NYC Apartment Decor Inspiration: Decorating Small Spaces - Dana Berez (2024)

Last Updated on February 17, 2022 by Dana Berez

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Hi Friends, welcome to my NYC apartment decor inspiration! It has only taken me 4 years do get down to it, but you know how things go. I am excited to share with you my New York City apartment and some tips on decorating small spaces.

Just some background: I live in the East Village of Manhattan, a local neighborhood with traditional tenement style apartment buildings. You know, the classic style apartments with the fire-escapes!

I have called this apartment home for four years now, and I just adore this part of New York City. The streets are lined with bakeries, restaurants, street art, and boutiques. Definitely a neighborhood you can’t miss when visiting. Check out my Local’s Guide to NYC to find out more.

Now, these buildings are pretty old and the layouts are often a bit quirky. The majority are walk-ups, meaning if you live on the fifth floor, your legs are in for a daily workout.

Related: Work From Home Outfits

My NYC Apartment Decor Tour

My apartment is a two-bedroom but has no living room which I share with a roommate. There are a small kitchen and bath, and the entire apartment is under 300 Sq Feet. (talk about small living!) I won’t show the other bedroom, for privacy but let’s get into the tour on decorating small spaces.

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Kitchen

After walking up a few flights of stairs, you are greeted with the small kitchen. Counter space is limited so I leave small kitchen appliances like my Ninja Blender, toaster oven, and Zojirushi water boiler for instant hot water in a small cabinet.

Design Tips:

  • Metal Command hooks saved the day and made this kitchen so much more functional. I have a hook for my kitchen towel, silicon sponge, and hot pads.
  • Spice Rack: I removed the labels on my Trader Joe’s spices. It makes the kitchen look more minimalistic and clean. To remove labels, just soak the spice container in warm water for 30 minutes. After it should easily peel off.

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Easy Summer Water: Stay hydrated with a simple cucumber and lemon water. I like to use a large glass pitcher to infuse fresh ingredients which are perfect for entertaining. The Cha Cha Pitcher from Crate and barrel is only $29!

SHOP KITCHEN:

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Bedroom Decor Ideas

We have made it to my favorite part of the apartment: my bedroom! My bedroom serves more than one purpose. I sleep, work, eat, and relax all in one space, not to mention everything I own has to fit in this room. This room has high ceilings and a neutral color palette which makes the room feel bright and airy.

Having a smart and organized space is crucial to making it work.

Bed Area

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This bedroom can fit a queen-size bed perfectly, however, I opted for a full-sized mattress to save more space. I love using all-white bedding to make the room look brighter, and it also reminds me of a hotel. I also used a white canvas Prada Art to add some interest above the bed.

Both my duvet and sheet set are from Amazon, and the quality really surprised me. High thread count, and at an affordable price. And if you have not tried Silk Pillowcases yet, you are missing out! These silk pillowcases are from Amazon and are only $24. There are so many benefits of a silk pillowcase like keeping your face healthy, retaining skin moisture, and reducing split ends.

Design DIY:To spruce up my basic Ikea nightstand, I bought a marble sticker roll to mimic the appearance of real marble. It is only $7.00 on Amazon, and you can use it throughout your home.

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NYC Apartment Decor Inspiration: Decorating Small Spaces - Dana Berez (12)

Marble Sticker Roll

Space Hack: Use a high bed frame so you can utilize under-bed storage! I have large containers for out-of-season clothing, shoes, and suitcases hidden underneath mine.

SHOP BEDROOM

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Office Nook

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This is where I get all of my work done. The marble table and desk chair are both from World Market. For the price, it was a great value, and the iron base gives a vintage look.

I am also obsessed with my Tiled Margot Monogram Mug from Anthropologie. They have every letter in the alphabet, and I love the minimal and neutral design that has a bit of glam. It’s a perfect gift for family, friends, or even a significant other to match.

Easy Apartment Plants:Don’t have a green thumb? These indoor apartment plants are hard to kill and make a dramatic impact in your space. To the right is my ZZ plant, and to the left is a classic Snake Plant. Both were purchased at a local market in NYC and have been thriving in this space. These natural concrete planters from Target are a perfect home for these plants.

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Planter: Project 62 Grey Concrete Planter

Design DIY: To add more interest to the wall I created my own art gallery. I picked up mismatching frames from Ikea and clipped out some photos from magazines or postcards. A fun DIY project for a custom gallery wall on a budget.

Space Hack:Many old buildings have a radiator that takes up space. Getting a custom shelf can get expensive, so I used a beautiful wood cutting board from Target as a shelf and displayed my plants! Be sure to turn off the radiator before putting anything on it.

SHOP OFFICE:

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TV STAND

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Dresser & Makeup Organization

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I admit I have a lot of makeup, hair, perfume, and skincare products. So this area needs to stay organized to be functional. My perfume is displayed on top of my Ikea dresser along with more plants.

