How to Create a Cozy Reading Nook

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Curling up and cracking open a favorite read for hours on end is any book lover’s elixir: it cures, nurtures and preserves. From science fiction, thrillers, and romance novels, to even putting on a mud mask and working through your stack of magazines, reading is a perfect way to slow down, relax and de-stress. Then why not create a cozy reading nook you deserve, and make your beloved pastime that much more enjoyable?

A few essentials are all it takes. In reality, cozy reading nooks are a cinch to build since their anatomy is very simple. All you need is a nice quiet corner, somewhere to sit, good lighting, and a few accessories to make your reading space comfy and functional. The trick, however, is to think about what makes you feel happy and soothed and then incorporate those elements into your reading nook. Below you’ll find some ideas to help get your juices flowing.

Pinpoint a nook for literature and coziness

People generally snatch their reading time wherever they can. But the couches can mean distractions, the desks can remind you of deadlines and productivity, and the beds? Forget it. You’ll doze off after a page. It is generally important to have a space designated for certain activities. Anything works, from a little window seat overlooking your garden, a hall closet you don’t need, or an awkward corner you haven’t got a clue what to do with. The key, however, is to have a special space that is tidy, well-lit, and without any distractions will get you right into your reading zone.

Don’t get carried away, though, thinking that you need much more space. It’s just a matter of being comfortable and incorporating a few extra details that define the space as dedicated to reading. If you’re just about to start looking for a new place to call home, think ahead about the spot that would be perfect to create a cozy reading nook. Then, dive right into it after you’ve moved in.

Leave some table space

Make your reading experience much more comfortable by giving yourself a little side table. Let’s face it: you can’t very well hold a cup of coffee and turn pages at the same time. Plus, you’ll need a spot to place your reading essentials, such as your glasses. Take notes from the stylish nook below - a small end table is functional while a coat of fresh white paint helps to further brighten the space. All it took to warm things up was a a soft yellow fabric on the window seat, a nice throw blanket, and some indoor greenery.

via Get yourself a little side table for maximum convenience.

Illumination to perfection

Lighting plays a significant role not only in functionality but in defining the place as well. If you are looking for an easy and convenient way to light up your lovely reading nook, slim floor lamps are a popular choice among homeowners. Moreover, these elegant delights come in various styles, and sometimes with flexible arms, which you can easily adjust for more focused lighting. Ultra-slim minimal lighting fixtures are excellent space-savers, whereas sconce lighting or pendant lights can turn any space into a smart reading nook.

Of course, you can always turn to natural light. When it comes to reading, a window can beat any artificial lighting every time. Take a look at this window seat. With a sole throw pillow that adds a pop of color and a scented candle for the ambiance, it is ripe for reading.

via The best light for reading is natural light.

Construct a built-in bench

Consider a built-in to make use of that awkward corner of your home that lingers under a slanted ceiling. What was once wasted space in your home is now a beautiful book nook with a daybed-sized built-in that lifts to provide tons of hidden storage space for your personal library, magazines, reading essentials, and blankets. Of course, if you live in an NYC apartment, checking with the local building department is a must. Unlike for some simple repairs, you’ll need to have permits and other similar paperwork handled before committing to any major renovation project.

Layer up

Speaking of cozy, pillows and throws are the formula. Steal a couple for your reading chair from the couch or the bed – the more, the better. The princess and the pea will not have anything on you and all of your layers of coziness. Moreover, this is a great way to add a splash of color to the area, especially if the walls of your reading room are neutral. Get creative and go crazy with textures and hues to brighten up the space. Oh, and don’t forget a nice area rug to keep warm under your feet while doing your favorite winter activity.

via Layers of fluff are key if you wish to create a cozy reading nook.

Get a chair that supports your body

Be it for hours or fifteen minutes, whenever you start turning pages, your body should be properly supported by the right chair. Down-filled, oversized armchairs are one of the favorites among those whose goal is to seriously cozy up with a new read. Lounge chairs wonderfully support your back, but if it takes more space than you can spare, go for a stylish wing chair, and snag a matching ottoman to put your feet up for a cozy bonus.

