Style Tips for Apartments With Exposed Brick

If you live in NYC, there’s a chance your apartment might come with the rustic, industrial charm of exposed brick. While many people seek out apartments with exposed brick because of the aesthetic design, you may also stumble upon an exposed brick apartment by chance.

Whether you’ve sought out your exposed brick palace or you’ve found a gem without even trying, you may be wondering how to style your place in accordance with your taste and the features of your place. While everyone has their own style, there are a few universal tips that can work with nearly any apartment.

Stunning Examples of Brick in NYC

Need some inspiration? These New York listings make historic brick look chic with beautiful design elements.

This Tribeca loft condo masterfully blends its historic origins with modern design. The combination of red brick and white walls helps maintain a minimalist feel without ditching the charm of historic masonry. The trick with this space is to keep colors balanced so they don’t overwhelm the space — the brick is a focal point!

This studio in Greenwich Village pairs an exposed brick wall with hardwood floors and stainless steel appliances. Tall ceilings and large windows keep the space bright and airy, even with masonry incorporated.

Looking at the beauty of these listings, it’s no surprise that brick is so popular with New York properties. Here are some tips for styling your exposed brick apartment, wherever you are.

Keep It Exposed

If you want to highlight your exposed brick wall, one of the best ways to do that is by making sure it’s visible. While it’s possible to keep the wall completely blank, that isn’t always the best solution for liveability — especially if you live in a small space and you might need to put things against the wall. You can try minimal furniture and even open-backed shelving to do the trick.

Go Big With Art

Sometimes, one of the best ways to draw attention to a wall is to use a focal point. Sure, a brick wall can act as its own focal point, but if you assign a large painting or poster to the wall, that can enhance the style and really draw the eye, creating balance.

Add Pops of Color...

Adding pops of color is a common design tip, even for those working with a standard space. However, especially when it comes to historical features like exposed brick or vintage hardwood, the place often feels like it has its own established color palette before you stock it up with anything at all.

That being said, adding accent notes — often in brighter hues to liven up the place — can be a great way to style an exposed brick wall according to your taste.

...Or Go Neutral

That being said, not everybody loves vibrant hues. In fact, that predetermined color palette could be a perfect jumping-off point for your home.

If you love neutral colors like tans, beiges, whites, off-whites, and even some of the neutral-adjacent colors like olive green and mauve, why not go for an entire neutral spectrum? It might leave your brick wall looking exactly at home.

Protect It!

Sure, it isn’t your brick wall if you’re renting, but it still is your brick wall for a time. And keeping it protected from cracks and damage can make sure it still looks beautiful no matter how long you stay in your current dwelling.

In addition to refraining from drawing on it or chipping it, another great thing to remember is that brick is a porous material, and moisture can harm it by causing corrosion. Make sure you practice good moisture control habits as best you can.

Plants Can Introduce a Natural Feel

One of the best aesthetic choices to come about in the past few years is that rustic blend of industrial and natural that you may have seen all over Pinterest.

While many people have their own take on this style, introducing plants into your space — preferably close to the brick wall — can utilize that same balance of natural and industrial. Plus, if you live in a city, you may be excited to bring some green around!

Do Some Reflection

If you want to open up your space a bit more with some functional decor, getting a big mirror — or even a full-body mirror — to hang on or against your brick wall can be a great stylistic choice, as well as a functional one. 

Mirrors open up any space and reflect light, while also not introducing too many new design elements or colors into your space. This helps prevent your brick walls from feeling to dark or oppressive, especially in an otherwise small space.

Resist the Urge to Paint

You’ve seen it because we’ve all seen it. The monochrome black or white painted brick wall. It can be tempting to slather on a layer of paint, especially if you want your brick wall to match your color scheme. 

However, getting paint off a brick wall can be a grueling process — and one that’s not entirely worth it if you plan on moving out or if you don’t own the space yourself. This one might be a better choice to remain on the mood boards.

