Urban Apartment Makeover Ideas for New York Residents

Just because you’re living in a cozy New York apartment doesn’t mean you can’t have incredible style and comfort. With some imaginative thinking and careful planning, you can truly maximize your space, so it never feels too small.

Go Green

Greenery injects a refreshing vibe into city homes.

Include indoor plants to bring a touch of the outdoors inside. I believe that plants not only enhance the look of a space but also improve air quality and mood.

Try these:

Indoor Plant Set: Enhance your space with an easy-to-grow indoor plant set for lush greenery.
Designer Plant Vessels: Showcase your plants with pots that match any decorating style.
Electric Plant Booster: Help your plants thrive with a compact LED grow light, ideal for small spaces.

Think About a High Sleeper

A lofted bed is a clever way to use vertical space.

If your ceiling is high enough, install a lofted bed to free up floor space. This unusual idea can add a fun and practical aspect to your home.

Some ideas to consider:

High Sleeper Frame: Make the most of your small space with a sturdy loft bed, freeing up floor area.
Under-Bed Containers: Organize efficiently with storage bins that fit perfectly under your high sleeper.
Attachable Bedside Surface: Add convenience with a clip-on bedside shelf for your must-haves while in bed.

Choose a Striking Rug

A vibrant rug can tie your room together wonderfully.

Use a statement rug to define areas and bring in color. In my work, a well-chosen rug often acts as a foundation for the room’s design.

These products might help:

Geometrical Rug: Liven up your space with a bold, geometric rug. A simple way to change your room.
Abstract Art Rug: Elevate your living space with an abstract rug, ideal for adding vibrancy to any room.
Free-Spirited Rug: Create a welcoming atmosphere with a bohemian rug, bringing personality to your home.

Curate Art and Decorations Thoughtfully

Carefully selected decor adds character to your personal space.

Inject your personality with art and decor that doesn’t overpower the space. I always suggest choosing a few striking pieces instead of overloading your walls and surfaces.

Some handy options:

Simple Line Art Prints: Lift your room with a thoughtfully chosen set of simple art prints for a refined touch.
Three-Legged Lamp: Brighten your room with a slim tripod lamp, adding height and sophistication with ease.
Braided Stash Baskets: Keep things neat with decorative braided baskets, blending functionality with visual appeal.

Install Lights on the Wall

Wall-mounted lighting frees up valuable tabletop space.

Go with wall-mounted lighting to free up surface space. I’ve seen that sconces are great for both lighting a room and adding a fashionable touch.

Check if these fit your needs:

Bendable Wall Sconce: Upgrade your decor with a flexible sconce, offering both style and adjustable lighting.
Modern Metal Wall Light: Add a hint of industrial design with a stylish wall light, saving space effortlessly.
Retro Brass Wall Lamp: Create a cozy feel with a vintage brass lamp, perfect for warm and chic interiors.

Let in the Light

Natural light has the power to make your apartment feel bigger and brighter.

Maximize natural light by keeping windows clear and using light, breezy curtains. In my experience, this simple step can significantly improve the vibe of a small space.

Check these products out:

See-Through Window Coverings: Let soft daylight brighten your space with these elegant, see-through curtains.
Frosted Window Wrap: Boost privacy while still enjoying natural light with decorative window film.
Inside Plants: Bring the outdoors in and purify your air with lively, low-maintenance indoor plants.

Play with Glass and Reflections

Mirrors and glass are great at making your space feel more open.

Incorporate glass and mirrors to bounce light around and make a space feel larger. This trick is one I often use to expand visual space.

You might give these a try:

Full-Length Wall Mirror: Enhance light and make your space feel bigger with a chic wall mirror.
See-Through Coffee Table: Add a touch of class to your room with a transparent glass coffee table.
Mirrored Closet: Maximize space and storage with a mirrored closet for your apartment.

Mix Up Textures

Textures can add richness and character to your space.

Incorporate a variety of textures using fabrics and materials to add depth. I love this method for creating visual appeal without adding clutter.

Items that may come in handy:

Tribal-Inspired Area Rug: Add warmth and character with a detailed tribal-inspired rug.
Cozy Knit Blanket: Accessorize your sofa with a snug, knit blanket for added texture and warmth.
Fiber Wall Art: Add visual intrigue to your walls with unique fiber art.