I am also obsessed with this 3 tier rolling organizer from the Container Store. I keep my hair tools, hair products, and skincare organized there. Love that it can roll around the room and it’s under $30!

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NYC Apartment Decor Inspiration: Decorating Small Spaces - Dana Berez (30)

Container Store: 3 Tier Rolling Cart

Space Hack:Use mirrors throughout to create the illusion of more space. Mirrors bounce light throughout the room and can make your room feel so much bigger. This Ikea mirror is a classic, but if you don’t live by an Ikea, West Elm, and Target have similar styles.

Shop Mirrors & Organization:

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Closet

While it is not the walk-in closet of my dreams, I made it work. I managed to fit all my clothes, shoes, towels, and linens in this space. I used large baskets to keep my sheets and towels organized.

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My favorite feature of the closet is my shoe and purse organization using Ikea’s famous Billy Bookcase. This bookcase is completely customizable for your needs. It comes with 2 shelves, but I purchased an additional two to make space for my flat shoes.

Space Tip:While I love the look of wooden hangers, I only use them for jackets and bigger pieces. To save space, thin felt hangers actually allow you to put more items in your closet.

Shop Closet

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Fire Escape

The coolest feature of this apartment has to be the fire escape! To add color, I planted some pink geraniums and my favorite herbs to the fire escape. I also put up outdoor string lights which are so fun for summer. Love taking advantage of the little outdoor space I have!

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Watch the Tour Here on my YouTube Channel

Hope you enjoyed this small space Design Guide! Follow me on Instagram to see what I am up to next in NYC.

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NYC Apartment Decor Inspiration: Decorating Small Spaces - Dana Berez (2024)

FAQs

How can I make my small apartment look modern? ›

Think of all-white modern apartment décor with textured fabrics and little clutter. This can be achieved with a minimal color palette, clever window treatments, and multipurpose furniture. There are also a few things to avoid—dark and bulky furniture, too many decorative accessories, and inadequate lighting.

How to decorate a small space? ›

Lower Your Furniture, Not Your Standards

Whether your ceilings are short or sky-high, decorating your living room with lower furniture pieces will make it feel more spacious. For a more dramatic impact, add in some high shelves or tall plants to exaggerate the distance in-between.

How can I make my apartment look homely? ›

If your apartment feels bland or generic, consider all these tips to help liven up your space and make it feel like home!
  1. Light it up. Interior designers recommend at least three sources of light in each room. ...
  2. Make it yours. ...
  3. Lay down rugs. ...
  4. Invite guests. ...
  5. Add life. ...
  6. Hang curtains. ...
  7. Meet your neighbors.
Aug 21, 2020

How can I make my older apartment look nice? ›

10 Ways To Modernize An Old Apartment
  1. Older homes can be charming. ...
  2. Make It Your Style. ...
  3. Swap Out Light Fixtures. ...
  4. Paint – If It Is Allowed. ...
  5. Replace Cabinet Knobs. ...
  6. Cover Ugly Flooring. ...
  7. Hang Curtains. ...
  8. Fake A Backsplash.
May 31, 2023

How do I make my apartment look like a cottage? ›

Think colors inspired by the nature, botanical prints and an eclectic mix of handmade and antique wooden furniture.
  1. Decorate in earthy, natural tones. ...
  2. Mix and match wooden furniture. ...
  3. Choose warm, earthy colors. ...
  4. Choose a Shaker-style kitchen. ...
  5. Create a homely, social space with a vintage kitchen table and chairs.
Feb 23, 2021

How to decorate an apartment minimalist? ›

Here's a list of our favorite minimalist apartment ideas so you can get started with cleaner, more modest living:
  1. Hang Sheer Curtains. ...
  2. Curate Everything in Your Home. ...
  3. Stick to Neutral Tones. ...
  4. Add Simple Decor to Tables and Shelves. ...
  5. Keep Kitchen Counters Clear. ...
  6. Hang Black and White Photos. ...
  7. Consider Monochromatic Bedding.
Mar 31, 2021

How to decorate an apartment without hanging? ›

An empty area in front of a wall is the perfect place to lean decorative items, especially large or heavy ones. Tall mirrors, framed artwork and canvases all add a unique decorative touch when you lean them against a wall. Add a couple decorative pieces in varying sizes to add an eclectic touch.

How to make your apartment look more put together? ›

Hang some cute curtains.

But they also end a little sump'n sump'n in terms of decor. Curtains can soften up a room, make it look a little more put together, and add a pop of color all at the same time. They are also (typically) pretty affordable, and I love that for you and your wallet.

How to decorate without being trendy? ›

“The key to designing a timeless space is leaning on a neutral color palette and steering away from design elements that are too bold or loud,” she says. “Look for balance and choose colors and patterns that complement each other.”

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