Sneak in some book storage

Any avid reader needs space to store all those volumes. So why not go with wall-to-wall bookshelves? Surrounding yourself with books yields both maximum convenience and that Beauty and the Beast vibe. If you don’t have a lot of space to work with, consider flanking your reading corner with a built-in bookshelf or some floating shelves to display your tomes.

via No reading nook is complete without a bookshelf.

If this still isn’t enough space, and you’re seriously thinking about decluttering books – we feel your pain! Book hoarding, however, can produce clutter, which is often a significant source of stress. And a relaxing reading nook is always tidy and organized. KonMari and the Crew are only a couple of the methods you can use to downsize your books, and if it so happens that you’re moving away, this is the perfect time to do some decluttering. If you hire a packing service, your movers can assist you if you need help packing unnecessary items. Then, you can start afresh when you move into your new home with a collection of well-loved books that are the source of joy and inspiration – not stress.

Add a personal touch

When you start to create a cozy reading nook, never forget to give it some character. Stop here, take a breath, and think it over. What makes you happy and soothed? Maybe it’s incorporating some sentimental items such as a photograph of your family or a beautiful piece of artwork your friend had painted for you. Perhaps it’s your college diploma or your favorite quote framed and hanging on your wall. Or maybe a few of your houseplants you love to take care of. Anything that is special and unique to you can give your space a personal touch.

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

4 Tips to Transform Your Outdoor Space into an Oasis

With summertime here and many looking to get outside (safely), outdoor space has become one of the most coveted amenities. In fact, thanks to our proprietary Compass Search Data, we have observed that searches for outdoor space have doubled since Shelter in Place started.

Whether outdoor space is the top of your list for your next home, or you are thinking about how to spruce up your current private outdoor space, we are sharing tips on how to create an Outdoor Oasis.

Most of us will be spending a lot more time within our private outdoor spaces this summer. When you think of your outdoor space as extension of your indoor living space, you can get the max value out of the space. Outdoor spaces do not have to be large to function as a multi-functional space that the entire household can enjoy.

Play With Textures and Colors

Just as you think about design in your living room, bedroom, or any room inside, apply the same ideas to your outdoor space. Textures and colors are key parts of a successful design. Incorporate textures and colors in throw pillows as well as furniture cushions in your outdoor space. Ensure furnishing are comfy and durable.

Add Potted Plants

We love adding plants to our home office as well as other indoor spaces…they even have air purifying benefits! Potted plants also help to make your outdoor space lush. Add your favorite flowers in pots, and also think about adding larger potted plants to help create privacy.

Choose an Area Rug

An area rug will be key to creating your outdoor oasis. Area rugs help to define spaces, and this is key to making your outdoor space feel like it has different “areas.” If your outdoor space is large enough, consider placing an area rug under your dining table and one under your patio furniture to help create a lounge space versus a dining space.

Pick a fun pattern that compliments your furniture, cushions, and umbrellas for an additional “pop”.

Set the Mood with Lighting

Up the ambiance with outdoor lighting – perfect for setting the mood whether you are relaxing with a glass of wine or doing late evening entertaining, outdoor lighting will round out your outdoor oasis. String lights are an easy way to cast a warm glow over your space, however, if reaching an electrical outlet is difficult consider all the solar options that are now available.

In Demand: The Home Office is Here to Stay + Tips for a Productive Workspace

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At the onset of the Coronavirus pandemic, many were forced to adapt to working from home that did not previously take advantage of doing so, or worked for a company that frowned upon it. Now, nearly 2.5 months into staying home, employees around the country and global have adapted to working from home, and companies are realizing just how efficient, effective, and productive it can be. In fact, surveys conducted since the pandemic started are now revealing that a majority of respondents, 54% in one survey, say they are more productive thanks to not having wasted time on commutes and office distractions.

What does all this mean? The home office is likely here to stay, and will become a top must-have on many home buyers lists. For folks that do not yet have a dedicated workspace, a home office is likely to be very high on their list of features they want in a home.

