London Apartment Tour • 1 Bedroom 500 sq ft (Cozy Zen & Dark Academia)

A tour of my one bedroom apartment in London. The interior decor follows a cozy style with hints of dark academia aesthetic. I'll show you my design ideas for apartment living and how to create a relaxing atmosphere at home. I've decorated the space to be beautiful and peaceful while also remaining practical for everyday living. My small home is 500 square feet, or about 50 square metres. I have a separate video about my urban "cottage garden" here:
• Secret Garden in Londo...
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CHAPTERS:
00:00 Apartment Stats
00:17 The Lounge
02:42 The Entryway
03:08 The Kitchen
05:28 Laundry Room / Walk-in Closet
06:17 The Bedroom
07:22 A Zen Moment / Sunset Meditation
08:40 The Bathroom
09:32 Garden Video
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The plaster-cast heart is by London-based artist Wojtek:
⏵ www.wojteklondon.art/heart-deep
⏵ INSTAGRAM: / duncan_carter
⏵ WEB: duncancarter.co.uk
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This video is about my 1 bedroom flat in London UK. I do a walk through of each room in this small apartment tour, discussing the ideas behind my interior design choices. Overall my focus has been on how to create a cozy home by layering textures for a multi-dimensional look.
My lounge has a cocktail-bar style, dark blue with lots of velvet and suede. The living room houses a separate desk or study area for working from home. There are accents of the dark academia trend in the room, with curious objects dotted about, moody lighting, lots of sumptuous textures and an overflowing bookcase. There are lots of houseplants dotted throughout the flat.
The apartment has a small, narrow hallway but I have added some personal touches to make for a welcoming space. Books, candles, faux botanicals and a large black panelled mirror which is great for a final check on the way out the front door.
The kitchen decor contrasts the living space, and is bright and airy, mostly white. I redesigned the kitchen layout to make space for a dining area by reducing the amount of cabinets. To keep a good amount of storage solutions for the small space, I had a kidney bean corner cupboard installed, to maximise every inch of storage space. I had my appliances integrated to free up the counter top space as much as possible. (The only items that have earned a permanent space on the worktops are those I need for my morning coffee routine! ☕️)
I'm lucky to have a separate laundry room / walk-in closet in the flat. This houses the utilities but also my collection of jackets and coats, sneakers and shoes and is a fantastic storage solution for small apartment living.
The bedroom is decorated in a soft grey by Farrow and Ball, layers of throws, blankets and rugs have been used to create a warm and restful space. I have lots of plants again, some minimal artwork and it's a more minimal space than the lounge to enhance the sense of calm. I like to think of it as my zen space, where I can meditate and relax.
The bathroom glow up turned the drab bathroom into a place that's more than just functional. I redecorated in a timeless black and white monochromatic scheme. Most of my toiletries are hidden away in storage baskets, with just one or two in attractive bottles left out on display. Dried grasses from the garden and some faux botanicals help to soften the space, along with a waffle shower curtain and sheepskin bathmat. Two mirrors on opposite walls reflect the light back and forth for the illusion of more space.
I hope you enjoy this dose of apartment therapy!
#apartmenttour #darkacademia #london #slowliving
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I enjoy and make videos all about slow living, present moment, personal growth and development, the power of now, daily routines and living mindfully. I am interested in mindfulness practices, yoga, pilates, meditation and general musings on the meaning of life. I am a classic introvert, and get my energy from solitude, quiet time and creating a peaceful home to be my daily sanctuary.
Similar channels I love and recommend: Fairyland Cottage, Little Boho Cottage, Isabel Paige, Eugenia Diaz, George Dunnett, Kalle Flodin, Malama Life, monalogue, Quiet Tales, Rajiv Surendra, TheCottageFairy, Verdant Vanille, Roaming Wild Rosie, Bealtaine Cottage, benjiplant, Pursuit of Wonder, Living Big in a Tiny House.

[@saidaswift9531]

Hands down one of the best small apartment decorating I’ve seen.

[@duncan-carter]

Thank you so much 🙏🏻🙂 it took a while but just focussed on one room at a time and got there in the end haha.

