2021 Holiday Tipping Guide

The Holiday Season has officially kicked off. With Black Friday and Thanksgiving over, holiday decorations are going up across town. With the arrival of the Holiday Season comes the question on the mind of many - “How Much Should I Tip?”

While some traditions will be put on hold, other traditions synonymous with the Holiday Season will continue, one of which is Holiday Tipping. 

One could argue that Tipping is even more important this year than ever before - it has been a challenging year for all, and for those that are fortunate and have the ability to tip those that have helped throughout the Pandemic, this is the year to do so.

Building staff in Residential New York City buildings have been essential to all residents through the COVID-19 pandemic. Building Staff have been responsible for increased cleaning protocols, receiving and managing an exponential increase in deliveries, and checking in on vacant apartments for residents that have escaped to second homes.

We’ve adjusted our annual tipping guide to account for 2020 - some of the individuals that are key in a typical year such as your Manicurist may not have played a role in 2020 because of the Pandemic. Additionally, if you are considering giving more this year to your valued Building Staff and are concerned they will expect this amount in future years, consider stating in your note with the tip how grateful you are for all they’ve done during this challenging year to set expectations. 

Our friends at Brick Underground publish a go-to holiday tipping guide, which has been circulating since 2013. We condensed it, and put our take on what is appropriate as you budget for your holiday tipping. Remember, these are simply guidelines. There are many factors that can influence the tipping decision such as the size of the building (a larger staff equates to smaller individual tips), level of service, seniority, and time in building. Additionally, owning versus renting in a building can play a big factor as well.

Of course, if you live in a building with a part-time doorman, virtual doorman, or no staff at all, the below levels could be adjusted downward.

Renters: Tips do not have to equate to the dollar amount you are paying each month for rent. If you receive a lot of packages, have a stroller that is carried in and out of the building, etc., factor this into your tip. 

It is recommended that you tip in cash. Doorman, Concierge, Supers, etc. all of bills to pay like you and I- they are not looking for fruit cakes, cookies, or homemade gifts at the holidays!

Many buildings have organized drop off locations for your tips so you can safely give to your Building Staff rather than direct contact due to public health guidelines.

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TIPPING GUIDELINES

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Super: $150-$200
Doorman/Concierge: $100-$150
Package Room: $50-$75 per individual*
Housekeeper: 1 Week Salary
Dog Walker: 1 Week Salary
Garage Attendant: $50-$100
Personal Trainer: $100*
Personal Assistant: 1 Week Salary
Hairdresser: $75-100*

*In the post-pandemic world, it is important to remember all the people fielding the large increase in orders you are placing and the sheer volume of orders they are now receiving, just for you alone. From Uber Eats to Amazon and every shopping destination in-between, there is no denying that we all place significantly more online orders than prior to the pandemic. We recommend tipping Package Room staff more than previous years. In most buildings it will be the package room employees, however, Doormen/Concierge are likely fielding these requests after hours.

Additionally, if someone such as a Trainer has moved to a Virtual Model and you continued to use their service, we recommend continuing to tip these individuals.

When: Most building staff will prefer to receive their tips in early December so they can plan their own holiday spending accordingly. Tips account for a large part of building staff’s anticipated income at this time of year.

This guide was presented in 2018 and has been re-shared to include updated information

Why Buying a Home Just Became Easier

It is not a question that all of us realized the importance of home during the pandemic. The close relationship we formed with home has lead to many individuals assessing their needs as it relates to their current living situation - from renters looking to make roots and buy, to existing home owners trading up, the pandemic has spurred activity within the housing market. 

When it comes to buying a home, the 2 most common roadblocks that buyers may face are the ability to save for a down payment - something that has been typically challenging for student-debt ridden millennials, and qualifying for a mortgage at current lending standards.

Last week, the FHFA announced that it will be raising the loan limits for Confirming Loans in 2022. 

Confirming Loans are the only mortgages that meet the requirements to be acquired by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Any loan that exceeds the confirming limit is considered a non-confirming, or Jumbo Loan.

There are quite a few differences, both pros and cons, to conforming vs. non-confirming loans, however, typically a non-confirming loan has a higher interest rate and down payment requirements because of the risk of the loan. In pricey housing markets, even purchases at the lower end of the market can force buyers into the jumbo loan territory.

The FHFA indicated in a Press Release that the Confirming Loan limit will see a significant increase to $647,200 and that approximately 100 counties will have confirming loan limits approaching $1 million.

