Design Inspiration: NYC
New York City is known for its bustling streets, creative and unique residents, busy streets and tiny apartments-that are all unique in their own way! The last part is what today’s blog will be om NYC and all its design inspiration. How do New Yorkers add such a special touch to their living spaces? Here are a few tips crafted from my time in New York.
Make The Most of Your Space
One common aspect of New York living that so many struggle with is living in small spaces. Make the most of your space, whatever it is, and look for creative ways to add what you need. Using floor-to-ceiling shelving, multi-level glass coffee tables, and bar carts allow for books to live on both shelves, and for interesting objects or generic household items to have a place to go. Bookshelves don’t always have to house just books, glassware and photographs are also great here too. Lastly, another trick that is often used to make a room feel larger is floor-to-ceiling curtains, even if the window is not. This will make the room feel taller!
Go Big. Go Bold.
Light fixtures, artwork, posters, mirrors what do all these objects have in common? They aren’t taking up floor space. However, each of these objects adds incredible character to a room and adds to a space without taking up too much of it. Large mirrors bounce light around a room or give the illusion of an extra window, when the space may only have one or two. Large artwork or graphic posters make the room feel more unique and can add both charm and elevate the whole space when framed and positioned above a couch or dresser. Having a small space doesn’t mean that style has to suffer, and New Yorkers are great and getting creative when it comes to adding large amounts of character into each room.
Mix New & the old
There is something so charming about a New York City brownstone apartment and the crown molding inside. It’s what most people seek when looking for their next apartment. Similarly, NYC interior design plays into what everyone loves about the city, as it’s able to seamlessly mix old with new. I love doing this with interior design by shopping for modern pieces and pairing them with vintage or antique furniture items. A vintage rug looks great next to a newer couch and a large antique light stands great next to a lively houseplant. Mixing fresh pieces with worn items that have years of character adds a lived-in but clean feeling that really well-styled NYC apartments pull off seamlessly. It’s worth attempting in your own space and not hard to accomplish! '
As always if there is a look you love and want a little more help achieving, I am happy to help. Pulling inspiration from places we may not actually live is a great way to make your home feel special and unique to you. I love nothing more than helping others make their space work for their lifestyle. Click here to inquire about working together on your next interior design project.