Whether you’re new to the capital or have been here for years, there are a few essentials you’ll need to get you settled into your flat like a true local. Chances are your living space is pretty tiny, but that doesn’t mean you can’t decorate it in true London style. Here are four essentials that every London flat simply needs to have.
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Storage Units
It’s an unavoidable fact of life that living in London often means compact living. Chances are you’ll be in a room the size of your pantry back home, so you’ll need to make the most of every inch of space in order to create as liveable an atmosphere as possible (Ready Steady Store have some great tips for student storage, which is fairly universal for most London homes!) Every savvy Londoner knows, therefore, to invest in smart storage space to make their home feel bigger and less cramped. With compact living on the rise across the world, there is no shortage of innovative storage unit designs which make placing your possessions out of sight easier than ever.
A Social Sofa
If you’re a true Londoner you’ll be inviting mates around to yours regardless of how little space you might have. Everybody in London loves a gaff party or just the occasional midweek night in with friends, which means you’ll need a social sofa to accommodate everyone. The best way to do this with space constraints is to go for a corner sofa, so make sure to scope out the spacious corner sofas for sale at Furniture Village for some inspiration on how to make your flat the epicentre of your squad’s social life, in true London style.
Something Union Jack
Sorry, we don’t make the rules here, we just follow them. It might seem unbearably cliche, but just try and think of the last time you walked into a London flat and didn’t see at least one item of furniture or decoration without a Union Jack on it. This rings true for both lifelong locals and new Londoners from every corner of the globe. It’s one of those universal design quirks akin to that rice-paper lampshade that everyone has, only this one is specific to Greater London. Just get with the program and buy that Union Jack sofa cushion – or at the very least, a Keep Calm and Carry On poster.
A Bar
There’s no avoiding the fact that drinking in London is one of the most punishing things you can ever put your bank account through. That’s why you should always keep your home well-stocked for when payday seems too far away and you’re dying to crack open the gin. You don’t quite need to go all out and invest in a 1970s style brass and mahogany bar on wheels, just a simple mini-bar that you can fit into your kitchen will do the trick. In order to do London living right, make sure to stock your bar correctly – this means plenty of Gordon’s Gin, Camden Hells and Famous Grouse.
London living can seem like a challenge, but these essential items will help make your move feel smoother and more relaxed.