What does the increase mean? More homes will now qualify for conforming loans which have lower down payment requirements and easier lending standards. For example, a home that you could afford with 10% down but would result in a non-confirming loan that required 20% down, may now fall into the confirming loan limit allowing for 10% down.

That dream home that you thought was out of reach, may just have become a little bit closer!

Connect with us today to discuss these changes and how they may impact your purchase consideration.

7 Smart Home Features Luxury Buyers Want

Today’s luxury buyers are more and more interested in smart homes. And it’s no surprise when you think of the comfort and security such a home can offer. But with the expanding possibilities of technology, it might be hard to choose what features are worth investing in when you want to put a home on the market. As a result, we conducted some research to determine which smart home features luxury buyers want in their houses.

1.   A smart security system

Safety is something that we would all invest in without blinking. That is why installing a security system in your home has become a must. While older systems include simple functions such as burglary and fire alarms, today’s systems have more upgraded features. Not only do they have better-performing cameras with motion sensors, but they are also easy to control from your mobile phone. You can fully customize and personalize its features with just a few clicks, from the comfort of your home or from a distance. In addition, you can install smart locks, better smoke and carbon dioxide detectors, and a doorbell with a camera. The safer the house is, the higher the chances of selling it on the luxury market.

2.   Energy-efficient lighting

Besides using LED lightbulbs in your home, you can upgrade the whole lighting system and make it more energy-efficient. You can, for example, install light sources that can be controlled from a distance. These lights can detect whether or not you are at home and turn on or off. Moreover, you can even set the lighting according to your mood. Also, you can install lights with motion sensors in areas of the home that are not highly used, such as hallways. For the exterior, you can set up self-charging torches with integrated solar panels. Place them around the pool or along the pathways to transform your outdoor space into an oasis.

Modern lighting is energy efficient, and it doesn’t require switches. You can control the color, brightness, and intensity of the light in a room from your phone. via

3.   Energy-efficient heating

Another one of the smart home features luxury buyers want is an energy-efficient heating system. Besides being useful for energy saving, you can program such a system to your liking. It can heat the entire house or just one room, and the thermostats can detect when the temperature is just right. You can even program the time when the heating should turn on so that the temperature in your home is perfect when you arrive from work. Furthermore, such a heating system is safer than a traditional one. For example, if there is a gas leak, the built-in sensors will detect it and sound the alarm.

4.   A modern kitchen

The kitchen is the only room in your home that can sell the house by itself. So, if you want to impress luxury buyers, upgrade the kitchen with some smart appliances. It will help you sell your home faster and for a higher price. For example, you can get an oven that can be operated from anywhere, making it simple to preheat it or select the ideal cooking temperature without having to be present. Or a clever cooking robot that can prepare your meal in record time by pushing a single button. That is, after all, why smart appliances are so popular. They are simple to use and make your life easier. And if you need to move the appliances from one location to another, Teddy Moving and Storage specialists can provide valuable advice on safe packing and transporting.

5.   A spa-like bathroom

If you upgrade the kitchen, you should also pay attention to the bathroom. After all, it is the second most important space in your home. It’s the place where you get ready in the morning or relax with a hot bath in the evening. Therefore, making some upgrades to the bathroom is highly recommended if you want to delight your luxury home buyers. For instance, you can install a modern shower cabin with multiple functions. Controllable water pressure, a built-in thermostat that adjusts the temperature of the water, and even an internet connection so you can listen to music while showering, for example. Also, if you have the space and resources, you can install a sauna and a bathtub, where the future owners can take a load off and relax. To take it one step further, install floor heating and adjustable lights.

6.   Smart storage space

A home that has enough storage space is not just smart but is more efficient. Also, it’s a luxury to own one. So, if you have enough room in the house you want to sell, use it to your advantage. Make some walk-in dressing rooms with built-in closets. You can also add adjustable lighting and mirrors to make them more appealing. If the bedroom is large enough, make it worthy of a king and queen. Besides a wide bed with drawers or extra storage space beneath, you can bring in some large closets. In addition, you can place a chest at the end of the bed for storing blankets. And if you need help to move other luxury furniture, you can call in the experts. Professional movers can handle high-level requests with ease. Your valuables will be carefully packed and transported safely to any location.

A walk-in dressing room is one of the best home features you can invest in.

7.   Pet-friendly gadgets

Sometimes, smart home features luxury buyers want in their homes are related to their pets. Therefore, making some upgrades for pets in your home will make your potential buyers happy. You could, for example, have food and water dispensers that could be programmed to discharge their contents at specific times. Or, make a designated play area where they can spend their energy when it’s rainy outside. You can even place some toys that will pick their brain and keep them entertained for hours. A mechanical ball thrower for dogs is a great example. Furthermore, you can install self-cleaning litter boxes that are easy to use and maintain the house’s hygiene.