Styling Exposed Brick in Your Apartment

Exposed brick can be a great feature to look for — or find naturally — in an apartment. And whether your style is bohemian, industrial, modern, or something a bit in between, you can find the best ways to style your apartment your own way.

About the Author:

Evelyn Long is a real estate writer and editor. She manages Renovated, a web magazine for renters, buyers and professionals. She’s also contributed to Rental Housing Journal, National Association of REALTORS®, and other online publications.

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4 Fixture Additions that Can Increase Your Home’s Value

Everyone wants to add beauty to their home. Renovations are always an excellent way for homeowners to add their personal touch to their living space. Whether creating shelving as a fun DIY project or putting on a new paint job for the home office, homeowners enjoy showing their creativity while enhancing their house’s appearance.

There are even more extensive options for home additions that you can use, which may increase a home’s real estate value. If you’re selling your home soon, or just want to add to its market value for the future, fixtures are an excellent option. Keep in mind that the kitchen and bathroom are important areas in any home. Ensuring comfort and style in these areas is always important. A stylish renovation can offer practical and visually pleasing improvements to these spaces. Whether you're considering a Cupertino bathroom renovation or any other area, upgrading with quality fixtures can greatly enhance your property's overall appeal and value. Whether you’re looking to redesign your kitchen or to upgrade your windows with between the glass blinds, here are four fixture additions that can increase your home’s value.

1. Small Additions to the Bathroom

Fixtures are different from other home additions. Home entertainment upgrades, such as a new TV or surround sound system, can come with you after a potential move-out. Fixtures, on the other hand, are permanently attached to the ceiling, floor, or walls. However, this provides the potential benefit for fixture enhancements to raise the value of your home.

Bathrooms are one of the most essential rooms in any house. You can start here with your fixture additions. However, you don’t have to spend thousands of dollars on new renovations or other upgrades. Simple bathroom fixtures such as attaching a brass or steel towel rack to the wall can provide a great appearance. 

Other minor additions or replacements you can do in the bathroom yourself include:

• Installing a new shower door

• Attaching a vintage medicine cabinet to the wall

• Replacing your old bathroom faucet

• Affix more stylish mirrors above the sink

In just a day or two, you could have a fully-upgraded bathroom. It may even cost less money than you think, while also raising your home’s property value.

2. Upgrade Your Window Treatment

Perhaps you have the same blinds on your windows that you’ve had for years. Or maybe your windows themselves need some improvement. Now might be the perfect time to think about upgrading the window treatment in your home.

You’ll first want to take down your old window coverings. It’s best to use a screwdriver for this step. Make sure you have a tape measure. You’ll need specific measurements for the length and width of your new window treatment. You can usually round off to the nearest 1/8 of an inch.

In terms of choosing your new window treatment upgrade, it depends on your specific style. Vertical blinds are an excellent option for large windows or sliding glass doors. This lets the blinds filter light and enhances the height of the room. Shades, meanwhile, are another worthwhile selection. They’re highly versatile and come in a variety of materials. Roman and honeycomb shades are two great examples. Alternatively, however, you could choose to opt for residential window tinting in Carrollton or wherever you are located. This option is beneficial if you're looking to reduce glare, improve privacy, and add value to your home in one sleek solution that offers long-term benefits.

No matter your choice, upgrading your window treatment can add some flair to your rooms. Installing these fixtures, or having a professional do it for you, can help raise your home’s value too.

3. Replace Outdated Kitchen Appliances

Let’s face it: doing an entire remodeling of your kitchen would cost thousands of dollars. Replacing countertops, retiling the floor, and doing an entire refurbishing takes time out of your schedule--and more importantly, money out of your wallet. At that point, you might be spending more than the value you’re adding on.

Instead, concentrate on replacing the more outdated appliances in your kitchen. Whichever device you’re shopping for, make sure that they have the ENERGY STAR logo. This logo means that they’re energy-efficient and will save you (or, if you’re selling your home, the future homeowner) money. 

