How to add character to a generic bar area : A Kitchen Rental Update (Part ONE)

Being at home during the pandemic has got me day-dreaming about all of my travels. These day-dreams led me to one place in particular, Morocco. On that trip I found myself inspired by the warm tones, texture and natural materials, and of course the whimsical architecture. With all of these in mind, I’ve created a space reminiscent of my travels to Marrakech.

We’ve had our apartment for three months now, and living in a rental is much different than owning. I’ve been finding myself wanting to do some real updates, in an effort to make this place ours. If you’re a new reader, I should mention I’ve been working on a blog series; where I’ve made it my mission to bring character to every space within our apartment. Like many, “when you hear the term apartment, it can feel like quite the turnoff. You’re probably thinking of a box with white walls closing in on you.” I’m here to let you know there is hope my friend - your apartment can be so much more. That said, in my most recent project we updated our bar area. I love the character it brought to this space and it’s super cozy, so I’ve put together a few easy tips to help you bring character to and cozy up a generic apartment/rental bar area, here they are:

Want cozy? Use a dark paint.

Painting with dark colors can make a space feel intimate. If you want your space to say “cozy” choose a dark paint color. Darker paint colors also make art and other objects laying against a wall stand out. I really wanted my styling to pop and while the dark color block (wall) draws attention, it doesn’t take away from the rest of the decor; and I must say, I’m loving the PPG Interior Flat Black paint (in the color Onyx) we used for this wall.

Paint to the base board to elongate the wall.

One of my favorite things to do is to paint the baseboard the same color as the wall. I do this because it helps to elongate the wall. When I’m working in smaller spaces that feel a little too tight I like to accentuate the height - you can easily do this by having the paint transition to the base board.

Replace your outlet.

There are some really cool outlet covers out there, almost too many to choose from. With the design I had in mind for this space, I felt it best to select an outlet cover that blended in with the paint color. For me, I enjoy minimal design, and I already had a few “wow” elements that popped in this space thus, why I kept my outlet “low-key”.

Swap out your light shades.

It was love at first woven pendant light shade. The moment I saw these shades I immediately thought of my travels to Morocco, and consider these the hero pieces of the space. For me, I’ve always had a fascination with decor/items that remind me of a special time in my life. My journey to Marrakech marks the moment that I officially became an entrepreneur. During my time spent there, I met other fascinating women entrepreneurs, visited beautiful sights, and learned from some of the most talented artisans Morocco had to offer.

Style with fun bar accessories.

Last but most certainly not least, adding accessories can really bring character to a space. These styled items are going to add that personal touch needed to complete a vignette. Here, I have my favorite re-useable napkins on hand, along with my coasters (I picked these up during my travels to Savannah, Georgia). My barstools and vase bring a chic element to the update.

Ultimately, this area began as just a bar. I wanted the space to be intentional and remeinecsent of a special time in my life. When I look at this space, I want it to take me to another place - I want it to take me to Morocco.