Luxury Lounging: Stylish and Functional Storage Solutions for Your Living Room

One of the most common apartment features that we get asked about is “how much storage space is there?”Ample closet space is always a plus, but there are creative and functional ways to incorporate storage throughout other areas of your home to maximize space. As you either plan your move to the pulsating heart of the Big Apple or seek to refine your current dwelling, incorporating smart, stylish storage becomes a critical endeavor. We’ll guide you through maximizing tight spaces and picking décor that serves double duty, ensuring your living space evolves into a chic, clutter-free haven where functionality dances gracefully with luxury.

The Essentials of Luxury Design

Creating an elegant and luxurious living room requires more than just selecting high-end furniture. It demands a careful balance of design principles, prioritizing elegance, comfort, and functionality. Firstly, consider the layout; it should invite conversation while ensuring ease of movement. A harmonious color palette sets the mood, with rich, subtle shades enhancing the sense of luxury. Essential is also the choice of materials; think plush fabrics, polished metals, and fine woods that add texture and depth. Lighting plays a very important role as well; layer it to highlight architectural features and create ambiance. Artwork and decorative pieces should reflect personal style, adding character and focal points. In compact areas, such as several residences in New York City, strategic design becomes imperative. Opt for furniture that serves multiple purposes and doesn’t overcrowd the room. Ample storage options should blend with the room’s aesthetic, keeping belongings out of sight but easily accessible. These elements, when combined, craft a living room that’s not just a space but a luxurious retreat.

A compatible color scheme defines a mood

Functional Storage Solutions: Merging Aesthetics with Utility

Incorporating functional storage solutions doesn't mean sacrificing style for practicality. These innovations cleverly fuse utility with aesthetics, ensuring your space remains clutter-free and visually appealing.

Smart Furniture Choices

Opting for smart furniture is a game-changer. Consider sofas with built-in storage or coffee tables featuring hidden compartments. These pieces save space and keep your essentials within reach, maintaining a tidy look. Wall-mounted shelves offer another layer of sophistication and functionality, providing a display for decor while keeping the floor space clear. Selecting furniture that serves dual purposes enhances your living space's form and function.

Customized Storage Solutions

Tailoring storage solutions to fit your needs can significantly elevate functionality and aesthetics. Built-in cabinets that match the room's decor integrate seamlessly, offering a sleek look while hiding away clutter. Utilizing vertical space with floor-to-ceiling shelving units can transform an empty wall into a stylish storage area. Customize these solutions to fit your lifestyle and personal taste, and they will make your living room elegant and efficient.

Moving to NYC: A Guide to Luxury Setup

Moving to New York City presents an exciting opportunity to redesign your living space with sophistication and functionality in mind. The key lies in choosing the right elements that serve both aesthetic and practical purposes, especially when space is at a premium.

Optimizing Space with Elegance

When shifting from spacious layouts to more compact solutions, the change in living space size requires a strategic approach. This is even more important if you are used to the spacious layouts of more traditional suburban homes and are moving to a smaller living arrangement. Thus, if you are relocating from Florida to NYC, selecting furniture that doubles as storage will help to maximize your new space. Consider sleek, modern pieces that offer hidden compartments or that can transform, such as a coffee table with drawers or a sofa bed with storage beneath. This strategy not only saves space but also keeps your living area clutter-free and stylish.

Functional Storage Solutions for Urban Living

Incorporating functional storage solutions into your NYC living room setup is essential. Wall-mounted shelves and built-in units provide ample storage without sacrificing floor space, making them perfect for urban apartments. Opting for custom shelving allows you to tailor the dimensions and style, ensuring a perfect fit and a luxurious feel. These storage options serve their primary purpose and offer a chance to display decorative items, adding character and warmth to your home. By cleverly integrating these solutions, you can create a living room that is both functional and a reflection of your personal style.

Pick storage and furnishings with care to ensure they satisfy your functional demands and personal style

Curating Your Space: Selecting the Right Pieces

Crafting your living room in NYC means making every square inch count. Carefully choose furniture and storage that reflect your personal taste while meeting practical needs. Prioritize pieces that serve dual functions, such as ottomans with storage or sofas that turn into beds, optimizing your limited space. Opt for light colors and reflective materials to create an illusion of more space, enhancing the room's openness and airiness.

Statement pieces like vibrant artwork or an elegant, contemporary coffee table can significantly elevate your living room's allure. However, it's crucial to balance these eye-catching items with the overall scale of the space to avoid a cluttered look. Choose pieces that complement the size of your room, ensuring they enhance rather than dominate the space. Thoughtful furniture placement can transform the flow of your living area, fostering a sense of openness and ease of movement. Such mindful curation ensures it's visually stunning and a true embodiment of comfort and luxury.