If their models are old, then replacing your refrigerator or stove is highly recommended. These are appliances that are often used for cooking and storing food. Slide-in stoves, in particular, give your home more value than freestanding ones. You may also want to consider replacing your dishwasher, especially if you’ve had the same model for more than ten years. Additionally, if you’re looking to buy a slow juicer, this is the perfect time to upgrade. A modern, self-feeding juicer not only enhances your kitchen’s functionality but also brings convenience and health benefits with every use.

4. Enhance Your Lighting

Lighting design is a part of home improvement that you might not have thought about. However, it can be an excellent way to enhance your rooms’ appearance and add some property value to your home.

There are many different areas of your home that you can add lighting sources to or replace existing lighting fixtures. For instance, you can add recessed lighting to the living room for a more ideal amount of brightness. You can also replace a basic chandelier over the dinner table with a model such as a drum shade or vintage-style chandelier, which will add a gorgeous appearance to the room. Keep an eye out on the marketplace for gorgeous led chandeliers, which are becoming increasingly popular in modern homes. In general LED lighting or LED bulbs wherever possible take a lot less electricity than either and reduce our impact on the planet. Switch on to the latest lighting trends on LED Ceiling Light Co.

These are just a few examples. No matter your lighting design idea or which room you decide on, enhancing your lighting fixtures can add style and value to your home.

Homeowners everywhere want a charming look for their house. Upgrading their homes with these fixtures can not only bring more elegance to your home but can also add property value if done right. With these tips, we’re confident that you can complete these fixture additions and increase your home’s value.

Jennifer Bell

About the Author

Jennifer Bell is a freelance writer, blogger, dog-enthusiast, and avid beachgoer operating out of Southern New Jersey.

Have a listing you think should be featured contact us or email at Jeremy@offthemrkt.com to tell us more! Follow Off The MRKT on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.

How to Design a Chef's Kitchen for the Home Cook

Many of us fondly refer to our kitchens as the heart of our homes. After all, it's where we gather to share meals and entertain guests. If you want to transform your space into a beautiful gourmet area that everyone can enjoy, look no further. There are so many ways to achieve the kitchen of your dreams.

Which features can set your space apart from the rest? Here are a few design tips for an ideal chef's kitchen.

1. Try Warming Drawers

You never want to use a microwave to reheat a dish — but what's your other option? When you need to make a course ahead of time, a warming drawer works perfectly. You don't need to turn on your oven or serve some cold appetizers. Instead, this appliance keeps your meal ready to go.

You could also add a refrigerator drawer. This appliance works similarly, but it cools your food instead. It's an easy way to keep your refrigerators clear of unnecessary items.

In New York, finding a residence with a warming drawer may seem like a challenge. Yet many luxury properties are catering to the home cook. 49 Chambers at Reade St., located in Tribeca, offers stunning kitchens with amenities and appliances perfect for entertaining. Ovens with warming drawers allow chefs to delight guests with ready-to-go dishes.

2. Add an Island or Two

Every cook needs ample work surfaces. It's not always feasible, but if you can add at least one island, you'll have a lot of elbow room. No one wants to feel overwhelmed by dirty dishes and pans as they struggle to find an area to chop vegetables. Plus, when there's more than one chef at the helm, an island provides a lot of advantages. When you mix materials and colors, your island can serve as a distinct centerpiece.

If there's enough square footage, think about a second island. One could act as a tasting counter, where guests can sample dishes and enjoy their drinks. You can reserve the other island for your needs as a cook. Your kitchen needs to allow for both flow and function.

3. Look to Outdoor Space

Right now, there's a massive demand for indoor-outdoor rooms. After all, who doesn't want to enjoy a beautiful view as they cook? If your kitchen connects to a balcony or yard, consider an extension. You can use a sliding or folding door as a replacement for the existing wall. As a result, you'll achieve tons of natural sunlight — plus a truly flexible space.

