Creative Design Ideas for New York Apartments

Just because you’re living in a compact New York apartment doesn’t mean you need to skimp on beauty or coziness. A dash of ingenuity and thoughtful layout can help you take full advantage of your limited space without feeling confined.

Add Floating Shelves

Floating shelves add storage while keeping the floor clear.

Put up hanging shelves to add storage without taking up floor space. This is my go-to for keeping a place modern and uncluttered.

Use a Statement Rug

A rug that stands out can tie your room together.

Use a rug that stands out to define rooms and add a pop of color. I’ve found that a rug that’s well-chosen can often tie a room together.

May just do the trick:

Geometric Rug: Add life to your space with this geometric rug. Change any room in an instant.
Abstract Rug: Make your living area better with an abstract rug, great for any room.
Bohemian Rug: Create a cozy space with a bohemian rug, adding warmth and charm.

Choose Wall Lighting

Wall-mounted lighting frees up space on tables.

Install lights on your walls to free up space on tables. I’ve noticed that sconces are great for both adding style and lighting up a room.

You might give these a try:

Flexible Wall Sconce: Make your decor better with this sconce, combining great looks and lighting.
Modern Wall Light: Add an industrial touch with this light, saving space with ease.
Vintage Wall Lamp: Create a warm feel with this vintage lamp, perfect for cozy rooms.

Use Walls for Shelving and Art

Wall space is great for showing off art and adding storage.

Hang art and shelves to take advantage of the space on your walls. This tip, which I use all the time, can turn walls into practical and attractive features.

Explore these options:

Hanging Wall Shelves: Get the most out of your storage with hanging shelves. Perfect for showing off photos, books, and smaller decor.
Curated Art Collection: Enhance any space with a curated set of art. Bring personality and color to any room.
Rope Baskets: Arrange your essentials with attractive rope baskets. Great for shelves or below tables and benches.

Make the Most of Built-In Storage

Built-in storage keeps your apartment looking great.

Use shelves and cabinets that are built in to maintain a clean and clutter-free space. I’ve used integrated storage solutions in many designs to keep a streamlined look while adding lots of storage.

A few helpful options:

Mounted Wall Shelf Sets: Take advantage of vertical space with mounted wall shelves for a modern, organized design.
Customizable Utility Units: Maximize your storage with cabinets that are customizable, blending effortlessly into your small apartment.
Secret Stash Spots: Check out hidden storage ideas to keep your apartment elegantly tidy and free of clutter.

Think About a Lofted Bed

A lofted bed makes great use of vertical space.

If your ceilings are high enough, put in a bed that’s lofted to free up space on the floor. This unique idea can add fun and practicality to your home.

These products might help:

Loft Bed: Make your space bigger with a loft bed.
Underbed Bins: Get organized with bins that fit under a loft bed.
Clip On Shelf: Add ease with a clip on shelf for your lofted bed.

Make Art a Focal Point

Artwork can be the focal point of your room.

Select artwork that stands out as a main focal point to draw attention and make the room feel bigger. I’ve found that a cool piece of art often gets people talking.

Consider these options:

Abstract Art: Add an abstract canvas to draw attention.
Modern Art Print: Add a print that adds intrigue.
Typography Art: Make a statement with typography.

Add Glass and Mirrors

Mirrors and glass can really make your space feel larger.

Add mirrors and glass to bounce light and create the illusion of more room. This is an old trick I use to make spaces feel bigger.

Items that may come in handy:

Full Length Mirror: Make your space feel larger with a mirror.
Glass Coffee Table: Add beauty to your room with this glass table.
Mirrored Closet: Make your room feel larger with a mirrored closet.

Vary Textures

Textures can bring character to your space.

Add a variety of textures using different materials and fabrics to give depth to a room. I love this trick to add visual interest without the clutter.