[@skyro222]

What a beautiful, cozy apartment! Luv the use of colours and plants in the space. Truly inspiring 🤩

[@duncan-carter]

Aw thank you! I definitely appreciate having a cozy space in the English winter 😂🥶❄️

[@deannab9511]

So cozy, your home is absolutely beautiful!

[@duncan-carter]

Thank you so much!🙏🏻

[@unikreations2258]

I just love how each room has its own style and feel. I also love how you contrast the living room dark and cozy feel from your bedroom and kitchen’s light and airy feel. Simply beautiful and inspiring. Thanks for sharing your lovely home with us.

[@duncan-carter]

My pleasure! Glad you enjoyed it. I think it’s tricky to get a balance where there’s a cohesive feel while still having different spaces for different moods. I’m moving to a bigger place soon so will be starting all over again with new projects 😍😍🏡

[@rhondadixon1782]

I love how your decorated your apartment, sophisticated yet cozy with all the plants and lighting and good use of a small space❤😊

[@duncan-carter]

Thank you! I’m hopefully moving house very soon so will be starting over with a new project, but it’s exciting to get creative again ☺️

[@feliciasmith2920]

You have a complimentary voice and tone. Your narrative is elegant but simple. The background jazz notes accents your perfectly balanced sense of style as the video moves along. Bottom line..... WE WANT MORE VIDEOS. 🙂 Respectfully, your channel is well done. Thanks for sharing.🙏

[@duncan-carter]

Thank you! What a lovely comment ☺️ I feel like I can manage 2 videos per month for now, and hopefully if it gains a bit of momentum (and I become more organised haha) then I can slowly increase the number. 🙂🌱

[@ketobabysteps4893]

You've created a lovely haven. Thanks for sharing your creativity with us.

[@duncan-carter]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it 🙂 definitely love having this little haven now that the winter days are upon us! 🥶

[@cassieb.gr8ful]

Love love love your apartment and your video was very calming and peaceful. I'm new to your channel here in southern Louisiana USA. Keep making more! Cas

[@duncan-carter]

Thank you, that’s so kind! I feel very inspired to keep on making videos, and I’m hoping to create 2 every month 🙂 Welcome from a chilly London! ❄️😂

[@RMMomma4Eva]

Gorgeous, I love the vibe! The mixtures of patterns and textures, and the plants and dried botanicals are everything! Continue enjoying your lovely home and thanks for sharing!👍🏽🥰

[@duncan-carter]

Thank you so much! I’m definitely a bit of a texture fiend haha. Thank you for the kind comment 🙏🏻

[@frankvolz7021]

New subscriber to your channel from Colorado, in the U.S. Duncan, I took the time to go through your videos over the years. Wow, what a creative talent you are sir! I’m very impressed and intrigued by your mind. So much talent and such a sensitive soul. Your love of nature and the simple things shines through. I am an introvert like you, but many years older. I understand the need to recharge and protect and prioritize your time and life. The way you look at nature and the world is beautiful. Thanks for sharing the parts of your life that you choose to with the rest of us. I will be looking forward to new uploads as you leave London and start your new life wherever you land.

[@duncan-carter]

Thank you so much for the lovely comment! It's been a scary process changing the type of content I make but I'm just going with my creative impulses these days and although I nearly unlisted all my old videos I think it's nice to keep some of the old ones there as a reminder of the evolution of the channel and just how life has changed... Thank you so much for subscribing -- I'm hoping to be making regular videos again now, probably not weekly but a couple every month 🙂

[@buenavidaestates-livingthe6333]

Wow! The dark, saturated colors are so good! Your use of lighting is what really sets the spaces apart and is creating a lot of drama and interest. That laundry room is also fab. I love the trick with re-doing the grout & the bit of tile paint. I think this is the classiest, smoothest, most well produced home tour I've ever seen. Well done!