Closing Thoughts

In wrapping up, combining style and practicality in your living room, especially when adjusting to NYC's compact spaces, calls for creativity. Functional storage solutions elegantly maximize space without sacrificing luxury. Thus, every piece in your room serves a purpose and complements the overall aesthetic. As you arrange your NYC living space, focus on smart, stylish storage that enhances your room's look and usability. Embrace these strategies to craft a living area that reflects your taste while meeting the demands of city life. This approach ensures your living room remains a beautiful, functional sanctuary amidst the urban hustle.

Quick and Easy Ways to Make Your New Luxury House Feel Like Home

Moving into a new luxury house is an exciting change, brimming with potential and the promise of a fresh start. The spacious rooms, high-end finishes, and exquisite materials set the stage for a lavish living experience. Sometimes, all of that grandeur can initially feel somewhat impersonal and devoid of warmth. Creating a cozy house is a process that requires infusing your touch of warmth and personality into the space. This transformation fosters a sense of belonging and connection within your living space. This blog will explore plenty of quick and easy ways to make your new luxury house feel like home.

Make Your New Luxury House Feel Like Home: Personalizing Your Space

A home is a sanctuary, a personal retreat that should reflect your unique tastes and preferences. As you settle into your new house, adding personal touches becomes crucial in transforming it into a warm, inviting place. As a result, display cherished family photos, meaningful artwork, and souvenirs from your travels. Consider elegant frames that complement the rich aesthetic of your new space.

In addition to personal items, invest in high-quality, comfortable furniture that reflects your style. These pieces should not only add to the luxury of your property but also contribute to its overall warmth and welcoming atmosphere.

Invest in high-quality, comfortable furniture that is a reflection of your personal design taste

Incorporating Texture and Color

The tactile and visual elements of texture and color play vital roles in shaping the atmosphere of a luxury house. Introducing a variety of textures through plush cushions and velvety curtains adds a layer of warmth to your living spaces. These elements enhance the aesthetic appeal and contribute to the overall sense of comfort and luxury.

When it comes to color, strategically infuse your favorite hues through artwork, decor pieces, and furnishings. Opt for a harmonious blend, juxtaposing bold and vibrant colors with subtle and neutral tones. This thoughtful integration of color and texture personalizes your space and enhances the grandeur of your home.

Creating Ambient Lighting

The lighting in a room plays a crucial role in setting the mood and ambiance. It is an integral part of creating a cozy and inviting home. Combining ambient, task, and accent lighting can achieve a layered effect. This way, every corner of your room is well-lit and inviting. In a luxury house, choosing statement light fixtures can serve as both a source of illumination and a stunning decor piece, contributing to the overall aesthetic. When selecting these fixtures, aim for designs that reflect you and your taste.

Lighting is a great way to add warmth to your home and create ambiance

Prioritizing Comfort and Well-being

In the sanctuary of your new house, prioritizing comfort and well-being is essential for creating a truly inviting and restful environment. High-quality bedding is a worthwhile investment, transforming your bedroom into a place of comfort and a rejuvenating night’s sleep. The luxurious feel of fine linens and plush pillows adds an extra layer of indulgence to your private retreat.

Beyond the bedroom, designate areas within your home specifically for relaxation and tranquility. Whether it’s a reading nook filled with soft cushions and warm throws or a serene meditation space, these spaces provide a personal escape from the demands of everyday life. Fill these areas with items that soothe the senses, such as soft lighting, comforting textures, and tranquil artwork.

Incorporating Greenery and Nature

Bringing elements of nature into your home is a proven way to enhance the aesthetic and create a more inviting space. Adding some indoor plants, in particular, can add a touch of luxury while improving air quality and overall well-being.

The right indoor plants can function as a key high-end decor piece in your home’s interior

However, when choosing plants, opt for varieties that are easy to care for and have an aesthetic appearance, ensuring they contribute to the elegance of your home. Also, it is important to remember that if you move, you should take your plants with you, as they become an important part of your living space's ambiance and aesthetic. So pack your plants carefully to ensure they continue to thrive and bring their unique beauty to your new environment.

At the same time, incorporating natural materials such as wood, stone, or crystals in your decor can further enhance the connection to nature, adding an extra layer of luxury and warmth to your space.

Conclusion

Finding ways to make your new luxury house feel like home means adding personal touches, creating comfort, and infusing warmth into the space. It’s about making your living space a reflection of who you are, filled with items that have personal significance. Personal touches, luxurious textures, proper lighting, and nice indoor plants are crucial in this transformation. So, start transforming your house today and create a unique home filled with warmth, comfort, and personal touches.

5 Interior Design Tips to Learn from Elle Decor Penthouse at 53 W 53 in New York City: A Guide to Luxury and Style

The Elle Decor Penthouse at 53 W 53 is a stunning property located in one of the most sought-after areas of New York City. Designed by Fox-Nahem, this penthouse is a true masterpiece, featuring a perfect combination of luxury and style coupled with breathtaking views of the NYC skyline. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at this property and explore five interior design tips that you can learn from its stunning design.