Those in high-rise apartments may not have outdoor kitchens, but sunlight should still be a prime consideration for the chef’s kitchen. Take the stunning views offered by the luxury residences at Fifteen Hudson Yards in Manhattan. These elegant kitchens are designed to take advantage of natural light and illuminate any home-cooked meal.

4. Find the Right Appliances

When most homeowners envision a gourmet kitchen, they see a six-burner stovetop and stacked double ovens. Those appliances make a huge difference, but you need to choose what's right for your space individually. If you live alone, you may not want to prioritize a massive refrigerator, especially when such a purchase can eat up a major portion of your budget.

You should also consider your home's current capacity and capabilities. Would it be a pain to install a gas stovetop? Consider a variety of appliances before you make a decision — and think about important built-in features, too. These fixtures should add to your space through their appearance and practicality.

5. Consider a Wine Display

In many modern, updated properties, people install small wine refrigerators to keep a collection ready for any event. New York sommeliers have no shortage of such options in luxury properties. For example, Waterline Square — intersecting Midtown and the Upper West Side — offers both under-counter and full-height wine fridges for residents who value vino.

If there's enough extra space, consider a wine room. You can use a spare pantry or downstairs room to create a beautiful display. Use technology to control the area's temperature and add plenty of room for dozens of bottles. Your guests won't be able to look away. Plus, you'll be ready to see every wine together. That aspect makes it a lot easier to choose specific types for recipes or meals.

Finding a Residence With a Chef’s Kitchen

The ultimate gourmet chef’s kitchen includes top-end appliances, entertaining features and elegant design. Fortunately, you can achieve a stunning and versatile space with just a few changes and additions. Both move-in ready and flexible properties can help you start cooking right away in your new kitchen.

Holly Welles is a real estate blogger covering design, finance and market trends for apartment dwellers. You can find more of her work on her blog, The Estate Update.

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How to make your living room more luxurious than ever

When you think about it, the living room is one of the most important parts of your entire house. It’s that one room where you enjoy your free afternoons, spend time with your family, and entertain guests. This means that is should be not only comfortable but also attractive. After all, the whole house will be judged by the appearance of your living room. But combining all of it in one interior design project can be quite a complicated task. Especially when you want it to look luxurious. Luckily, there are a few simple steps you can take to completely transform the space around you.

Lighting can transform the whole room

When you decide to redecorate your living room, the best place to start is with lighting. The point is that good lighting can make the whole space look completely different even when you don’t change anything in the entire room. Go with more transparent curtains to let as much daylight in as possible. Otherwise, the entire room can look dark and unappealing. And if there’s a staircase in the living room, choosing curved glass railing over metal or wooden one can be a better option as well. This way, nothing will stop the light from dispersing throughout the room, and you’ll avoid dark corners. But don’t forget to choose efficient lamps as well, just remember that you shouldn’t pick them solely based on their design and decorative value, lighting should be first and foremost practical.

Add fabrics and colours

When it comes to adding character to your living room, it’s all about the details. Without decorations, the whole room will appear empty and uninteresting. But it’s important to remember that even everyday objects can have decorative value if you use them well in your interior design plan. Adding interesting and eye-catching patterns is definitely a great way to create a unique look. You can be creative when choosing curtains and fabrics for upholstery, but be careful with the colours. Bright and bold shades may work great in modern interiors, but when it’s luxury you’re after - colourful decor is not the way to go. That’s why it’s important to make sure that all the elements in the room look good together and their culours complement each other.

Be creative with your decorations

Choosing decorations for your living room can be quite a complicated task. There’s a chance that you already have many ideas or even chosen items that you’d like to place in the room, but you should always consider whether something will fit in well with the rest of the interior. Hanging paintings and photos on the walls is a good idea, but if you want to create something unique, don’t just base your project on popular trends and ready-made solutions. One of the most effective ways of transforming a room is by placing an aquarium in it. But before you place the fish and plants in the water, make sure you have all the necessary equipment from an experienced manufacturer, like https://www.aquael-aquarium.co.uk/, to ensure that you invest your money in high-quality products.