[@duncan-carter]

Wow thank you! Such a kind comment. I’ve just moved house so will be starting all over again with the new place 😂

[@TheJojo01902]

Duncan, this is a stunning, exceptionally well-designed apartment. Beautiful. ❤️

[@duncan-carter]

Thank you so much!🙏🏻

[@lukethompson2252]

Looks amazing, well done!

[@duncan-carter]

Thanks! It *always* looks that tidy, promise 🤪

[@eileenbowery5538]

Wow, wow and wow again. Absolutely breathtaking, the colors, all the plants and the decor is stunning.

[@duncan-carter]

Thank you so much! I’m hopefully moving house soon and already thinking about paint colours and how I can make the new space my new haven! 😃

[@NoName-ub5to]

Very nice! The dining area with the colored triangles on the walls coordinated with the triangles on the chairs is my favorite part. ❤

[@duncan-carter]

Thank you! I’ve moved home now so I’m starting all over again with a new place 😂

[@MagdalenaShakti]

Ohhhh, I truly enjoyed that tour and your lovely narration...thank you.

[@duncan-carter]

Aw thank you so much 🙂🙏🏻

[@catgal1102]

Just gorgeous! It seems you have every possible thing you would need for work and leisure in this beautifully decorated small space. I adore the vibe you’ve created in your lounge. Congrats on a stunning job!

[@duncan-carter]

Thank you so much! It took a while to figure out but it feels right for now yes! Though moving house soon hopefully so will be starting all over again 😳😂

[@sweetbabygirl13]

One word: Yesssssss!

[@duncan-carter]

🙏🏻

[@baash]

Beautiful. Peaceful.

[@duncan-carter]

Thank you 🙏🏻

[@MyInvisibleStory]

I really enjoyed this! The decor, music and videography is all on point! I’m also in NW London👌🏾

[@duncan-carter]

Thank you! 🙏🏻

[@cherylross4040]

I LOVE IT! You have created an oasis for yourself. Such great ideas. Bravo!

[@duncan-carter]

Thanks! It was only when filming I realise how much plant life I have here haha. But it’s so lovely to be surrounded by the greenery ❤️🌱

[@PaulaDTozer]

Super cozy!

[@duncan-carter]

Thank you!! 🙂

[@proudmganda1159]

Absolutely beautiful, the living plants woooo , I LOVE LOVE LOVE ❤️ calm with style , have a beautiful blessed Christmas and thank you for sharing Xx love for SE London

[@duncan-carter]

Thank you! Always a struggle keeping those plants alive over winter haha. But I do love them! Merry Xmas to you too 🎄🎄

[@fernandaparente1967]

So beatiful and cozy

[@duncan-carter]

Thank you 🙏🏻🙏🏻☺️

[@astridtriani1110]

Woooww... your home is so stunning and very cozy, luv luv

[@duncan-carter]

Thank you so much 😊

[@klomax7089]

WOW! Your home is amazing! 👍🏾🫶🏽🙌🏾

[@duncan-carter]

Thank you! 🤗

[@jayt4835]

I loved the space. I actually “rewound it” multiple times to get a better look at what I was seeing. Absolutely beautiful.

[@duncan-carter]

I suppose there’s a lot to see… I’m not exactly a minimalist 😂😂 glad you liked the space! It’s ironic that I’m enjoying it more now just as I’m about to leave. But excited for the next space and all the projects.

[@orscha6126]

I really love it, just perfect

[@duncan-carter]

Thank you! 🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@bonriver9420]

What a beautiful apartment. Everything is so well laid out. Brilliant, the way you have concealed laundry products, ironing board, vacuum, etc behind curtains. Love the colours you have chosen and the placement of the plants. Your decorating style is just gorgeous. Greetings from Canada.

[@duncan-carter]

Thanks! It definitely makes the little laundry room feel a bit more visually appealing with everything concealed behind curtains. Feels like a little walk-in closet 😀🙏🏻 Thanks again for the kind comments!

[@z.alvarez1315]

Just a beautiful apartment. You’ll never want to leave a beautiful space such as this. Brilliant design!

[@duncan-carter]

Thank you so much! I’m hopefully moving to a barn conversion in the new year so will be starting a while new decorating journey! 😳😂

[@sebastianblack6552]

Very beautiful, well done!