 Create Cohesion with a Unified Design Scheme

The ELLE DECOR Penthouse features a cohesive design scheme that ties each room together. From the metallic finishes to the use of natural materials like wood and stone, the design elements flow seamlessly from one space to the next. Creating a unified design scheme in your own home can help to create a sense of flow and cohesion throughout the space. Consider repeating certain colors, finishes, or design elements throughout different rooms to create a cohesive aesthetic.

via Elle Decor - Kelly Marshall

Use Neutral Colors to Create a Calming Space

Another interior design tip that you can learn from the Elle Decor Penthouse is the use of neutral colors to create a calming space. Wellness surfaced as a trend in interior design during the pandemic, and many have latched onto it, finding a love for their home to serve as a sanctuary.

The penthouse features a range of neutral colors, including beige, white, and gray, which help to create a sense of tranquility and calmness in the space. This is particularly important in a property like this, where you are escaping the hustle and bustle of the city below.

via Elle Decor - Kelly Marshall

Mix High and Low End Pieces

One of the most striking features of the ELLE DECOR Penthouse is its mix of high-end and low-end pieces. From the custom-made sofa to the affordable throw pillows, the space showcases how different price points can work together to create a cohesive and stylish design. Mixing high and low-end pieces in your own home can help to create a unique and personalized aesthetic that reflects your individual style.

via Elle Decor - Kelly Marshall

Use Statement Pieces to Create Interest

One of the most striking features of the Elle Decor Penthouse is the use of statement pieces to create interest in the space. For example, the penthouse features stunning artwork throughout key areas. Similarly, unique sculptural pieces and furniture with eye-catching texture help to further create interest throughout the various rooms of the home. By incorporating statement pieces into your own home, you can add a sense of drama and interest to your space as well.

Statement pieces are a great way to add your personal touch and expression to a space whether it be through pieces of artwork or décor objects.

via Elle Decor - Kelly Marshall

Pay Attention to Lighting

Finally, the Elle Decor Penthouse is a great example of the importance of lighting in interior design. The penthouse features a range of lighting fixtures, including recessed lighting, floor lamps, and table lamps, which help to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Additionally, the lighting is carefully placed to highlight key design elements, such as artwork or to compliment unique furniture selections. By paying attention to lighting in your own home, you can create a similar sense of warmth and drama in your space.

via Elle Decor - Kelly Marshall

 In conclusion, the Elle Decor Penthouse at 53 W 53 is a stunning property that offers a wealth of interior design inspiration – we can stop looking at the gorgeous photos!

By implementing a unified design scheme, using neutral colors to create a calming space, mixing high-end and low-end pieces, using statement pieces to create interest, and paying attention to lighting, you can create a similar sense of luxury and style in your own home.

Japandi Design Ideas for Your NYC Apartment

The Scandinavian interior design style started in northern Europe but quickly spread worldwide. It's famous for its neutral colors and simplicity. On the other side of the globe, the Japanese also developed their distinct interior design style. Minimalism and practicality are the main ideas it tries to convey. The similarities between the two inspired a unique fusion of styles that focuses on functionality, purposefulness, and appreciation of natural materials. And thus, Japandi was born. The clean, soothing aesthetic and the mindful usage of space make it very popular in NYC apartments. Take a look at this list of Japandi design ideas to see if this style is the right fit for you.

Warm Neutral Color Palette

Both Scandinavian and Japanese interior design styles use a neutral palette of colors. However, they often differ in shade and tone. Light colors such as white and grey and typical for nordic houses. On the contrary, Japanese color palettes are typically darker and warmer, leaning more toward earth tones. The perfect fusion of those two is the main palette of Japandi: light warm neutrals. You can never go wrong with combining warm off-white walls with light browns and beiges in the furniture. If you're looking to make your place pet-friendly, try leaning towards darker but still neutral, earthy tones. It will still look just as nice and won't get dirty as quickly.

Wall Texture

A concept that comes up in many Japandi design ideas is using some sort of texture on the walls. This idea stems from Japanese interior design, where wood and bamboo paneling are very common. A good way to include this in a Japandi-themed apartment is by using thin wooden strips laid vertically on the wall. It gives the space more dimension, and it can also be used to visually separate different areas. If wooden strips are not something you like, consider shoji screens. These are screens made from wooden frames with paper panels. They're an exciting addition to any room and completely fit the overall style.

Wall panels are one of the most common Japandi design ideas via

Minimalistic approach

One of the main characteristics of Japandi is the clean and streamlined space. In order to achieve that, getting rid of all unnecessary things in your home is an absolute must. There's simply no place for furniture and pieces of decor that serve no purpose. While minimalism isn't for everyone, getting rid of some things can feel quite refreshing. If you're not ready to part with your belongings completely, you can move them to another location. Experts from consumeropinion.org suggest taking a look into a variety of services that can help you with that. Doing this will create a serene and grounded atmosphere in your Japandi home.