Go with Smaller Seating

Small seating balances comfort and efficient use of space.

Pick seating that fits your space, like small sofas or chairs with sleek designs. I’ve learned that these choices provide comfort without hogging too much space.

May just do the trick:

Streamlined Small Sofa: Spruce up your space with a chic small sofa that gives you comfort without the bulk.
Folding Outdoor Chair Collection: Consider foldable bistro chairs to save floor space while offering extra seating.
Sleek Armless Chair: Opt for an armless chair to add modern charm and make the most of limited space.

Think Open Concept

Open layouts boost the sense of space in small apartments.

Merge your living areas for an open concept that makes the most of your square footage. I often advise removing unnecessary walls to create a more flowing and spacious feel.

A few helpful options:

Adaptable Sleeper Sofa: Make the most of your space with a sleeper sofa, perfect for flexible living situations.
Wall-Affixed Drop-Leaf Table: Upgrade your dining area with a drop-leaf table, perfect for saving room.
Airy Bookshelf: Use an open back bookshelf to separate areas while keeping a light and airy vibe.

Use Walls for Decoration and Storage

Wall space is ideal for displaying art and adding storage.

Hang art and shelving to take advantage of vertical space. This method, which I often use, can turn walls into decorative features and storage solutions.

A few choices to try:

Invisible Wall Shelves: Amplify your storage with floating shelves. Great for showing off books, photos, and small decorative items.
Gallery Wall Art Collection: Improve your space with a collection of art prints. Introduce color and character to any room.
Handwoven Stash Baskets: Organize your must-haves stylishly with handwoven baskets, perfect for shelves or under tables.

Put Up Floating Shelves

Floating shelves offer storage while keeping the floor clear.

Use floating shelves to increase storage without using floor space. This is a go-to choice for keeping a space modern and clean.

Possibly helpful picks:

Wood Finish Floating Shelves: Add storage with attractive wood floating shelves, great for books and decorations.
Simple Wall Shelves: Use minimalist floating shelves to add space and bring a modern touch to your decor.
Durable Mounted Shelves: Make the most of small spaces with adaptable floating shelves for storage.

Center Your Space with Unique Art

Art that stands out is a perfect centerpiece in any room.

Select eye-catching art to draw attention and distract from the room’s limited size. A striking piece of art often becomes the main topic of conversation.

Explore these options:

Large Abstract Canvas: Change your space with an abstract piece that draws everyone’s eye.
Modern Art Print: Enhance your decor with a modern art print that enlivens any room.
Graphic Design Wall Art: Express yourself with typography art that gets everyone talking.

Include Built-In Spaces

Built-in storage ensures your apartment stays uncluttered.

Add built-in shelves and cabinets to keep your space tidy and neat. In my designs, built-in storage options help create a streamlined look while providing plenty of room for your belongings.

Pick Clever Furniture

Furniture that does more than one thing is a game-changer for small spaces.

Opt for furniture that does double duty, like a sofa that turns into a bed or an ottoman with hidden storage. From what I’ve seen, these items are essential for making the most of your space without skimping on style.

A few suggestions:

Adaptable Sleeper Sofa: Transform your living space with a fashionable sleeper sofa. Ideal for overnight guests and unwinding.
Concealed Storage Stool: Keep your home clutter-free with a storage ottoman. Practical and stylish, all in one.
Collapsible Coffee Table with Storage: Get the most out of your space with a collapsible coffee table. Handy storage without taking up extra room.

Go for a Gentle Color Story

Soft colors have the ability to make your small apartment feel much more expansive.

Select light and airy hues to give your apartment a feeling of spaciousness. I’ve noticed that a new coat of white or beige paint can perform miracles, making a space feel much bigger.

Consider these options:

Serene Throw Cushion Collection: Give your living area a refresh with these soft, neutral throw cushions, designed for ultimate comfort.
Pale Beige Floor Covering: Add a cozy and stylish touch with a gentle beige rug that blends beautifully with any decorating style.
Weightless White Window Coverings: Let your room glow and maintain your privacy with these chic, weightless white curtains.