[@duncan-carter]

Thank you very much!

[@abundanceangels]

Great job. I love it 🥰

[@duncan-carter]

Thank you! 🤗

[@nicolegregory4429]

Absolutely stunning! What a comfortable and lovely home. Thank you for sharing and providing me with some great inspiration. 💜 ~N

[@duncan-carter]

Thank you so much, and glad you found it inspiring - hope your home is the beautiful sanctuary you want it to be ☺️

[@juliej5917]

Hi Duncan! You’re oh so creative, with nothing cookie cutter! And a green thumb to boot! Love your place. 🎉🎉🎉

[@duncan-carter]

The green thumb didn’t come naturally ahah. Took a while to learn from some mistakes 😂 but love my little family of plants now! 🌱💚

[@LotusLady70]

I like the kitchen table and chairs,so unique!!

[@duncan-carter]

Thank you! 🤗

[@Dogsnark]

You’ve made the most of a small space, it appears. Very nice. I do wish you had shown the floor plan so we could better see how it all fits together.

[@duncan-carter]

Thank you! And I never even thought about including the floor plan- good idea! Will try to remember that for my next one (moving house soon so will maybe have to do a before and after!)🙏🏻🙂

[@petula1778]

Gorgeous apartment with the perfect balance of calm and style! Thanls for sharing ❤

[@duncan-carter]

Thank you so much for the kind comment. It’s my little sanctuary!! 😂

[@indiasimone6645]

What an absolute Amazing place to call home. Thank you for sharing 🌿💚

[@duncan-carter]

Thanks! Glad you liked it 🙂🙏🏻

[@Mk56b]

Well done cozy yet stylish. I am impressed.

[@duncan-carter]

Thank you! 🙂🙂

[@patriciapoole4851]

Honestly, what a beautiful and cozy apartment I like the whole overall vibe beautiful

[@duncan-carter]

Thank you so much! 🙏🏻🙂

[@hv1946FLUSA]

Thank you for opening your beautiful, serene apartment to us. Cozy and warm. Enjoyed you explanation of the colors and liked seeing the color changes for each room. Watching from Mount Dora, FL USA.

[@duncan-carter]

Thank you so much! I’m glad the serene feeling came across, that is definitely something I was going to achieve. Hello from the other side of the pond 😂😀🙏🏻

[@deborahlewis4419]

THE most coziest and home'iest apartment I have ever seen. It is just beautiful ❤

[@duncan-carter]

Thank you so much ☺️

[@50plus2013]

One of the best. I really enjoyed

[@duncan-carter]

🙏🏻, thank you!

[@sebrickard7356]

Incredible attention to detail. Great apartment.

[@duncan-carter]

Thank you very much!

[@ninakerstetter579]

Excellent decor to be inviting & functional as well. Enjoyed the tour❤️

[@duncan-carter]

Thank you ☺️🙏🏻

[@carolcollins3108]

Thank you so much, you have a lovely home. Well Done.

[@duncan-carter]

Thank you 🙏🏻

[@syedahmad4581]

Cantik dan menarik. Terima kasih berkongsi apartment tuan seluruh dunia. Agar memberi inspirasi di mana sahaja.

[@duncan-carter]

Thank you so much - glad you enjoyed it 🙂

[@dentReviews]

finally a small apartment that is cozy and has character. not just a white box... nice job.

[@duncan-carter]

Thanks! Literally packing the place up to move now, excited to get going decorating a new place 🙂

[@geetanegi2246]

Loved your space❤

[@duncan-carter]

Thank you 🙏🏻

[@KohalaLover]

Duncan is charming and I adore his touches. The paint colors are yum, the use of mirrors and flowers is double yum. An enchanting flat, I believe you call an apartment. Peace from California. ✨

[@duncan-carter]

Thank you for the kind comment. Glad you liked the apartment tour 🙂

[@Lin-1785]

Love. This. Place. The dark academia/cocktail lounge vibe is simply fantastic.