Natural materials

Craftsmanship appreciation is one of the key values of both Scandinavian and Japanese design styles. One of the best ways to honor this profession is by using natural materials. When looking at Japandi design ideas, you'll notice that absolutely all of them include wood in some form. Hand-crafted wooden furniture is an absolute must in a Japandi home. There are many woodwork shops in NYC and the surrounding area. Whether it's a bed or furniture for your home office, you'll almost certainly find what you're looking for. If you want to go a step further, you can get some of your wooden furniture custom-made to your liking.

Even though it's the most popular, wood is not the only natural material there is. Any other are also more than welcome in a Japandi-themed room. You can have fun with different combinations of paper, bamboo, and rattan, including natural fabrics such as linen or wool, which is also a great idea.

Wooden furniture is both good-looking and durable

Plants

Establishing a connection with nature in interior design can be tricky. However, it should be pretty straightforward if you're going for the Japandi design style. Going one step further from using natural materials is incorporating plants into your living space. If there's a balcony in your NYC home, this will be very easy for you. Even if you don't have a balcony, don't worry - you can still create your zen garden inside. The key here is to not overdo it. It's easy to get carried away when buying plants. While there is nothing inherently wrong with that, it doesn't go well with the Japandi philosophy. Instead of 10 different plants, try getting a few that make an impression. This works so much better with the ideas of simplicity and elegance you want to convey.

Well-incorporated plants can bring life to any room

Multifunctional furniture

As we already mentioned, less is more when it comes to Japandi. When you don't have many pieces of furniture, you want to ensure that the ones you own are multifunctional. This complements one of the main ideas of Japandi: everything needs to have a purpose. Of course, this doesn't work with everything: a dining chair can hardly double as storage space. Still, working around this idea is worth it, especially if you're new to more minimalistic styles. It will give you more room to adapt while maintaining the desired aesthetic.

Open-space plan

Having separate spaces for different activities can be convenient at times. However, you may want to avoid that in order to convey a true Japandi vibe in your home. Sharp walls and separations go against the free-flowing concept that is crucial to Japandi. Instead, an open space concept for the living room-dining room-kitchen area is a much better option. If you have a possibility do to so, removing structural obstacles would significantly open up the space. This will make your space seem much more luxurious and will allow a free flow of natural light and air all throughout.

Overcrowded living spaces are becoming a thing of the past. Instead, a mindful approach with an appreciation of free-flowing space and natural materials is taking over NYC. Taking the best of both Scandinavian and Japanese interior design styles and combining them offers exactly that. While there are many Japandi design ideas to choose from, they are all based on the same principles. If simplicity and functionality are something you appreciate, consider giving Japandi a shot. 

How to Design a Home that Reflects Your Lifestyle

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If you've recently acquired a brand-new property, you've probably already got a picture of what you would like it to look like. But have you ever stopped to think whether your idea would count towards being practical? If you are like most people looking to design a home, the answer is probably ''no''. Chances are you have focused on aesthetics rather than functionality.

While there is no definition of a perfect home, if we had to define it, it would be a place that perfectly complements one's lifestyle. A place that makes us feel utterly comfortable. One we feel drawn to even when we are hundreds of miles away. Designing your unique living space isn't as hard as it seems. And no, it doesn't take an interior designer to call the process a success. The questions we have prepared will help you design a home that completely reflects your lifestyle. With that in mind, let's dive deeper to see what they are and answer them along the way!

Are You Someone Who Likes Hosting Get-Togethers?

If so, you should pay special attention to the layout. Open floor plans work best since they allow more people to be present in the same room simultaneously. In addition, your guests would also have an easier time navigating the place with such a layout. Of course, not everyone likes the company of others at all times. For those who prefer being alone, dedicate an area you'll turn into an intimate spot that they can enjoy. Essentially, you want to make your guests feel at home. That's why it's essential to stay clear of furniture and decorations that appear too formal. If possible, connect the place with a balcony or the garden, allowing people to wander if and when they please.

Are You an Introvert?

Yes? Well, then you'll appreciate the presence of a more serene setting. Design a home that features personal touches that appeal to you, considering you'll be spending most of your time here. If you like reading, a comfy nook may be just what you need! To further enrich the space, incorporate a bookshelf into the area as well.

To make sure you feel comfortable in your new home, work towards cozying it up - top to bottom. An easy way to do this is to equip the living room with a grand sofa you'll spend plenty of evenings on. Improve the air quality through the introduction of plants and flowers, and cover the walls with artwork. Scented candles can only further liven up the area, so think about bringing them to the place, too.

Plants and Artwork help make you feel right at home. via

Does Your Work Take Place at Home?

If you spend plenty of time conducting business remotely, make sure the final design features a home office. With a space dedicated solely to work, you'll have an easier time focusing on individual tasks. You'll finally be able to enjoy some peace and quiet without anyone interrupting you every so often. Not to mention your back, which will surely thank you for replacing that dreadful coffee table and a stool for an actual desk and a chair.

If you work remotely, chances are your business will benefit from the addition of a home office

Do You Share Your Home with Elderly or Small Children?

