Interior designers in NYC arguably have a steeper challenge than their peers in areas of the country that are less starved for square footage: Not only do they have to make each apartment look beautiful, but they also have to pack in storage while making the space feel light and airy. In other words, they don't just have to be artists, but magicians, too. Find out how Décor Aid's New York interior designers pulled off these impressive feats, and learn how to do the same in your space, no matter where you live.
Make The Room Feel Bigger
Every New York apartment dweller craves more space, but short of buying out your neighbors and knocking down walls, the most viable option is creating the illusion of a larger room. The kitchen in our clients' Manhattan condo was dark and cramped, so our designer made it feel brighter and more open with white walls and a white subway tile backsplash coupled with gray glass-front cabinets. Also, keeping appliances below the counter keeps the surface clear and uncluttered.
Maximize Light
If you ask an interior decorator in NYC what clients ask for most (after more space, of course), it's light. Our clients' Upper East Side living room already had plenty of windows, so our senior designer amplified the natural light with white walls and furniture and accessories in silvery grey and white. He also chose sheer white curtains to filter, but not block, sunlight.
Create Multitasking Spaces
New Yorkers usually need every room in their apartment to pull double (or triple) duty. Like a living room/kitchen/bedroom, when it comes to studios. In this case, our Manhattan client worked from home and wanted to create an office space in her bedroom that was functional but also fit with the existing design. Our designers worked with a contractor to create a built-in unit that wrapped around her room and offered both storage and desk space while blending seamlessly into the room's decor.
For more tips and ideas, visit the Décor Aid magazine.