New York City, the city that never sleeps, is a dream destination for many. Living in the heart of the Big Apple, especially in a top-floor apartment, can be an exhilarating experience. However, decorating such a space comes with its own set of challenges.
Here are a few tips to help you transform your top-floor apartment in New York into a stylish and functional urban oasis.
Prioritize Natural Light
One of the most coveted features of a top-floor apartment in New York is the abundance of natural light. Capitalize on this precious resource by keeping your windows unobstructed. Opt for sheer or light-colored curtains or blinds that allow sunlight to filter through while maintaining privacy.
To amplify the light even further, strategically place mirrors around your space. Mirrors not only reflect light but also create a sense of depth, making your apartment feel more open and airy. Consider placing large, decorative mirrors on walls adjacent to windows to bounce light around the room.
Incorporating glass furniture or translucent decor elements like glass coffee tables or acrylic chairs can also contribute to the overall brightness of your space. The key is to harness the natural light to make your apartment feel larger and more welcoming.
If you’re worried about the sunlight being a bother at times, you can opt for light-blocking blackout curtains. There are many places that sell such curtains or blackout fabric in NYC. These blackout curtains or drapes work a lot better than ordinary blinds and look better than window treatments. More importantly, they can also add to the aesthetics of your apartment.
According to Urban Window Treatments, blackout curtains also have thermal blackout lining. That means these curtains will help you stay warm inside your apartment during the brittle cold months of New York.
Embrace Vertical Space
New York top-floor apartments often come with limited square footage. As reported by the New York Post, apartments in NY can be as small as 80 square feet. Thus, it’s essential to think vertically when decorating.
Use your walls to their full potential by installing shelves, floating bookcases, or wall-mounted storage units. Consider using tall, slender furniture pieces like floor-to-ceiling bookshelves or armoires to maximize storage without taking up too much floor space. Vertical stripes on wallpaper or paint can also make your ceilings appear higher, adding an elegant touch to your decor.
Choose Multifunctional Furniture
As evident from the discussion in the previous point, when working with a smaller top-floor apartment, every square inch counts. Even if the apartment is not small, it’s possible that the ceiling might be a bit low given that it’s the top floor. That’s why you need to maximize the functionality of the furniture you bring in.
Bring in furniture that serves multiple purposes. Sofa beds, convertible dining tables, and ottomans with hidden storage are excellent choices for multifunctional living. These pieces allow you to adapt your space to your needs, whether it’s hosting friends for dinner or creating a cozy reading nook.
Another clever approach is to invest in furniture with built-in storage compartments. Beds with under-bed storage or coffee tables with drawers can help keep clutter at bay, maintaining a clean and organized environment.
Create a Cohesive Color Scheme
Choosing the right color scheme is crucial in a top-floor apartment where space is at a premium. To create a sense of cohesion and continuity, opt for a neutral color palette with pops of color for contrast. Neutral tones like white, beige, and soft grays can make your apartment feel open and airy.
Introduce accent colors through accessories like throw pillows, artwork, or small pieces of furniture. This not only adds personality to your space but also allows for flexibility when you want to change the color scheme down the road. Remember that consistency in color and decor helps create a sense of flow throughout your apartment, making it feel more spacious and harmonious.
Utilize Outdoor Spaces
Top-floor apartments in New York often come with private balconies or rooftop access, providing a unique opportunity to extend your living space outdoors. Take full advantage of these outdoor areas by transforming them into cozy retreats. Consider investing in weather-resistant furniture and accessories to create a comfortable outdoor oasis where you can relax and entertain.
Also, as told by The New York Times, urban gardening is becoming a fun activity across NYC. Planting flowers, herbs, or small trees in pots can add greenery and vibrancy to your balcony or rooftop, creating a serene urban garden.
Declutter and Stay Organized
In a top-floor apartment, clutter can quickly make your space feel cramped and chaotic. To maintain a sense of order and spaciousness, it’s essential to declutter regularly and stay organized. Invest in smart storage solutions like bins, baskets, and drawer dividers to keep your belongings in check. Consider adopting a minimalist approach to decor, focusing on quality over quantity.
You can try the Marie Kondo approach for this step as it is one of the easiest ways to declutter. However, as reported by Cheapism, this method doesn’t work for everyone. Thus, it’s better if you take a more personalized approach to tidying up and decluttering your stuff.
Conclusion
That’s all for this article. If you’re living in a top-floor apartment in NY, this is one of the easiest interior decoration guides you’ll come across. Despite being easy, the results all this will lead to will amaze you for sure, so do give these suggestions a shot.
