper: go ahead, more grey is allowed! When it comes to colours, neutral tones are a must. Ideally, they should echo one another, and a dark grey armchair will go with a light grey wall or black furniture for a harmonious whole. White is also an ally of Urban chic decor. To create an element of surprise and bring a little life to the whole, choose an artistic object large and colourful enough to stand out in the landscape.
Work on bold combinations of materials and colours. White-stained wood pairs wonderfully with frosted glass. For your flowers, favour concrete pots, thereby creating a form of eco-friendly poetic language in each of your rooms. For a coffee table or side table, turn to chrome or coloured glass accessories. This imbalance between material and colour will create surprise in the eyes of your guests.
A minimalist aesthetic
Embracing the Urban design trend means returning - precisely - to the essence of design. Thus, an object's shape reflects its function. No flourishes or superfluous details. The furniture is minimalist. The light fittings are so pared back that a socket and a very beautiful filament bulb or a geometric wire pendant light are enough.