We all have different perspectives regarding what is considered a luxury and what is not. When it comes to house buyers, however, they must feel like their money was well spent. As a result, investing in smart home features can help you get ahead in the luxury real estate market. So, to have an easy and quick home sale, keep up with the latest luxury house trends.

Real Estate Market Braces for Return of Foreign Buyers

Key Luxury Markets around the Country including New York City are expected to benefit from boost in demand from Oversees Buyers

For key luxury markets around the country, especially New York, Foreign Buyers have been a key part of the Buyer pool. For the past nearly 3 years, this Buyer has been virtually absent from the New York Luxury Market.

The pandemic and associated travel restrictions prevented foreigners from physically coming to the United States. While some deals did occur virtually by foreign Buyers, that has been small compared to deal volume when travel bans were not in place.

We expect that dynamic to change and the foreign Buyer to return with strength now that the United States has lifted the travel ban on approximately 33 countries for fully vaccinated visitors. With the travel ban lifted, foreign buyers can once again enter the country and physically see and buy properties. We expect this to have a positive impact on the New York luxury market as many want to invest their dollars here.

For a luxury market that has continued to set records throughout 2021, we anticipate the return of the foreign buyer to be an additional boost of demand as we end 2021 and enter 2022. 

This could add tens of billions of dollars in transactions to the market.According to the National Association of Realtors, foreign Buyers spent $267 Billion on American Real Estate in 2018 and in 2019 they spent $183 billion. 

Wealthy Foreign Buyers are interested in high-end homes and New Construction

What We Expect from the Return of Foreign Buyers to the United States

• New demand in key luxury markets across the country such as New York, Miami, and Los Angeles

• New Construction will likely be the main beneficiary of this new demand as foreign Buyers prefer new product

• Thanks to increased asset prices across both real estate and equity markets since prior to the pandemic, many foreign buyers have elevated wealth

• The economic impact of travel resuming should be a positive for multiple sectors of the market - tourism, retail, and ultimately real estate.

My Lease is Expiring: Should I Stay in my Apartment or Rent Something New?

If you are currently a Renter or have rented a property before, you. Know that dreaded feeling when your lease expiration date is quickly approaching. With the expiration of your lease approaching comes the question, and decision, of: should I stay in my existing apartment, or find a new apartment to rent?

 It is important to remember there are two sides that are influencing here – you as the Renter, and the Owner or Landlord. This can be a tough decision to make as it is influenced by multiple factors – we discuss how to think about decision so you can enter your next lease with confidence.

Factors Influencing the Owner or Landlord 

When thinking about renewing an existing lease with a tenant, an Owner must weigh various costs. The owner is looking at these factors for you to stay:

1. Broker Fee: Depending on the state of the Rental market, it is likely that the Owner will need to offer a concession to secure a new tenant. This is typically paying the Broker’s fee so the new tenant does not have to. This is one’s rent or 15 percent of the annual rent.

2. Standing Empty: What is the risk of the unit sitting vacant for 1 month? 2 months? Even longer? When the empty is unoccupied, the Owner risks losing income.

3. Current Market Conditions: The Owner must have a pulse on the current state of the rental market at the time of your renewal – is it favorable to Owners or Tenants? This impacts the dynamic of their being able to increase the rent, how quickly they may be able to find a new tenant if they do not offer to renew, etc.

4. What is the last price a comparable apartment rented for? Perhaps you entered your lease when the market was lower, and the Owner may be able to rent at a much higher price in the current market. However, Owners prefer a good, known tenant that they dealt with rather than a new unknown tenant. This is where the tenants’ discount lays.

What to Consider as a Tenant

As a tenant, is important to approach the expiration and possible renewal of your lease with an understanding of the following questions.

1. How long do you need to extend for? One year? Six months? Month to month? The shorter the lease, the more it will cost monthly.

2. Current market value for your apartment that you are renting: If you have been paying significantly less than what it could rent for today, it is not unreasonable to expect some increase in the monthly rent on your new lease.

3. Cost of moving: Perhaps one of the biggest considerations that is often overlooked. Is saving $200/MO on rent really worth the cost of moving?

The costs of moving include more than just the fee paid to the Movers. There are both financial and mental costs.

