7 Decorating Lessons New Yorkers Know That You Don’t

Clever storage tactics are a necessary skill and an all-around creative, resourceful approach is a must.

New York apartments are infamously undersized and overpriced, but there’s a reason for that – it’s one of the best cities in the world (the best depending on who you ask). Sure, the square footage is comically minuscule and you could probably own a mansion for the price you’d pay for a studio in the West Village, but nothing beats opening your front door and stepping out onto the vibrant city streets.

Naturally, New Yorkers must be resourceful when it comes to decorating their personal space. Clever storage tactics are a necessary skill and an all-around creative, resourceful approach is a must.

Ahead, we look at seven decorating lessons New Yorkers have mastered (and that you can, too).

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Lesson 1: Vertical Storage Is a Gamechanger

Vertical shelving is a New Yorker’s bread and butter when it comes to decor and storage. Yes, it’s useful for stacking books on. But it’s also a great way to display your taste by sprinkling in accents such as ceramics, candles, framed artwork, and other tchotchkes collected on your world travels.

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Lesson 2: Glass Tabletops Open Up a Small Space

As magnificent as a wood or marble coffee table may be, when you’re optimising a petite apartment, creating a visual sense of openness can transform the room. Case in point: a glass tabletop. This well-styled living room in Clinton Hill is able to position opposing seats thanks to the space the see-through glass has created. Plus, it makes it easier to see the cowhide rug below!

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Lesson 3: Nontraditional Storage Is Key

Most New York City apartments come with at least a quirk or two, whether it’s a doorless doorway or a non-functional fireplace – it’s part of the charm. Make use of these spaces by thoughtfully adding your decor to the composition. For example, a stack of books inside an unusable fireplace is tried-and-true. If you hate your radiator, consider lining up a row of mix-and-match candlesticks to create charm.

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Lesson 4: A Joyful Dining Environment Goes a Long Way

Despite having unfettered access to some of the best restaurants in the world, nothing beats a home-cooked dish with loved ones in a thoughtful space. Regardless of the size of your apartment, cultivating a thoughtful environment to enjoy your meals in is something New Yorkers hold as sacred. Embroidered tablecloths, colourful glassware, textural flatware – the more personality, the better.

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Lesson 5: Rethink the Gallery Wall

Gallery walls – we know and love them. But sometimes they can create a lot of commotion in a room, and for New Yorkers looking to create a tranquil vibe, a gallery wall isn’t always the best route. Instead, take your framed artwork and layer it on a media console along with other thoughtful decor accents, like a tray, candlesticks, and vase.

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Lesson 6: Couch Covers Can Be Chic

Though the couch cover may stir up memories of bad college furniture, New Yorkers with pared-back design sensibilities know that a heavy linen cover can transform your living room into a Parisian flat. Best of all? It’s pet friendly and goes with a myriad of colour palettes.

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Lesson 7: Light Fixtures Are a Game Changer

Ugly ceiling light fixtures are an all too common occurrence in New York City, but for those willing to source a beautiful alternative (and get permission from their landlord to temporarily swap it out, of course) it can breathe new life into a room. A favorite among many, the paper lamp hung over the dining table is always a safe bet.