The way you design a home depends mainly on whether you live with adults, the elderly, or kids. If you share your house with the last two, you want to take extra measures to ensure they remain safe. Cover the sharp edges of your furniture with specialty covers to prevent the little ones from sustaining injuries. Also, don't forget about baby-proofing the power sockets! As for the elders, you can install a special seat in the shower for them. Additionally, place mats on floors that feel even remotely slippery to avoid potential slip-and-fall accidents.

Does Religion Play a Huge Role in Your Life?

If the answer is ''yes'', you'll possibly want to create a space that lets you fully commit to your beliefs. Praying is part of many religions, and in some, requires a secluded area. If the current layout allows you to create one, great! If not, perhaps you'll have to turn to renovating to accomplish that.

While you deal with remodeling, you'll certainly need a temporary solution for your possessions in terms of storage. Valet storage could prove the right one. It's cheaper than the standard options and ideal when looking to store fewer items for a short period of time.

Are There Any Colors You Prefer?

Maybe there's a color or two that you are keen on. If so, you'll want to include it when you design a home - your home! You may be tempted to follow the latest color trends, but it might be better to listen to your gut here. Of course, that doesn't mean you should paint your entire house red, inside out, if that's your favorite hue! If anything, that will only make it appear overwhelming. You are encouraged to use any vibrant color you wish, but it's highly recommended you tone it down a bit with neutral shades. Experiment with different tones by holding the color charts one next to the other. If, when combined, they appeal to you and feel right, they probably are!

Conclusion

There are many things you want to consider when looking to design a home that reflects your lifestyle. Of course, as we age, our lives change. But so should our homes! Don't be afraid of mixing things up! Adapt your living space based on your preferences at the time. Only by doing that can you be at peace and feel like that is where you truly belong.

Best Indoor Plants for Luxury Apartments

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Although often overlooked, plants play an essential part in designing the perfect luxury apartment. In fact, plants are instrumental to creating a living space that is homely and chic at the same time. Luxury apartments that do not have plants often seem cold, pretentious, and uninviting. So, not only do indoor plants improve the air quality of your home, but they also improve the overall aesthetical cohesion and appeal of the place.

Why are plants important for our living space?

Interestingly, plants and humans live in a symbiotic relationship. This means that plants keep us alive as much as we keep them alive. This is especially true when it comes to indoor plants. Not only do they use up the carbon dioxide we produce while breathing, but we also plant, water, and fertilize them. In return, they give us oxygen, which improves our health, mood, attention, and sleep. Not to mention they make our living space look refined and luscious on top of healthy and pleasant! 

Hence, if your plan is to update your apartment by, for example, designing a cozy reading nook  know a few plants you should opt for to make your space feel luxurious. 

Some indoor plants can improve your health and your interior decor via

Jade Pothos Totem

What better way to evoke luxury and extravaganza in your apartment than by ‘junglefying’ it? Planting this potted cutie will help you set the stage for your tropical oasis even despite the fact you might be living in a skyscraper in Manhattan. 

Apart from having a gloriously chic name, this plant is also very easy to take care of. Its appearance is lovely and apartment-friendly due to the fact it has a vertical pattern of growth. This means you will be able to fit it almost anywhere you need to add a little bit of life. 

 It’s a great corner plant - it never overgrows into width, so it never looks out of place. What’s more, its tall, slender shape and large leaves complement hardwood floors and shelving astoundingly well.

White Philodendron Cordatum

Also great for keeping the integrity of your interior decor, the White Philodendron does not grow too big. It has a very peculiar but sleek appearance as it has green leaves with big white specks. And if you thought that this plant couldn’t get any better, you thought wrong. It is incredibly low-maintenance despite its unique, sophisticated look. 

Any upscale apartment with suave, contemporary design can benefit from having this plant because the white parts of the leaves perfectly complement the white and neutral colors of furniture and interior decor. 

Bird of Paradise

This plant is perfect for homeowners who like both green plants and plants that grow flowers. The leaves and flowers have a unique avian growth pattern, which is why some people consider it ‘plant royalty’. Hence, this plant can act as a great centerpiece for a well-designed guest bedroom. Why, you ask?

The flowers resemble an orange bird’s beak surrounded by green ‘plumage’, a characteristic to which this plant owes its name. The foliage resembles a banana tree but is much more alluring because of the potential to grow mesmerizing flowers. 

The Bird of Paradise grows luscious ‘blood-orange’ flowers. Via

Together with the dark green of the leaves, which contrasts amazingly with white and off-white, these show-stopping flowers are going to give your apartment that dash of unassuming taste and luxury. However, in order to grow, they need humidity and frequent exposure to the sun. 

This means you might have to make compromises and store away some of your old or excess furniture to make way for this large, slightly tricky, but very rewarding plant. A moving and storage company such as TB Moving & Storage NYC can help you with this mission. 

