How to Improve Your Small NYC Apartment

With New York City under lockdown, now is the perfect time actually to get around to improving your apartment for the better. It will help improve your quality of life and mental health, especially if your apartment is small. Small doesn’t mean bad. It just means you need to be creative, and to follow this guide to transform your small apartment into a little relaxing getaway:

1. Declutter 

Even in a small space, you would be amazed at how much clutter can end up in piles and in cupboards. Things that you don’t use, or need should go. For things that are big, bulky, and difficult to store, you should set them aside and have a look online to see if there is a tiny living alternative that can help you solve all your problems. 

With the Tiny Home movement and more than half of the global population living in cities, these small living solutions are becoming more popular. Before you give up on where to put those big mixing bowls, have a look online for nesting bowls or even pop-up mixing bowls that can fold flat. 

2. Give it a Fresh Coat of Paint 

If the paint looks tired, there are stains, or generally, the walls make you think ick it’s time to repaint it. Get permission from your landlord and order some paint and supplies. Don’t go for the cheapest color. It is cheap for a reason, and it does not look that great, nor does it last. You will want stain-resistant paint. For small spaces, light colors work best. 

3. Install Storage Right to the Ceiling 

Find bookshelves or other storage units that will fit from the floor to the ceiling. Alternatively, you can add baskets on top to increase the amount of storage up top. Though open shelves can be fun, for small apartments, it is better to choose an option that has cupboard doors so that you can hide the clutter away and feel like you have more space (at least visually). 

4. Use Reflective Surfaces to Add Light 

Add mirrors, or look for furniture that is reflective to bounce light throughout your apartment. Most small apartments are lucky to have one window, so you need to maximize that light throughout your home. 

5. Make Your Bed the Best Thing 

Your bed is going to take up a lot of space, so it should be the most welcoming thing in your room. Get rid of any old, bulky, or ugly bed frames, and above all else, make sure your mattress is the most luxurious thing you have ever laid on. It’s for this reason why you should invest in an eco-friendly mattress. An environmentally conscious mattress will enable you to enjoy a better quality of sleep, as well as ensuring you are not exposed to the toxic chemicals which are used to create other traditional mattresses. Instead, you can rest easy knowing your mattress is created using organic cotton, wool, and latex.    

6. Find Multi-Purpose Furniture 

With all those main tasks done, it’s finally time to keep an eye out for multi-purpose furniture. Don’t fall into the pit of buying some solution that you don’t need but do keep an eye out. For example, you could get a portable kitchen island that acts as a desk and storage unit when you aren’t cooking. These items that can be used for more than one thing are a gold mine for small spaces, as they increase the function of your home. 

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