We polled our Instagram followers a few weeks into the Pandemic, asking them, of various spaces in the home such as a gym, home office, extra bedrooms, etc. what spaces they realized they valued having in their home the most as they spent increased time in the home.

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When we initially polled our audience, of the choices, Home Office had the most respondents citing it the space they realized they valued the most while spending more time in their home.

However, as we got more comfortable with our work from home routines, and major Tech giants like Twitter announced permanent work from home policies, it became apparent that the Home Office is here to stay, and will be one of the most important rooms in the house.

With a broader shift in mindset, we thought it would be interesting to once again poll our followers, specifically on the Home Office and if they had changed their opinion. We asked our followers: Now that companies have adapted to remote working and see the success, has your opinion of the importance of a Home Office changed since the beginning of the pandemic?

Surprised by the results? Yes, nearly 100% of respondents said their opinion of the importance of a Home Office workspace has changed since Shelter in Place started….it is time to start planning your dream home office!

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Tips for a Productive Home Office

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Whether you are looking to improve your home office that has not gotten much use until the past few months, or you are ready to convert a room or space in your home into your new workspace, we are sharing the top things to keep in mind as you create a productive and inspiring home office.

Do Not Forget Ergonomics - you don’t want to find yourself hunching over your computer with tension in your shoulders all day. Ensure your monitor is positioned at the right height - in line with your eyes is recommended. Feet should be flat on the floor and splurging on a nice desk chair is worth it

Natural Light - if possible, try to pick a space or room that has ample natural light. Positioning your desk in front of a window may increase your productivity

Add Greenery - plants make us happier…in fact, some even help clear the air within the home by removing toxic chemicals! Add a few plants around your home office or desk to bring the outdoors in.

Lamps - even though you are taking advantage of natural light, lamps are still necessary for darker hours of the day or rainy days. Table lamps come in a variety of styles to match your design aesthetic and can create a soft glow to supplement natural light when needed

Add Personal Touches - personal photos, your favorite piece of art, a design object…anything you love! Rotate your photos every month or so to keep them fresh and inspiring

Reduce Clutter - ensure you have an organization system that works well for you. Whether it is a traditional filing cabinet, wall organizer, or a style desktop paper holder, being organized is key so that your work documents do not take over your desk top and home office. No one is productive when surrounded by clutter

Minimalist Design Trends and Tips

Aesthetic restraint is, perhaps, the most suitable minimalistic description of Minimalism. In apartment design, minimalism is a growing trend and it is clear why. We are overstimulated in our daily life and the last thing we need at home is unnecessary ornamentation and clutter. A concept of clean lines is also a concept of simple beauty. While it may seem so, this concept is not easy to materialize. Emptying your home and painting it white will not make it minimalist, but sterile-looking and cold. The following guide should explain how to convey the true essence of minimalism to your living space, or what to look for if you are seeking a Minimalistic aesthetic in your next home.

Open floor plans in apartment design

Minimalism is not a form of asceticism in apartment design; on the contrary. It doesn't remove for the sake of abstinence. It eliminates the excess to bring the architectural features into the spotlight -the same home features buyers will pay extra for.

Open floor plans are not exclusively tied to minimalism but they go hand in hand. However, the key characteristic of minimalism is focusing on every single piece of furniture. Once you pause and take a look at your apartment, you should not see the things you own, but the things you use. In an open floor plan, there's no room to hide. Except that there is plenty, but cleverly fit.

Minimum furniture, maximum functionality

With so few pieces of furniture, it may seem that minimalism neglects storage space. While you should declutter to make your apartment a serene minimalist haven, modern home design will provide quite sufficient storage space that complies with the principals of contemporary minimalism. If you still have too much, you don't need to dispose of your excess belongings; simply store them away. Make sure you're using the right kind of boxes when packing and choose a climate-controlled storage unit. You will need those items sooner or later when you decide to renew the setting.

The key to understanding minimalism in apartment design is that every apartment is, in essence, a functional, smart, and light space. As such, it allows for countless designing possibilities while at the same time ensuring every piece is purposeful, adds values to space, and works in harmony with other items.