Think about Security deposits, packing, finding movers, moving fees, broker’s commission, time lost from work, possible condo application fees, unpacking. Often times, this costs will largely outweigh the annual cost of an increase in rent.

4. How long do you plan on staying? Does your timeline have moving to a new location in 2-3 years, or perhaps moving in with a partner or buying a property? If so, it may make sense to stay in your existing apartment despite an increase in Rent. Again, the costs and stress of moving may not outweigh an increase in rent.

Summit One Vanderbilt Observation Deck Opens in Midtown Manhattan

A new observation deck has opened in New York City that once again raises the benchmark. Summit is located on the 91st-93rd floors of One Vanderbilt, a new high-rise office building in Midtown Manhattan. Perched 1,200 feet in the air, Summit is the highest vantage point in Midtown.

What sets Summit apart from some of New York’s other famous observation deck is the experience one you get to the top.

Jump onto the elevator from the Grand Central Terminal and ascend to Summit. 

When elevator doors open, you step into an immersive art exhibit designed by Kenzo Digital.Mirror floors and ceilings provide a unique perspective on your surroundings. Kenzo Digital intended to design a space that would feel dreamlike and an escape from the reality on the ground.

For those looking for a bit more than just gazing out to the skyline and horizon, you can experience “Levitation.” Levitation consists of 2 glass ledges suspended 1,063 feet over Madison Avenue, ensure to offer heart-racing views of the city below. 

Visitors that want to take things even higher can try “Ascent”, glass elevators that scale the outside of the building. They are the largest glass-floor elevators in the world and take passengers up 1,000 feet in just 42 seconds. 

Before you make your way back to the ground, stop by Apres to enjoy a quick bite and drinks by Danny Meyer’s Union Square Events. You can enjoy bites and drinks from open air terraces and indoor lounge areas.

Tickets must be purchased for access and are available at one the Summit One Vanderbilt website. Prices start at $39 and New York City residents can get a $5 discount.

Images via Summit

Condo vs. Co-Op: A Guide for First-Time Homebuyers

Buying a home is one of the most exciting adventures on which you will go. However, it can also be very stressful and frustrating, as finding the right property can take a lot of time and energy. In New York, we have different property types, and understanding the difference between them is important in making your decision. The market is primarily dominated by two types: Condos and Co-Ops.

If you are still unsure what is the right choice for you, we're here to help. Below, we have prepared the pros and cons of both property types. Understanding their differences and what ownership of each entails will make it easier for you to make the right decision.

Condo vs. Co-Op: the main differences

Co-ops and condos have many similarities, so it can be very difficult to notice any differences at first sight. Of course, as with many things, the devils are in the details.

A cooperative, or a co-op for short, is run by a non-profit corporation. The residents buy proprietary leases from this corporation. In a Co-Op your ownership is not that of real property but shares in the corporation. The proprietary leases are shares in the property. By buying proprietary leases, the residents gain certain rights such as access to communal areas of the building as well as to their individual units.

The main difference between Condominiums and Co-Ops is in the structure of the ownership. In a Condo, residents actually own real property and hold the deed to their unit. Additionally, the have an interest in common areas of the building such as hallways and amenity spaces. When you're buying a condo, you are going through the same process as if you were buying a house. The best part is that condominium buildings are everywhere, which is not the case with co-ops. For example, if Manhattan is your dream location, it will be very easy to find a perfect condo – most new construction projects are Condos.

Differences Between Condos and Co-Ops

As said, the main difference between these two types of properties is ownership. However, there are other things that make them different, understanding the full implications of the differences will help you decide which property type is best for your scenario.

●      Price - Condos are usually more expensive, but they give you bigger flexibility as they are much easier to sell or rent. However, have in mind that the down payments for Co-Ops are usually higher.

●      Fees - In co-ops, all monthly expenses are rolled into one bill known as the “Monthly Maintenance”. Also, the utilities are charged as per the percentage of share a resident owns. For example, if they own 3% of the property, they'll pay 3% of the electricity or water bill.

●      Taxes - When it comes to condos, as they're owned individually, the property taxes are charged in the same way as you would pay for a single-family home. As co-ops are considered a single property, property taxes tend to be lower as they are shared between the residents. In a Condo, you will typically face two monthly charges: the real estate taxes as well as monthly Common Charges.

●      Board Approval: Both property types have boards and your purchase will be subject to board approval, however, Co-Ops are notorious for having very strict boards and they do not have to disclose why they approve or disapprove a potential resident.

What to have in mind before making your decision?

