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New York City is a fun and exciting place to live, but it’s also expensive. So once you’ve found the perfect apartment, please take a look at these five ways to decorate on a budget to make it feel like home.
Make the Character of Your Apartment Stand OutMake the Character of Your Apartment Stand Out
New York City has an eclectic mix of apartments. There’s everything from 100-year-old apartment buildings to newer, high-rise complexes with micro-units. Older apartments are fun to decorate on a budget because of their built-in charm. Find charming features in your apartment and make them stand out. For instance, pick up a vintage wrought iron screen at a flea market for a Victorian fireplace or strategically place existing furniture to show off hand-carved elements. If you’re living in a micro-unit, add a charm of your own with inexpensive artwork and small objects.
Decorate with Items that Show Off Your PersonalityDecorate with Items that Show Off Your Personality
Image via Flickr by Stacie
People in New York City are just as diverse as the apartments. Show off your unique personality and style with decorative and custom items. For instance, if you like vintage or reclaimed items, find them at Furnish Green on Broadway at affordable prices. Demolition Depot in the Harlem district is another inexpensive place to look. One of the best ways to show off your personality is through artwork. Buy pieces while you’re traveling and hang them to create talking points in your apartment.
Maximize Your Storage SpaceMaximize Your Storage Space
Image via Flickr by My Decorative
Finding an affordable apartment that is more than one room is tricky in New York City. Be creative with storage to maximize your living space. Of course, having small square footage doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style. Decorate with light and bright colors to make space feel bigger, and buy multifunctional furniture with built-in storage to save money and space.
Use Furniture to ScaleUse Furniture to Scale
Small apartments call for small furniture, so the scale looks right. It doesn’t make sense to have a huge sofa that takes up half the room. If you have short ceilings and small square footage, buy furniture that is low to the ground. If you have tight hallways and doors, buy small furniture, so you don’t have issues fitting it through the door or up a winding staircase. You can also swap out that chunky nightstand for something smaller and more functional and find a smaller dining table. As a bonus, small furniture usually costs less.
Add Curves and Soft ElementsAdd Curves and Soft Elements
Della Robbia Eaton Sofa via Rico
Make your apartment feel cozy and comfortable by adding curvy furniture and soft rugs, pillows, and curtains. Choose cheerful or soothing colors, depending on your preference. The stores to find unique, including IKEA, Crate & Barrel, CB2, ABC Carpet & Home Warehouse Outlet, Annex Antique Fair & Flea Market, Rico, The Green House, and The Future Perfect budget-friendly pieces.
These are just a few ideas for decorating your NYC apartment, and they can all be done without spending a fortune.