Minimalism in apartment design: focus on form, texture, color

You probably already know everything you need to know when renting in NYC including that furnished apartments can be significantly more expensive than unfurnished ones. While such apartments have their benefits, you may not feel in tune with the presented design. If you are seeking a minimalist aesthetic in your home, you should opt for an unfurnished unit that offers an empty canvas that you can turn into a form-focused, stunning minimalist interior. If shopping for New Development, seek at those units that have the bones from which to build - neutral color palettes, sleek kitchens, concealed appliances, etc.

Note that condensing the form brings the best from minimalism out and reveals the true nature of architecture. The composition should be simple, flowing, and harmonious, creating a restful home as a result. Neutral monochromatic but multihued best describes the minimalist color palette. Other colors should be used sparsely and only as accents. The color palette helps to create a warm, inviting and relaxing atmosphere, however, textures help to achieve this as well - materials and fabric you will choose play a vital role.

Make it simple, not boring or depersonalized

Minimalism will profoundly transform your home by adding only a few select items to accentuate the otherwise monochromatic interior. Art is welcome in any form, though its composition should be uncomplicated. A lamp, a vase, a painting, a rug; it is up to you to find what speaks to you and compliments the living space. However, the biggest challenge is to know when is enough. Add one item too many and you will slide back into the cluttered past.

Moreover, with so few things on show, every piece should be a quality item. Resisting the test of time is only one of the reasons. The other lies in the not-so-subtle contest of quality versus quantity in minimalist design. Finally, your apartment shouldn't lack in personal items. Most successfully designed homes reveal the taste of the owner without disorder and excess. Besides, it is your home and it should reflect your way of life. That is the only way it will make you feel comfortable, relaxed, and happy.

Summary

With all this being said, and in the true spirit of minimalism, it feels important to summarize the key points and benefits of minimalist apartment design

• Visual appeal: the less you show, the more noticeable it becomes. The beauty of minimalism lies in the art of making so little so attractive.

• Health benefits: Open space allows more light, and where there is light, there is a positive attitude. Without clutter, there is significantly less dust and other allergens. Calm colors and a relaxing atmosphere will improve your sleep.

• Easy-care home: Regardless of the size, a minimalist apartment, in general, is easy and fast to clean. With chosen pieces of quality furniture and no dust-collecting objects, maintenance is simple.

• Smart investment: Letting go sometimes means getting more. Substituting disposable and superfluous for experience and life-altering memories is priceless.

In the world of hoarders and mass-production, minimalism in apartment design is a form of silent rebellion. It resonates with people who wish to turn to other people, to items of great personal importance, and art and quality. Moreover, an investment in a simple yet effective home with chosen, high-quality items will never fail. 

The gracious beauty of calming and clean space blends well with uncomplicated shapes, textures, and colors. Just as little black dress is to fashion, minimalism is to apartment design; the timeless aesthetic is magically appealing. It doesn't surprise that minimalism is taking the world by storm; after all, who can resist harmony?

Modern Minimalism in Midtown Manhattan

Looking for modern, loft-style living in Manhattan? We are please to represent 3 unique residences at Foster + Partner’s 100 East 53rd Street. This new development offers luxury living in the heart of the Midtown Culture district with residences that are characterized by minimalism. Homes feature minimalist design features such as white plank oak flooring, custom kitchens with concealed appliances, and ample wall space for art work that gives a gallery like feeling.

Click Here to Learn More About 100E53

Tips to Create the Perfect Thanksgiving Tablescape

It is that time of year! The 2019 Holiday Season is officially here with Thanksgiving on Thursday. It is one of our favorite holiday – who doesn’t love to eat? If you are hosting, we have some tips for you to create the perfect tablescape for your Thanksgiving dinner. After all, a beautiful table is just as important as the Turkey and all the sides! 

