Chic Interior Design Concepts from New York

Just because you’re living in a compact New York apartment doesn’t mean you have to skimp on style or coziness. By using some clever thinking and smart planning, you can really take advantage of the space you have and avoid that boxed-in feeling.

Make Something Pop with Eye-Catching Art

Artwork that's bold can be a great way to catch someone's eye in any room. — Artwork that’s bold can be a great way to catch someone’s eye in any room.

Pick out artwork that really grabs attention to draw the eye and take attention away from the size of the room. I’ve found that a really striking piece of art often gets people talking.

Check if these fit your needs:

Oversized Abstract Wall Art: Change your space by adding a bright abstract piece of art that draws people in right away.
Modern Art Print: Make your decor better with a modern art print that brings life and interest to any room.
Typography Wall Art: Say something with a typography piece that’ll be the focus of your home.

Play Around with Different Textures

Textures can make your space feel richer and more interesting.

Add a variety of textures using different fabrics and materials to give the space more depth. I like to use this trick to make things more interesting without adding clutter.

A few choices to try:

Artistic Floor Covering: Bring warmth and depth to your space with a floor covering that has an detailed design.
Soft Throw Blanket: Add a soft, cozy throw to your sofa for extra texture and comfort.
Fiber Art Wall Decor: Add some visual interest to your walls with a lovely piece of fiber art.

Go with Small-Scale Seating

Small-scale seating gives you comfort and maximizes space.

Pick seating that’s the right size for your space, like love seats or chairs that aren’t too bulky. I’ve realized these options are comfy without taking up too much space.

These products might help:

Trim Love Seat: Make your space better with a stylish love seat that offers comfort without being too big.
Folding Café Chair Set: Choose folding café chairs to free up floor space while still having extra seating when you need it.
Sleek Armless Chair: Go with a chair that doesn’t have arms for a modern look and to make the best use of your limited space.

Go with a Neutral Color Scheme

Choosing neutral tones can trick the eye into thinking your small apartment is larger.

Select light and neutral colors to help make your apartment feel more open and airy. From what I’ve seen, just a simple coat of white or a shade of beige can work wonders, instantly giving the impression of more space.

You might give these a try:

Subtle Shade Throw Pillow Set: Give your living area a fresh look with these snug, neutral throw pillows. They’re a simple way to enhance comfort.
Cream-Colored Floor Covering: Bring in some warmth and style with a gentle cream floor covering. It’s a perfect match for any decorating style.
Featherweight White Drapes: Let more light into your room and boost your privacy with these graceful, featherweight white drapes.

Incorporate Built-In Storage

Having built-in storage helps keep your apartment uncluttered.

Make the most of built-in shelves and cabinets to keep your place neat and tidy. In my designs, storage solutions that are part of the wall help to keep a streamlined look while still offering lots of room for your things.

Consider these options:

Wall-Affixed Shelving Systems: Use your wall space to the fullest with good-looking wall-affixed shelving systems for a clean, organized feel.
Adaptable Stowage Cabinets: Make your storage work best for you with adaptable cabinets that fit smoothly into your small-space design.
Secret Stash Solutions: Find secret stash solutions to help keep your apartment free of clutter and beautifully tidy.

Go with Wall-Mounted Lights

Wall-mounted lights free up space on your tables.

Choose lights that attach to the wall to save space on tables and other surfaces. I’ve found that sconces work really well for both lighting a room and adding a bit of style.

May just do the trick:

Adjustable Wall-Mounted Light Fixture: Spruce up your decor with this light fixture that’s stylish and gives you flexible lighting options.
Contemporary Factory-Style Wall Light: Add a touch of factory-style chic with this wall light that saves space.
Vintage Brass Wall Light: Create a cozy feel with this vintage brass light. It’s great for making interiors feel stylish and warm.

Use Wall Space for Art and Shelving

Wall space is just right for displaying art and adding storage.

Put up art and shelves to make use of the space on your walls. This is something I often do, and it can turn walls into features that are both useful and decorative.

A few suggestions:

Levitating Wall Shelves: Get more storage with levitating shelves. They’re perfect for showing off books, photos, and small decorative items.
Artistic Prints Selection: Spruce up your space with a carefully chosen set of art prints. Add some color and personality to any room.
Braided Stowage Baskets: Organize your must-haves in a stylish way with braided baskets. They’re great for shelves or under benches and tables.

Try Out Glass and Mirrors

Mirrors and glass can really trick the eye into thinking a space is bigger than it is.

Use glass and mirrors to bounce light around and make a space seem bigger. This trick is an old favorite of mine for making the most of how a space looks.