[@duncan-carter]

Thank you so much. About to move house actually but excited to think how I can develop this even further in the new place! ❤️

[@Lin-1785]

@@duncan-carter PLEASE show us when you do!

[@margaretmurphy9795]

Well done! Love the multi-colored wall in the lounge. I am surprised you didn't talk about it. I am sure it took some planning to end with such an artistic result.

[@duncan-carter]

Thank you! I love that wall 😍 I did actually record some voiceover about it but when editing I thought the lounge section was taking too long 😂😂 so I cut out that part but so glad you asked - it has a bit of a story… it was originally the same deep blue as the rest of the room but there were lumps and bumps that caught the light in a horrible way and in the end I found it so distracting I decided to hand paint a sort of plaster effect to embrace the bumpiness 😂 it worked out really well. A mixture of dry-brushing and using strips of cardboard to drag the lighter paints across the surface. Was very fun to do ☺️

[@vickijohnson8151]

Beautiful design in such a small place

[@duncan-carter]

Thank you so much!

[@Englishroserebecca]

Your home is cosy. The plants are great and you have style 😊

[@duncan-carter]

Thank you! It wouldn’t be a home without my family of plants ! 😂😂💚🌱🌱

[@marenjeworowski9859]

Beautiful apartment! You did a great job!

[@duncan-carter]

Thank you!! 😊

[@lonelyrider606]

Well done! Looks great and cozy!

[@duncan-carter]

Thank you!! Love my cosy nights in during the English winter ❄️☺️

[@caroleenever5650]

Thank you for sharing your stunning relaxing apartment I could easily sit down In your home and feel chilled out. The way its all been put together goes so well I just love it.❤

[@duncan-carter]

Thank you, yes it’s definitely nice to have a place that is calming and a bit of a retreat from everyday life 🙂

[@jsmith5509]

This is very nice! It's so refreshing to see a masculine interpretation of the dark academia aesthetic! Well done!

[@duncan-carter]

Thanks! There just aren’t that many male channels (that I can find!) about interiors and slow living, etc. I’m trying to fill a gap I guess 😂 Glad you liked it!

[@sumar207]

I love what you’ve done with your home!

[@duncan-carter]

Thank you so much 🙏🏻🙂

[@gabrieladantas4353]

Lovely and very very cozy.Great Job

[@duncan-carter]

Thank you! 😊

[@reneedennis2011]

Cool 😎 apartment! Thanks for the tour!

[@duncan-carter]

Glad you liked it!!

[@reneedennis2011]

@@duncan-carter You're welcome 😊!

[@user-bo4cf3pm1l]

so lovely

[@duncan-carter]

Thank you! 🙏🏻

[@pawlieblog7967]

Lovely place!!

[@duncan-carter]

Thanks!

[@debrablack5173]

How beautiful it is. I loved it.

[@duncan-carter]

Thank you so much 😊

[@heathersmith8549]

Amazing space

[@duncan-carter]

Thank you!

[@kevincournoyer4789]

What a fabulous sanctuary 👍🌈☮️

[@duncan-carter]

Thank you so much 🙏🏻🙂

[@christinemilligan9158]

Beautiful

[@duncan-carter]

Thanks! 🙏🏻

[@cynthiabanks-holman6952]

🙋🏽‍♀️Not Even 3 Minutes Into The Video ✨Im Loving The Space 🤗 Thanks For Sharing ✨👌🏽

[@duncan-carter]

😊 thank you

[@miareal1746]

Amazing how it is possible to have a beautiful space and so personal as well 👏😀❤️

[@duncan-carter]

Aw thanks. It took me a while… slow and steady but was great fun creating the space that works for me ☺️🙏🏻

[@Happyharold666]

Stunning

[@duncan-carter]

Thank you! 😊

[@IndigoCosmic]

I love this. So cozy and zen.

[@duncan-carter]

Thank you 🙏🏻

[@flower_mound]

you have a good taste, i liked every moment in the video

[@duncan-carter]

I appreciate that! Thank you!