Chinese Fan Palm 

Plants can help you liven up and reinterpret a reduced, angular architectural style. When they are young, these plants’ size can be compared to a smaller bush. It takes about a decade for them to be classified as trees. 

Chinese Fan Palms are great for retaining your apartment’s sleek, tasteful vibe while adding a dash of exoticism. This plant’s frond (fan-like leaf) is interesting because it has a fountain-like growth pattern. In other words, its leaves spread to form a fan that falls at the edges, strongly resembling water flowing from a fountain. 

Yet, a word of caution before you proudly position this extravagant plant into your living space. Chinese Fan Palms require a lot of exposure to daylight. This means that you might have to remove furniture in places where light can reach your plants. 

Their interesting fan-like shape makes them one of the best indoor plants for luxury apartments. via

Since Manhattan luxury apartments are still not as big as townhouses, you should consult your interior designer about the most optimal placement of furniture to achieve this. If, however, your space isn’t big enough for all of your belongings and this gentle giant, you might even want to consider moving to a slightly more spacious and more luxurious apartment. Manhattan offers various options when it comes to reputable moving companies, so all you will have to worry about is finding the perfect spot for your plants. 

Common Fig

Do not let the name confuse you - fig trees are one of the best indoor plants for luxury apartments. What makes them an outstanding addition to your living room or balcony is their cultural status. Namely, the shape of their leaves is world famous because of the Biblical story of Adam and Eve. It was a fig leaf that obscured Adam’s intimates! This makes this tree not only a beautiful and bountiful addition to your indoor garden (you can eat the figs in early summer) but also a living, breathing cultural artifact! 

6 Tips for Designing an Inviting Guest Bedroom

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Guest bedrooms - they tend to be a somewhat forgotten space that end up with lackluster style. Furnished with bare essentials only, a bed and a nightstand, they rarely look cozy and inviting. And it's no wonder people don't pay much attention to that one extra room they don't use that often. With a bed to sleep on and four walls to protect their privacy, occasional guests have everything they need. However, there is no need to neglect that additional space in your home. Designing an inviting guest bedroom doesn't have to cost a fortune. Moreover, it won't demand any remodeling. All you need is a few ideas, a bit of will, and some time.

With our six tips, the spare guest bedroom that nobody enters unless necessary will quickly transform and be in harmony with the rest of your home. Besides, if you love having guests over, why not show them that? With an inviting guest bedroom, you will make them feel welcome and at home.

Start with the right colors

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Nothing sets the tone better than the overall color scheme in a room. Going with neutral tones is never a wrong choice for any room in your home. Soft cream and champagne colors will add warmth to the room and make it look elegant. Moreover, such tones will not limit the options for the rest of your decor. For example, you can experiment with some cushions and bedding and add accent colors with these elements.

Alternatively, a guest bedroom is the one space where you can let your imagination go wild and experiment. So, instead of simple neutral colors, you can opt for bold, eccentric tones. Of course, this will only work if you don't intend to make this room harmonious with the rest of the house. And if you lack ideas, you can always check what the latest paint color trends are.

Go for a clutter-free design and minimal furniture

Sometimes, people treat the guest bedroom as an extra storage space in their home. Also, because this is the room where they want to spend the least money possible, they don't pay much attention to what they put in it. So, a few old cupboards, ornaments you don't like that much, and other clutter end up there. The result is a messy-looking and tacky room.

Moreover, how can a guest feel welcome in a room filled up with all sorts of clutter? Therefore, get rid of everything you don't like and stick to a minimalist design that is easy to maintain. Still, keep in mind that your guest will need more than just a bed in their room. They will also get ready in there, maybe do some reading, or even work a little. Therefore, you need to include a nightstand, a desk (if there is enough space), a chair or two, and a mirror.

Provide enough storage

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Sometimes, your guests will stay with you longer than a day. Imagine your friend has just moved to New York City but still hasn't managed to find a suitable apartment for rent. And you offer to put them up until they find the right part of the city, which, given how big NYC is, may take a bit. In that case, they will need some space for their clothes and other essentials. Thus, it would be nice to provide them with enough storage space to keep their belongings.

Even if there is not enough space in the guest bedroom for an ample wardrobe or cupboards, you can get creative and go vertical. You can never go wrong with a few shelves and some hangers. Enough storage for your guests to put away their things will make a world of difference regarding how comfortable they feel.

Designing an inviting guest bedroom means including some of the comforts of a home

Besides the necessary storage, an inviting guest bedroom should have a few more luxuries that a place like home can provide. For instance, a comfortable and good-quality mattress is a must. After all, you don't want your guests to wake up sore and tired. As a good host, you want them to relax and have some rest. And if you're going to guarantee a good night's sleep for your guests, make sure you invest in some quality pillows as well. You can also add some decorative curtains to make the room look warm and cozy. And of course, enough soft towels and maybe a bathrobe will add that touch of luxury and make your guest feel like they are in a hotel.

Be careful, though. All that pampering could perhaps make your buddy postpone finding an apartment and picking a moving company on Best Movers NYC to get them out of your hair. 