Some handy options:

Oversized Wall Mirror: Help light flow and make your space feel larger with a good-looking oversized wall mirror.
Crystal Coffee Table: Add style and openness to your room with a chic crystal coffee table.
Mirror-Front Closet: Make your space feel bigger and give yourself more storage with a mirror-front closet for your small apartment.

Pick Out a Show-Stopping Rug

A bold rug can tie your room together beautifully.

Use a rug that stands out to define different areas and bring in some color. In my world, a rug that’s chosen well can really bring a room’s design together.

A few helpful options:

Patterned Floor Rug: Add some energy and define your space with this floor rug that has a bold design. It can change the feel of your room in no time.
Colorful Free-Form Design Rug: Make your living area better with a floor covering that adds life to any room.
Worldly Style Rug: Make a space cozy with a worldly style rug that brings warmth and character to your home.

Choose an Open Design

Open designs really make a small apartment feel more spacious.

Combine your living spaces for an open design that gets the most out of every square foot. I often suggest getting rid of any walls that aren’t really needed to make the space feel more connected and bigger.

Make the Most of Natural Light

Natural light can make your apartment feel brighter and bigger.

Take advantage of natural light by making sure windows aren’t blocked and using light, airy curtains. In my own experience, this simple switch can really improve the feel of a small space.

Possibly helpful picks:

Translucent Curtains: Let soft daylight brighten your space with these chic, airy translucent curtains.
Privacy Window Overlay: Get more privacy while still letting in natural light with a decorative window overlay.
House Plants: Bring the outdoors in and clean your air with lively, easy-to-care-for house plants.

Put Your Money into Versatile Furniture

Versatile furniture is essential if you're living in a small space. — Versatile furniture is essential if you’re living in a small space.

Go for furniture that can do more than one thing, like a sofa that turns into a bed, or a storage ottoman. In my experience, these items are incredibly useful for getting the most out of your space while still keeping things stylish.

Explore these options:

Adaptable Sleeper Sofa: Change up your living area with a chic adaptable sleeper sofa. It’s great for when guests stay over, or for relaxing.
Stow-Away Ottoman: Keep your home tidy with a stow-away ottoman. It gives you practical storage and a fashionable look.
Collapsible Coffee Table with Storage: Get the most out of your space with a collapsible coffee table. It provides handy storage without taking up extra room.

Add Some Green

Adding green makes urban living spaces feel fresh and new.

Include house plants to bring in a bit of nature. I think plants do more than just make a space look better – they also help clean the air and lift your spirits.

Items that may come in handy:

Starter Garden Kit: Make your space better with an easy-to-use starter kit for growing plants indoors. It’s a simple way to add some life.
Elegant Plant Holders: Show off your plants in style with elegant ceramic holders that will look great with any decor.
Light-Emitting Diode Plant Light: Help your plants grow strong with a light-emitting diode plant light that saves space. It’s perfect for city living.

Think About a Bed in the Air

A bed in the air is a smart way to make the most of space that goes up and down.

If you have enough ceiling height, put in a bed that’s up high to free up floor space. This unusual idea can make your home more fun and practical.

Try these:

Elevated Bed Frame: Get the most out of your small space with an elevated bed that makes your floor area more usable.
Stowage Bins for Under the Bed: Keep things tidy with stowage bins that fit just right under your elevated bed.
Attachable Beside Table: Add some convenience with an attachable beside table for easy access to things you need while you’re up high.

Put in Levitating Shelves

Levitating shelves give you storage while keeping the floor clear.

Hang levitating shelves to add storage without taking up any floor space. This is one of my favorite ways to keep things looking clean and modern.

Some ideas to consider:

Set of Wooden Levitating Shelves: Make your storage elegant with wooden levitating shelves. They’re great for books and decor.
Simple Levitating Wall Shelves: Use simple levitating shelves to make space and add a modern touch to your decor.
Sturdy Wall-Mounted Levitating Shelves: Get the most out of small spaces with wall-mounted levitating shelves that offer storage without the clutter.

Be Smart About Your Art and Decor

Carefully selected decor can really bring out your personality in a space.

Add your own personal flair with art and decor that doesn’t take over the whole space. I always tell people to pick a few standout pieces instead of filling up every wall and surface.

Check these products out:

Understated Wall Art Collection: Lift your space with a thoughtfully chosen set of simple art prints that make a stylish statement.
Three-Legged Floor Lamp: Light up your room with a smooth three-legged floor lamp. It brings in height and elegance without any effort.
Handwoven Stowage Baskets: Keep things organized in style with handwoven stowage baskets. They help keep your space neat and visually pleasing.