[@michelleestrada8837]

What a beautiful apartment 😊

[@duncan-carter]

Thank you!! 😊

[@sevenwatson5854]

This is a great flat! Such a thoughtful design. ❤

[@duncan-carter]

Thank you! 😊

[@kimharrop3725]

You've done an amazing job its utterly beautiful ❤

[@duncan-carter]

Thank you! 🙏🏻

[@fashionforwarddd]

I absolutely love what you did with your space!

[@duncan-carter]

Thank you!

[@latricewashington8490]

Stunning! Greetings from Atlanta, Ga.

[@duncan-carter]

Thank you so much… and hello from across the pond!! 😀

[@lovelywonderwoman9009]

Yes beautiful.

[@duncan-carter]

Thank you! 😊

[@hotpikayumi2499]

enchanted❤

[@duncan-carter]

Thank you!

[@user-sq7ln9bh3b]

Fabulous taste.

[@duncan-carter]

Thank you 😋

[@wendylbranchfield7959]

Perfection ❤

[@duncan-carter]

Thank you!!

[@everausten]

Deep, dark and cosy ✨

[@duncan-carter]

Definitely love the cosy vibes at this time of year! ❄️🕯️🙂

[@graybridgetipton7921]

I am obsessed 🤩!! Just stumbled across this video and I am a new subscriber!!

[@duncan-carter]

Aw thank you 🙂 🙏🏻 and welcome!

[@elizabeths4371]

Nicely narrated.

[@duncan-carter]

Thank you 🙂🙏🏻

[@kayen8459]

Amazing job in maximizing the spaces in your apartment 👏👏👏

[@duncan-carter]

Thank you!! 😊

[@velvetindigonight]

Inspirational. Thank you

[@duncan-carter]

Thank you - glad you enjoyed it! 🙏🏻

[@zentherapist1]

Lovely. Quiet. Just right.

[@duncan-carter]

Thank you 🧘🏼‍♂️

[@eleanorbertuch135]

Absolutely the most charming apt ever❣️

[@duncan-carter]

Thank you! 🙂

[@carmenwalsh2924]

Yes best small apartment decorating so in love I seen the video so many times

[@duncan-carter]

Thank you so much 🤗

[@cecilianagy3562]

Amazingly stylish apartment, congrats!

[@duncan-carter]

Thank you!! 😊

[@maddscientist3170]

Fabulous space!!!

[@duncan-carter]

Thank you! Glad you liked it 🙂

[@elizabethlawrence1713]

Absolutely love this. My husband is a minimalist and would want to be in a white cube with few distractions. Your living room is perfection for me so we have to compromise . 😂

[@duncan-carter]

Haha - I’m glad you managed to compromise! I totally understand why some people like the minimalist style, it can be quite soothing, but I think I’d miss the cozy vibes and I love to have lots of soft textures about the place. Maybe we are restrained maximalists? 😂

[@Enryuujin]

Utterly gorgeous! ❤

[@duncan-carter]

Thank you! 😊

[@susiemills4617]

Beautiful apartment, I love it 😊

[@duncan-carter]

Thank you!! 😊

[@edgarperez9372]

You're home is very beautiful 😊great gob I love it ❤

[@duncan-carter]

Thank you so much! 🙏🏻

[@monkeybusiness1999]

Beautiful cozy spaces ~ would never guess the home is only 500 sqft - so well done :)

[@duncan-carter]

Thank you! It’s definitely possible to have a decent space in 500sqft. And I’m not even a minimalist 😂😬 thank you for the kind comment 🙏🏻

[@rajarajeshwarimahitha1449]

Such a beautiful space, and youve fitted in so much into it- wish you could share a plan so we can fully understand and appreciate what you've done here

[@duncan-carter]

I've recently moved house so starting all over again, would it be interesting to see an "in progress" update? or just wait until it's all finished?

[@bellewill9748]

Absolutely beautiful ❤🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@duncan-carter]

Thank you so much! 🙏🏻

[@Andrea-md9pe]

I love everything about it you have great taste ❤❤

[@duncan-carter]

Thank you so much!!

[@d-snowflakeashton9056]

Very classy

[@duncan-carter]

Thank you! 😊