A few choices to try:

Bohemian Woven Rug: Bring depth and warmth to any room with this patterned rug.
Woven Decorative Blanket: Make your couch more inviting with a woven throw blanket for added texture and comfort.
Macrame Hanging Decor: Bring visual interest to any wall with macrame.

Choose Furniture That Does More

Multipurpose pieces are essential for small homes.

Look for furniture that can do double duty, like a couch that turns into a bed or a storage ottoman. I’ve used these kinds of pieces time and again to get the most out of a space without giving up on style.

Try these:

Sleeper Sectional: Revamp your space with this stylish sleeper sectional, ideal for overnight guests and relaxing.
Storage Cube Ottoman: Keep your space tidy with this storage ottoman. Combines practicality with a trendy look.
Collapsible Coffee Console with Shelves: Get the most from your space with this folding coffee console. Practical storage without taking up tons of room.

Go Neutral with Your Colors

Choosing neutral shades helps make your small apartment feel bigger.

Go for light and airy shades to give your apartment an open and spacious atmosphere. I’ve often found that simply adding a coat of white or beige can dramatically increase the feeling of space.

Some handy options:

Neutral Comfort Pillow Set: Give your living space a makeover with these plush, neutral pillows for added comfort and style.
Cream Colored Floor Covering: Add warmth and a touch of elegance with a soft cream area rug that beautifully ties together any room.
Airy White Window Drapes: Let light flood into your room while maintaining privacy with these chic, airy white curtains.

Make the Most of Sunlight

Natural light helps your apartment feel bigger and brighter.

Take advantage of natural light by ensuring windows aren’t covered and using light, see-through curtains. I’ve seen this small tweak completely change the feel of a small room.

Some ideas to consider:

Lightweight Window Coverings: Fill your space with soft daylight through these elegant, light coverings.
Privacy Window Decal: Add privacy but still let light in with a decorative window decal.
House Plants: Bring nature inside and clean your air with easy-to-care-for house plants.

Create an Open Floor Plan

Open layouts make smaller apartments feel bigger.

Combine living spaces with an open concept to make the most of every square foot. I often say to get rid of extra walls to create a more open and flowing space.

Check these products out:

Sleeper Sofa: Make the most of your space with a convertible sofa, great for flexible living.
Wall-Mounted Folding Table: Make your dining area better with a folding table, ideal for conserving space.
See-Through Bookcase: Use a see-through bookcase to separate rooms while keeping a breezy feel.

Bring in Greenery

Greenery makes urban homes feel more fresh.

Add indoor plants to add a natural touch. Personally, I’ve found that plants not only look great but also improve how you feel and help clean the air.

A few suggestions:

Houseplant Set: Enhance your space with a simple plant set for vibrant greenery.
Classy Ceramic Pots: Show off your plants with classy pots that fit any style.
Plant Grow Light: Help your plants grow with a small LED light, great for city living.

Look at Smaller Seating

Compact seating provides comfort and saves space.

Select seating that fits your rooms, such as small love seats or chairs with narrow designs. I’ve seen these options provide comfort without using up too much space.

Check if these fit your needs:

Narrow Profile Loveseat: Upgrade your space with a chic loveseat that offers comfort without being bulky.
Bistro Folding Chair Set: Pick folding bistro chairs to maximize your space while still having extra seating.
Contemporary Armless Chair: Go with an armless chair for a current style and efficient use of limited space.

Decorate Thoughtfully

Carefully chosen decor adds personality to your home.

Bring in your personality with art and decor that enhances rather than overwhelms your rooms. I tell everyone to pick a few key pieces instead of overfilling walls and surfaces.

Possibly helpful picks:

Simple Wall Decor Pack: Spruce up your space with a well-chosen collection of minimalist prints for maximum impact.
Three-Legged Floor Lamp: Light up your room with a modern three-legged floor lamp, enhancing your space with height and flair.
Woven Utility Bins: Keep organized in style using woven bins, keeping your space neat and beautiful.