The “Urban Aunt” aesthetic is taking over social feeds as the coolest way to style modern city pads. Blending industrial loft bones with layers of worldly treasures, vibrant textures, and cosy lounge spaces, it puts an eccentric spin on urban living. Read on for an in-depth guide to nailing this artsy interior trend.
Defining The Urban Aunt Look
Urban Aunt style injects personality into sleek, contemporary spaces with storytelling and culture. Exposed beams, brick walls, large windows and hardware floors provide the raw loft backdrop. The design then builds upon these elements with contrasting finishes and decor that feel curated and bold.
The “Urban Aunt” fictional muse is imagined as a stylish, jet-setting city dweller who uses her pied-à-terre to showcase favourite finds. Her interiors celebrate texture, global patterns, rich hues, and luxe moments paired purposefully with distressed or modern finishes.
It’s an artsy look that feels well-travelled and oozes with eclectic flair, with a lounge-worthy personality as inviting as it is stylish.
Achieving The Urban Aunt Aesthetic
Minimalist Bed Frames
Metal beds with a black or brass finish keep things sleek while adding a dose of glam for Urban Aunt. Upholstered headboards in rich hues like emerald or cobalt blue offer another way to incorporate signature vibrant accent colours into the space.
Reclaimed wood beds with subtle distressed detailing provide a natural texture for a more vintage feel. Wrought iron canopy frames also work nicely for those seeking a romantic, delicate statement.
Add Layers Of Texture
Cosy textiles soften sleek architectural elements. Incorporate cable knit throws, wool ikat pillows, sheepskin rugs, velvet pouffes or anything ultra-plush.
Unexpected touches like a faux fur stool or embroidered footrest layered over jute add visual interest while upping the snuggle factor.
Pictured: Birlea Atlas Metal Bed Frame – Black. Priced £249 for a double (Available from Bedstar).
Define Lounge Nooks
Carve out distinct sitting areas within open-concept floorplans using area rugs, lighting, and furniture arrangement.
Angle a sofa beneath corner windows to create a tucked-away reading corner. Float two armchairs facing each other beside a statement floor lamp. Add a thick rug and side table between them to create a conversation hub.
Mix Old And New With Intention
Combining eras is essential for adding depth. Anchor with modern furnishings mixed thoughtfully with antique accessories sourced from trips abroad.
For example, pair a reclaimed teak console with modernist leather and steel bar stools. Or display a vintage crystal decanter atop a concrete-inlaid bar cart. The contrast is compelling.
Appoint Conversation-Starting Accents
You can make a dramatic style statement and spur dialogue with an eye-catching light sculpture, vibrant rug, or exotic object.
Gold leaf towers, hand-carved stools, an intricate brass chandelier, and luxe sheepskin dhurries — embrace vibrancy and quality craftsmanship in singular statement pieces.
Pictured: The Flintshire Axton metal bed frame has a unique traditional design with an industrial twist. Priced £269 for a double. (Available from Bedstar)
Curate Meaningful Displays
Built-in shelves, windowsills, and mantels present opportunities for displaying cherished items with artistry. Rotate books, travel trinkets, potted succulents, black and white photography prints, and abstract paintings.
Remember, clutter is celebrated if thoughtfully curated. Aim for vignettes that tell a story, showcase mementoes from life’s adventures, or feature items in pleasing asymmetrical arrangements tied together with the colour palette or finish.
How This Differs from Natural Style
While the Urban Aunt also celebrates nature, her approach differs from true “naturalist” design. Instead of dialling back adornments, she layers with abandon to let textures shine.
She embraces moody hues and eye-catching patterns rather than muted tones. Her globe-sourced antiques and curio cabinets offer more exaggerated character than the subtle imperfections favoured in organic spaces.
Pictured: Birlea Leonie 4FT 6 Double Wooden Bed – Oak. Rattan or cane furniture: Introduce natural elements. (Available from Bedstar).
So, while wide plank wood floors and woven accents fit her artsy city oasis, the true naturalist would opt for a more pared-back look overall.
Ultimately, designing in the vein of the trending “Urban Aunt” means blending sleek architectural elements with plenty of storied layers. The result? A cultured, textural, and inviting modern interior with just the right dash of drama.
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