5 Tricks for Making Your NYC Apartment Feel Larger

Let’s face it, no one moves to New York City for the space. That’s like saying that people eat at Hooters for the food. We move to NYC for the culture, the restaurants, the activities, heck, even the chance of finding lasting love. But wide open spaces… not so much. And chances are, unless you live in a loft in Bushwick, you’re probably always looking for ways to make your space feel a bit bigger. Need a little help? We chatted with interior designer Wendy West about what to buy, what to ditch, and the top tips and tricks for making your tiny NYC apartment feel larger.

Tip #1: GO BIG

“Oversized furniture can actually help make small spaces feel bigger. Invest in a mirror, especially a large one. An oversized rug will also create the illusion of a larger living space.”

Tip #2: MAKE SURE IT’S FUNCTIONAL

“Look for versatile pieces such as ottomans, stools, and side tables, that are multi-functional.”

Tip #3: COLOR IS KEY

“Choose an accent color to use throughout the apartment. Create an accent wall using wallpaper or the accent paint color. Light funiture pieces and good lighting makes a huge difference too. Light and bright colors will always open up a space, whereas darker colors will produce a heavier feel.”

Tip #4: ORGANIZE, ORGANIZE, ORGANIZE

“Ditch anything that doesn’t serve a purpose. Clear the clutter! Create a designated space for necessary day-to-day items and put away things that don’t need to be out. I love the Container Store—they sell boxes, bins, and drawers for anything and everything!”

Tip #5: DIVIDE AND CONQUER

“Adding design elements and accessories creates a sense of purpose so each space feel like its own. Use accessories in each designated space to create the feeling of more separate areas.”