But you cannot start redecorating with the sole aim of giving your living room a makeover and making it look stylish and luxurious. It’s equally important to make it comfortable. Otherwise, neither you nor your guests will be happy to spend your time there.

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First Look Inside the Homes at Lantern House by March & White

Related Companies unveiled a first look at the interiors of Lantern House Heatherwick Studio’s first residential project in North America, designed by  March & White. Founded in 2010 by Elliot March and James White, March & White is an international design studio known for their sophisticated, inviting interiors, as well as expertise in modern luxury and experience-centric design.

March & White worked closely with Thomas Heatherwick and Heatherwick Studio to create a seamless vision of residential interiors at Lantern House that work within the vocabulary of Heatherwick Studio’s distinctive architecture. They blurred the lines between residential and hospitality design sensibilities to create highly social and immersive environments that feel homely, inviting and warm. Architecturally inspired, the interiors display an appreciation for symmetry, space, light and materiality and are rich and textured while still luxurious and timeless.

"It all started with the architecture as we worked closely with Thomas and Heatherwick Studio to define the story of Lantern House. It was important for the interiors and architecture to be having a conversation that incorporated the history and energy of the location and neighborhood,” says James White. Elliot March continues, “We collaborated with Heatherwick Studio closely and held numerous workshops with them throughout the process to share ideas throughout design and development. The holistic design connects a distinctive façade with a heritage interior. In all ways, Lantern House is a building filled with character.”

Designed from the inside out, each of the 181 elegantly appointed homes at Lantern House feature carefully considered layouts designed to complement Heatherwick Studio’s oversized bay windows. Each home is anchored by a custom-designed kitchen by March & White, and features a beautiful mix of warm, natural materials and elegant custom finishes.

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Designing A Home That’s Inclusive And Stylish

A growing aging population and more awareness of disabilities has forced many home designers to think more inclusively. A home that anyone can live in is more sellable. This doesn’t have to mean sacrificing stylishness either – in fact many elements of inclusive design are becoming trendier and more practical for able-bodied people too. Here are just several features that can make a home both inclusive and stylish.

Go open plan

An open plan layout offers more space for freely getting around as there are no tight doorways or corridors to negotiate. It also has the added benefits of making a home more social, allowing easier communication between rooms. On top of this, it can improve ventilation and make a home brighter. If you’re renovating an existing home to make it open-plan, you’ll want to hire professionals to knock down any interior walls safely. Cut-outs can sometimes be a more economical option to knocking down entire walls and can usually have the exact same effect.

Get creative with ramps

Ramps can help to provide wheelchair access and are essential to inclusive design. When choosing a ramp, look beyond basic options and find a design that will match the décor of your property. A metal ramp could be great for a glossy modern home, while a wooden ramp could compliment a traditional home well. Incorporating a ramp naturally will make it feel less like a home for disabled people. Doing away entirely with stairs may not be possible in two storey homes, but some properties have accomplished it using only ramps (of course, a lift is sometimes the more convenient option – although this can sometimes make a home look a little too disability-focused).

Install a walk-in shower

Walk-in showers can be both a sign of inclusivity and luxury. Curbless walk-in showers can allow easy access suitable for those with disabilities, however you may have to spend a little extra wetproofing the room. Fitting a walk-in shower into a small bathroom can sometimes be difficult – you’ll usually have to sacrifice the tub to make it work. Alternatively, you may be able to keep a tub in your bathroom and find another space in your home to fit a walk-in shower such as a cupboard under the stairs.

Integrate smart technology

Smart technology is the future of home design. It can also be a useful technology for those with mobility issues, allowing remote-control of elements such as heating and lighting without having to physically move. There are all kinds of ways in which smart technology is being integrated into homes. Smart electrical sockets could allow you to turn sockets on and off remotely to save energy (useful for sockets in hard to reach locations). Smart security meanwhile can allow windows and doors to be locked and unlocked remotely. It could be worth looking into companies that deal with home automation to see what other creative ideas they can implement.

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