Welcome to our latest blog post, where we take you behind the scenes of a fabulous interior design project! Today, we're delving into the creative process of transforming a Central Manchester apartment into a stylish, inviting space that captures the essence of modern city living.
Styling a New Apartment: A Vibrant Vision for City Centre Living
Interior designer Ria, from Open Door Interiors, had a clear vision in mind - a design that would resonate with the heart of Central Manchester. Ria chose a captivating colour scheme centered around Tabasco red, burnt orange, and navy tones that ran consistently throughout the property. This colour palette brought a sense of energy, warmth, and depth to the space, creating an inviting atmosphere that anyone would be proud to call home.
Starting with Inspiration: The Cushion Cover
As with any great design, the inspiration for this apartment began with a single fabric element - a cushion cover. The colours and patterns from this cushion cover acted as a springboard for the entire design concept. It helped set the tone and personality of the space, laying the foundation for the rest of the decor decisions.
Balancing Gender-Neutral and Cool Aesthetics
To appeal to a broad audience, the designer incorporated black and dark grey accents to ground the overall design. By doing so, they ensured the apartment would feel accessible to all and created a cool, contemporary vibe that is both trendy and timeless.
Homewares from Popular Retail Brands
You can achieve a high end look with homewares from popular high street retail brands like H&M Home and Zara so young buyers or first-time homeowners who are considering apartment living could achieve the same look and feel as this show apartment despite budget constraints.
Smart Solutions for Space and Elegance
When space is at a premium, thoughtful design choices can make all the difference. In the bedroom, a feature headboard in a rainbow style added personality and elegance to the space. Roman blinds were used to accentuate the large windows, allowing natural light to flood the rooms and opening up the space.
A modern dressing table was chosen to maximize space while still providing a stylish and functional element. In the dining area, a large mirror not only expanded the room visually but also served as a delightful backdrop for socialising and capturing memories with friends.
Adding Elements for Inspiration
To bring an extra touch of inspiration, the 
designer included playful elements throughout the apartment, such as the monkey side tables. These whimsical pieces add a unique character to the space, encouraging homeowners to think creatively when adding their personal touch to the apartment.
A Nod to Manchester's Culture and Heritage
The apartment design paid tribute to the vibrant city of Manchester, particularly its dancing era and strong musical culture. Artwork featuring iconic Manchester landmarks or musical references adorned the walls, adding a local touch and reflecting the apartment's connection to its surroundings.
Creating a Proud and Social Space
The designer's aim was to craft a home where residents would feel a sense of pride and enjoy socializing with friends and loved ones. By thoughtfully zoning the living and kitchen/dining areas, the designer created distinct spaces that flowed seamlessly together, giving each area its unique identity. The apartment's layout allows for easy entertainment and a cozy ambiance that encourages guests to feel at home.
Maximizing Space and Storage
The apartment's design was mindful of the available space and storage. With smart choices like using Roman blinds to emphasize the large windows, the designer maximized natural light and made the most of the apartment's layout. Additionally, a large mirror in the dining area added depth and openness to the space, while serving as a perfect backdrop for group pictures with friends.
Conclusion: The Perfect Fusion of Modern and Funky
This apartment in Central Manchester beautifully merges modern elements with playful inspirations, resulting in a stylish and inviting living space. By choosing a distinct colour scheme, sourcing homewares from popular brands, and adding unique touches like the monkey side tables, the designer achieved a design that is both achievable and aspirational. Whether you're a first-time homeowner, or simply looking for design ideas for your new apartment, this Central Manchester-themed home is an excellent source of inspiration to make your space truly your own.
Happy decorating!
This show apartment is located at The Gateway:
The Gateway
A collection of contemporary 2-bedroom apartments and 3 & 4 bedroom homes.
2bedrooms
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