Now that you know the main differences, here are a couple of more details to consider before making a final decision between condo vs. co-op. 

Consider your budget

Every home buying process starts with budget questions. Therefore, make sure to assess how much you can spend by consulting with your Mortgage Broker and Real Estate Agent in order to set your home search up for success. Before you choose a lender, make sure to check with at least three to ensure you are receiving the most competitive rate.

By thoroughly analyzing your budget, you'll have a clear picture of how much you can spend and what kind of property you can purchase.

When setting your budget, make sure to take other factors besides your mortgage into consideration. Keep in mind that co-ops are less in demand and therefore cheaper. However, owning a condo comes with low maintenance costs. You need to weigh both options and figure out what works best for you in the long term.

Also, be mindful of the size of the property you can get for your money. Perhaps the home you used to rent was big, and now you have to downsize. Therefore, you might not have enough room for all your belongings. An easy and inexpensive solution is to rent a storage unit. However, make sure to do your research and notice warning signs before making your choice. For example, if you see any water damage in the unit, that should be an immediate red flag. As you want your belongings to be kept safely, you need to choose the most reliable storage company you can find.

Consider how much responsibility you are willing to accept

The number of responsibilities you'll get with a property might help you resolve the condo vs. co-op dilemma. When you live in a co-op, it almost feels like being a part of a club or society. Every big decision such as a renovation or accepting new tenants has to be made jointly by all residents. Afterward, the elected board will act on any decision residents make.

If you decide to live in a condo, you can choose if you want to decide about these issues on your own or let the condo board make the calls. You may wish to be excluded from these decisions and be responsible only for your own property. It's your decision how much you want to be engaged.

Living in a co-op means that you'll have to participate in every decision regarding your building.

Therefore, make sure to do your research and find out what kind of expenses and obligations you are getting with your first home. Nowadays, all information can be easily found online. You can even buy a property remotely if you wish! Your real estate agent will be able to advise on the monthly common charges or maintenance costs for a given unit.

However, if you are a first-time home buyer, we definitely recommend hiring an experienced real estate agent to help you.

4 Reasons Why Today is Not a Housing Bubble Like 2006

Headlines about the rapid pace of home price appreciation and stories of bidding wars on every property have many worried that a housing bubble could be brewing. Are we heading for the 2006 housing crash all over again? No!

Today’s market looks quite different than 2006 thanks to stricter lending rules and the underlying fundamentals that are driving pricing.

1. Supply and Demand

There has been a shift in Supply and Demand dynamics that contributed to home price increases. Millennials and younger generations are reaching the point of wanting to buy versus rent, and this was only accelerated by aspects of the pandemic such as spending more time at home and having the ability to save more money by being home. Increased desire for homeownership from these groups coupled with older buyers looking to trade up has resulted in a surge in demand.

Additionally, homebuilders are much more prudent about the volume of homes they are bringing to market today as a result of the last housing cycle. Most of the nation is experiencing a supply shortage, especially at lower price levels.

These 2 dynamics created a mismatch in supply and demand that accelerated home price appreciation. 2006 was characterized by overbuilding and Sellers rushing to list their homes - we are not seeing that today.

2. Interest Rates are Low

Interest rates are the lowest they have ever been. During the height of COVID, we saw mortgage rates continue to set record lows. These ultra-low rates have helped fuel price increases as Buyers can afford more house when rates are lower as a result of lower monthly mortgage payments.

There are concerns over rising interest rates. Yes, we expect rates to rise, but they are still going to be low compared to decades of the past. The Fed would have to raise rates very drastically to really halt all the demand.

Even when we think of rising rates, it is important to remember there is a duality at play. To a certain level, increasing home prices as a result of low interest rates and a less expensive purchase price at a higher interest rate make a Buyer indifferent.

Prudent Buyers understand that the longer they wait, the more price appreciation they will miss out on as well as face the risk of financing at a higher rate.

3. Demand will Persist

There continues to be incredibly large amount of demand because of a supply shortage. In fact, data from a report released by the National Associations of Realtors suggests that there is a shortage of nearly 5.5-6 million homes which equates to roughly $2 trillion waiting to be spent when using a national median selling price of $375,000.

4. Speculative Lending is not Present

The market is not driven by speculative lending as it was in 2006. In fact, it is quite the opposite. Lenders now need to follow strict guidelines that were put in place as a result of the Great Recession, and today’s borrowers are creditworthy. Additionally, more risky products such as adjustable rate mortgages represent just 5% of total purchase and refinance loans compared to nearly 35% at the peak of 2006.

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!