Start with a Table Runner

Start with runner from which to build the rest of your design. Table runners come in a variety of colors and prints so they are a great way to incorporate design interest while also being functional. The table runner will help ground your centerpiece on the table, especially long ones, so it feels purposeful rather than random.

Use a Center Piece

Put extra thought into this piece of your Thanksgiving Tablescape as all eyes will be on it. Pick a center piece that’s fitting for the season – think fall hues that match the foliage outside, pumpkins, gourds, leaf garland, etc.

Pro Tip: Thanksgiving is all about gathering and conversation so make sure the center piece you select is not too big that is encroaches on guests’ ability to converse across the table.

Natural Elements & Candles

Fall tablescapes are the perfect time to incorporate natural elements as they are fitting for the season! This is when you can get creative and add in additional elements along the length of your table runner to give it a layered look.

Items such as branches, dried eucalyptus, pinecones, gourds, and pumpkins are perfect for a Thanksgiving table. We love placing little pumpkins around the length of the table because what is Thanksgiving without pumpkins?

Pro Tip: If you are adding greenery to your tablescape, use small elements of your selected greenery within each napkin ring to tie the whole look together

Candles are a must – place them along the length of the table at varying height to cast a warm glow over your Thanksgiving meal. Candlesticks are great for adding height to your tablescape while small votives are perfect for mixing in with the natural elements throughout the length of your table.

Place Setting

What better time to go all-out and put in the effort of a full place setting than Thanksgiving? Take advantage of the food-centric holiday to use your best China and create a layered table setting for each guest.

Start with a placemat at each setting, and build out with a charger plate, entrée plate, appetizer plate, and napkin and napkin ring to create a layered look.

Pro Tip: Thanksgiving is the perfect time to use real cloth napkins. Often times, you will be able to find a patter or color that ties directly back to the table runner with which you started.

If you are hosting a large group, make name tags so guests know where they are sitting when they arrive to the table. You can also leverage natural elements to create a name tag such as tying it to a gourd or mini pumpkin.

Inside the 47th Annual Kips Bay Decorator Showhouse

Dining Room by Cullman & Kravis

The 47th annual Decorator Show House is underway, showcasing work from top interior designers. The Upper East Side townhouse at 36-38 East 74th Street has been completely transformed, and all for a good cause, namely the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club. All proceeds from the events will go to the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club which provides after school enrichment programs to more than 10,000 youth in the Bronx.

About the Kips Bay Decorator Show House

The Upper East Side is known for its historic and grandiose townhomes, and this year’s townhouse is situated on the Gold Coast of the Upper East Side, steeped with a rich history. 36-38 East 74th Street was features a brick façade and intricate architectural details, with the likes of Cross & Cross and D. & J. Jardine having worked on elements of the home. 36-38 East 74th Street was combined into the 40-foot wide mansion it is today by Cross & Cross.

In 1948, the home was purchased by Dorothy Hearst Paley, a prominent figure in New York society at the time. She hired Swiss architect William Lescaze to modernize the interior of the townhouse and redesign the front steps.

36-38 East 74th Street is a rare townhouse on the Upper East Side, with a width of 40 feet, a two car garage, and a 40 foot wide garden. The interior is comprised of nearly 14,000 square feet with 19 rooms, 8-11 bedrooms, and 10 fireplaces across 6 levels. The home is in the heart of the Upper East Side, one block from Central Park and nearby to iconic institutions such as the Met Breuer and Frick Museum.

It is currently offered at $28,750,000.

Decorator Showhouse

Staircase by Brian Gluckstein

Office by Eve Robinson Associates

The expansive townhouse residence has become a showcase of work from renowned interior designers that have donated their time and skill to create the beautiful spaces. The interior features 6 floors of living space which have been transformed into sumptuous space from an elegant staircase  to a luxurious dining area and attention grabbing work studio.

The Show House will be running Until May 30th 2019.

36-38 East 74th Street
Monday-Saturday: 11-5pm
Tuesday and Thursday: 11-8pm
Sunday: 12-5pm

Tickets can purchased online in advance by visiting Kips Bay Decorator Show House. Remember, all ticket proceeds benefit the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club.