Never underestimate the power of good lighting

As with everything else in this room, try to keep lighting simple. All you need is a simple pendant light and two bedside lamps. The choice of the lamps, however, is where you can let your creative side shine. They can serve as a statement piece in the room. In general, lamps are always an excellent way to decorate a room, and they add a unique feel to it. They also add to the coziness and warmth of the room. But, whatever you do, steer clear of harsh lighting and colorful bulbs because they can cause discomfort. You want to keep things as simple as possible. Essentially, you want to apply the Danish art of Hygge to the design of your guest bedroom.

Make your guest bedroom a multipurpose room

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There is no need for this extra space to sit empty most of the time. If you can use this room for an additional purpose, it may even provide you with some motivation to invest more time and energy in decorating it. Moreover, your guests may also need to use this room for something other than sleeping. For instance, due to the global pandemic, many people have had to switch to work from home. A home office would be beneficial to have, and you can also assume that some of your guests would need to use it.

So, a desk accompanied by a comfortable chair and a desk lamp would be welcome additions when designing an inviting guest bedroom. Given that we spend most of our time isolated in our homes at the moment, it's nice to have a guest to break the routine and bring some excitement back. Thus, if you provide them with everything they need and make them feel welcome with a room that shows you want them to stay with you, they might decide to prolong their visit.

How To Bring The Danish Art of Hygge Into Your Home

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Hygge is taking the world by storm, so one needs to ask: what is it in this Danish art of living that we have been missing all this time in the rest of the world? In essence, hygge is a philosophy of simple, happy, relaxed, and comfortable living. Today, it is a list of things, recipes, or arts and crafts that should make you happier. If you genuinely want to bring the Danish art of hygge into your home, go beyond the superficial. You might discover that you already live by the hygge model without even knowing it.

The idea of hygge in your home

The concept isn't new, nor is it truly unknown to most. It just involves a collection of different things for each one of us. With that in mind, what is hygge for the Danish may not apply to you or your home. Take, for instance, a fireplace. Northern Europeans might find it invaluable and a frequently utilized home asset.

On the other hand, it doesn't make sense in a year-round warm Florida home. Instead, a Floridian who wishes to unwind next to the calming firelight will more likely enjoy a relaxing soak in a candle-lit bathroom. And this idea of contrast is precisely at the core of hygge. There is no rest without work nor hygge without effort.

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Embracing the personal touch

It doesn't surprise that hygge incorporates mostly minimalistic design ideas as they imply lightness and purity. However, it adds to this basis, warming the home and making it more personal. In this sense, it distances slightly from the minimalistic design. Hygge is not about less but simple.

While it may seem that pieces of furniture should serve solely a practical purpose, it is not the case. Hygge welcomes the vintage, the memories, the story behind an object, and emotional investment. In principle, hygge is nourishing the spirit of well-being and living the best possible life. That life is quite often not led alone but in harmony with others and oneself.

Let go of the purposeless

Taking pleasure in your living quarters requires you to actually spend time in your home. It is not unusual that people spend endless hours and funds decorating and redecorating following current trends, but never sit back and enjoy their work. It is this moment when people get comfortable after a long day and relax in their sanctuary that is at the core of hygge. But to make your surroundings relaxing, you need to clear away the surplus. As advised by New Leaf Moving Group experts, self-storage becomes an ally in the efforts of making a home more hyggelig.

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Taking the clutter out is the first step toward making your living space truly livable. Shopping temptations are everywhere and often difficult to resist. They eventually lead to homes turned into warehouses, ones that keep people focused on meaningless things instead of nourishing experiences, especially the hygge feelings of calmness, satisfaction, coziness, and safety. The best way to live the art of hygge is to let go of things that don't have any practical, aesthetic, or emotional value.

Colors and lights that inspire wellness

Even though hygge promotes warm and cozy tones, the colors you choose shouldn't be generic. Once again, the accent is on the colors that naturally bring you comfort and invite you to relax. It doesn't come as a surprise that precisely hues found in nature best stimulate the hygge lifestyle. Consider the warm, natural color trends for 2021, as one of these palettes may be exactly what makes you feel comfortable in your surroundings.

Another important home asset hygge relies upon is lighting. On the one hand, there is the need to bring in as much natural light as possible; it is imperative in a cold and dark Danish landscape. In other parts of the world, it is more about balance and providing the just right amount of light, one that improves your mood.

On the other hand, in the evening, the emphasis should be on the soothing lights. Dim the ambient lighting to set the atmosphere that makes you feel cozy. Use accent lighting to put the focus on paintings or heirlooms that are important to you, or enjoy a favorite book with warm task lighting. It is vital that you feel comfortable; the price of the lamp is irrelevant.

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Living by the art of hygge

Why is it essential to understand hygge as a concept instead of a checklist for a happy lifestyle? If you're, for example, making a significant change and leaving Florida and starting over in New York, you won't need to stress about your new habits, new home, new acquaintances, and most likely new furniture and way of life. Live by the hygge philosophy, and you won't overburden yourself with the unimportant.

