City life hacks for urbanites

From jazzing up your little flat to outdoor fitness and stocking up on city essentials – we reveal some everyday hacks for embracing city life.

DIY FOR CITY LIVING

Smaller living spaces are the norm in big cities, but that doesn’t mean you can’t spruce them up and make them look fabulous.

Interior design hacks for tiny flats

Trick the eye into thinking the space is larger

By only painting half of the walls, it makes the ceilings look higher, giving a more spacious feel to the flat.

Make the most of every nook and cranny

Slim floating bookcases can be mounted in even the smallest of corners. They look stylish and are a great way to make the most of otherwise unusable space.

No room for a desk lamp? No problem!

Simply hang a lightbulb on a cord off a wall-mounted shelf bracket for a space-saving lighting solution.

Add a splash of colour to your life

Painting the sides of the doors will add a subtle pop of colour to your living space. It could be a nice compromise if your flatmate isn’t so keen on bright colours.

Find an innovative use for old necklaces

It’s a shame to throw away pretty necklaces you don’t wear anymore. Instead try using them as curtain tiebacks to give your home a relaxed bohemian feel.

Urban gardening for beginners

For most city dwellers having outside space is a little luxury, but if you are lucky enough to have a small garden, a balcony or even an allotment, ensure you make the most of it!

Utilise every inch of space by using vertical structures to grow your plants. This may mean turning a pallet upright or layering the plant pots – this is a huge space-saver and looks pretty hip too.

Look for alternative solutions. If you aren’t lucky enough to have a balcony, but do have a windowsill, use a mini wine crate to create a cute DIY flower bed to show off your green-fingered gardening skills.

Even those with no space at all can still get involved. Small succulents or cacti can easily be planted in glasses or jars to brighten up your home. Getting your fingers dirty with a spot of gardening has been proven to relieve stress and is a great escape from the buzz of city life – so what are you waiting for? Get digging!

Outdoor workouts especially for urban dwellers

Take control of your fitness with these tips designed to get you moving in the city.

Who needs a gym when you have the city on your doorstep?

Urbanites are spoilt for choice when it comes to working out in the city. Not only are there countless exercise classes, cities often have beautiful parks and rivers offering running and cycling trails to keep you active. The fresh air you take in by exercising outdoors will help to counteract the negatives of citing living and boost general wellbeing.

Fitness is a big part of a healthy lifestyle, but so is diet. Discover some tips and healthy snack ideas for busy professionals.

Get fit for free at your local park

There are a range of new initiatives offering free group exercise classes led by qualified instructors at parks all over the place. From jogging and skating to dancing – there is something for everyone. It’s also a great way to socialise and make new friends.

7 simple ways to stay fit in the city

Skip your morning bus or train commute for a gentle stroll to work.
Add variety – a bit of yoga one day and a jog the next. Changing the routine will help you stay focused.
Take the stairs instead of the lift – the little lifestyle changes really add up.
Swap the heels for a pair of comfortable trainers.
Take a day off for some Netflix and relaxation – nobody needs to work out every day.

City essentials for a healthy lifestyle

Living in a big city does have its negatives, but we couldn’t imagine living anywhere else!

5 things every urbanite needs

Powerpacks

Whether it’s listening to music on the train, checking our emails on the go or sharing a picture of our favourite deli-style lunch, most of us are glued to our smartphone and tablet during the day, so an empty battery is a big no-no. A powerpack is indispensable for staying connected.

5 things every urbanite needs

Noise-cancelling headphones

City living is all about sharing a small area with a lot of other people. Nobody wants to be that guy forcing the whole train carriage to listen to his tunes. A pair of really good noise-cancelling headphones is a must for any urbanite.

vegetables-are-city-dwellers-go-to-snacks

5 things every urbanite needs

A weekly vegetable box

New vegetable box schemes make healthy eating easier than ever by providing you with a variety of different fresh veg directly to your doorstep every week. No more excuses for not eating your greens!

5 things every urbanite needs

A bucket bag

This spacious style item can hold everything a city girl needs while also looking particularly chic on the arm. Check out more urban style inspiration and ideas.

5 things every urbanite needs

Skin care especially for urban skin

Exhaust emissions and dirt can lead to a poor complexion. NIVEA Urban Skin Day and Night Care are designed to help protect against environmental influences. Additionally the *NIVEA Urban 1 Minute Detox Mask* purifies skin from environmental stressors. Find out more now.