When you make the decision to live in New York City, you’re not choosing to live there because you’ll have a spacious apartment. If you’re lucky, you’ll end up in a great No Fee Rentals building that includes a rooftop deck, and sometimes a private garden, but inside your actual apartment it can be tricky to know where to put what, and how to best decorate accordingly. Not to mention, you’re now responsible for furnishing an entire apartment! Believe it or not, the décor and furnishings you choose make a big difference in how you feel inside your new apartment. Clutter can lead to stress, which can lead to less sleep, which will make you unhappy. While we wish we had time to clean our apartments every day, the reality is we just don’t. Unless you’re naturally a neat and tidy person, you’ll need to design your apartment to be both functional, and fashionable. Finding the right balance between the two is critically important to creating a space that you’ll be comfortable living in for the foreseeable future.
- Invest in Dual-Purpose Furniture
Rather than trying to work your space around the furniture you have, focus on buying pieces that will work with you and your space. Try a dining table with a built-in leaf that will make it easier to have friends over for Sunday brunch. Or perhaps a hollow ottoman that can also be used for storage (great for scarves, blankets, and even books)
- Go Vertical with Storage
Thinking vertically, as well as horizontally can help maximize the unused space on your walls and around doors. Place two identical bookshelves on either side of a doorway for a built-in shelving look. Or, a large entertainment center that reaches from floor to ceiling serves as an awesome room divider between your sleeping and living areas.
- Choose a Light Color Palette
Light shades open up a room. When choosing your palette, focus on using three colors: two light bright shades for the majority of the space. Then add in one darker accent color to keep things visually interesting. Personally I love using white and then a dark grey accent wall. These colors are a classic combo. For a more nautical theme, do white and navy blue! Release your inner Joanna Gaines and make your rooms pop.
- Know Where to Shop
Furniture can be CRAZY expensive. While it’s easy to get free furniture on Craigslist, you really don’t know where that couch has been and you probably don’t want to know. There are a ton of great options furniture places to get some great deals and steals. My advice? Skip IKEA. Bargain hunters all over NYC know where to go to find the best deals on unique pieces and antique items that come at a fraction of the cost of something new. Check out Artists & Fleas on 88 Tenth Avenue, Saturday and Sunday from 10am-7pm. Another great spot is Chelsea Antiques Garage on 112 West 25th Street on Saturday and Sunday from 9am-5pm.
- Dress Up Your Windows
I literally JUST did this in my apartment. How BORING are those blinds that come in your apartment?! They’re functional, and sure it’s easy enough to keep them but buying curtains can add some serious design punch to your living space. Urban Outfitters carries some really cute, unique curtains that can dress up any room. From light and flowy to statement making, check them out here.
If you’re looking for a new apartment, NoFee rentals has so many great spaces listed. They have apartments with lofts, apartments with fireplaces, and apartments with amaaaaazing outdoor spaces. Contact them today to find your dream NYC apartment, and then get to decorating.
XO
Steph