Your once favorite pastime may change in the new surroundings. Hobbies you used to enjoy or found comfortable are likely to evolve. And that is alright with hygge. It is not about the rigidity in home style or habits, but the opposite. Simply, once you overgrow your shell, find another you'll feel happy, cozy, and safe within. While the concept is not focused on self-discovery, knowing what you like and enjoy doing at home helps you achieve it more easily. Finding time to relax may be challenging, but it is attainable.

Nurture nature in your hyggelig home

Add air purifying indoor plants to your space, not only to accent your interior decor but also to improve your home's air quality. The benefits to your lifestyle will be apparent soon. What better way to lead a healthy and happy hygge life than improving your sleep, removing allergens, and reducing anxiety.

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5 Easy Ways to Incorporate Fall in Your Home Decor

Transitioning your home from season to season and adding decorative touches that pay homage to the season throughout your home does not have to be hard. We’re sharing 5 easy tips to add hints of Fall throughout your home.

The Fall season is all about warmth and natural elements. The best part about the latter is it does not have to be expensive! Adding fall to your home is easier than you may think.

Use Seasonal Flowers

Just because Spring is gone does not mean you cannot have fresh flowers in the home for the season. In fact, gorgeous arrangements can be made for your home as you decorate this fall.

Consider antique hydrangeas - their neutral and warm colors are the perfect compliment to your fall tables capes and decor. 

If you are a fan of some brighter tones, the unofficial flower of the fall season is the Mum! They come in a variety of colors from white to bright orange, and are the perfect compliment next to pumpkins and gourds.

Seasonal Fruits and Vegetables

An easy way to give your home a touch of fall is to use seasonal fruits and vegetables you will likely have in your kitchen any way. Place seasonal items like apples, gourds, and figs in a decorative serving bowl on your table or credenza. It is an inexpensive way to bring the Fall season inside.

Natural Elements are Key

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The Fall season is about rustic, warm elements, most of which pay homage to nature. Similar to incorporating seasonal fruits and vegetables into your decor, add in natural elements such as branches and leaves to your decor. These are great items to mix into to a fall tablescape. If the real thing is not for you, consider using faux branches and leaf decor to add the must-have fall touch.

Scatter Pumpkins Throughout the Home

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Nothing says Fall quite like pumpkins! Pumpkins come in a variety of sizes and hues and will add a fall touch to nearly any room in your home. For a more luxe, monochromatic look, considering using white and pale pumpkins in your fall decorating. Place pumpkins in your tables cape, on your mantel, countertops, and end tables…they are so versatile!

Decorative Throws in Fall Hues

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When of the most refreshing things about the Fall season in the chill in the air that begins to creep in by late October and November. Who does not love curling up by the fire place and binge watching your favorite show? Throws are the perfect decorative accessory to add in your living room, den, and places of relaxation! Look for seasonal color palettes such as burnt oranges, red, and maroons, Patterns such as Plaid and Tartan are perfect to transition into the winter season.

Paint Color Trends for 2021 from Sherwin-Williams

We have all spent increased time in our homes since March. In that time spent at home, some have been making updates and improvements. In the spirit of home improvement, we’ve been following design trends. Sherwin-Williams is expected to announce their Color of the Year for 2021 this month. 

Whether you are looking to update a room or give your home a facelift to bring it to market, a fresh coat of paint can do wonders to your home. Ahead of the official announcement, Sherwin-Williams has selected 4 color palettes for its ColorMix Forecast. Sherwin-Williams selected these palettes as an expansion upon their 2020 selections with 2021 being a continuation of “what the future holds” as we adapt to the New Normal. 

What are the colors you can likely expect to see in 2021?

Palette: Sanctuary

Sanctuary is about Nature’s ability to cultivate wellness and calm, now more than ever. We have all been trying to spend time outdoors, and the sanctuary palette brings that indoors. This palette is defined by warm neutrals and natural tones.

Colors include moss greens, clay, grey, and beige

Palette: Continuum

The inspiration for the Continuum palette was drawn from how technology and smart living blends into our daily lives since the pandemic started. With many working from home, the impact of technology is more important than ever.

Hues in Continuum include Cyberspace, Crushed Ice, Lemon Fresco, and Novel Lilac

Palette: Encounter

The Encounter palette is about the storied heirlooms many of us have throughout our homes. It is a modern boho aesthetic characterized by rich earthy tones.

Hues in the Encounter palette include Java, Reddened Earth, Tarnished Trumpet, and Naval Blue.

Palette: Tapestry

Tapestry is a palette for those looking to brighten their home beyond neutrals. Tapestry is about creative expression and joy. This palette is filled with vibrant and bold hues such as Jaipur Pink, Cape Verde, Enjoyable Yellow, and Perfect Periwinkle

Images via Sherwin-Williams