Feb 24, 2022

7 Decorating Tips for a Manhattan Style Apartment

 

The exterior of a typical Manhattan building.



Numerous people consider Manhattan to be the chicest borough of New York. All the popular movies and TV shows have created an illusion that Manhattan apartments are very spacious. However, the reality is different. Most Manhattanites actually complain because of the lack of space. Luckily, even though they lack size, they make up with modern furniture and style. So, if you are moving to New York or want to upgrade your NYC home, you've come to the right place. This article will share the best decorating tips for a Manhattan style apartment.



 

Decorating tips for a Manhattan style apartment: the ultimate list



Even though living in a small apartment requires some degree of sacrifice, your decor shouldn't be one of them. Small spaces are all about thinking outside the box and figuring out ways to make your home functional without feeling cramped.


 


For instance, one way of achieving this is to look for storage options. This way, you will have a place for your extra belongings while ensuring your apartment is unobstructed with extra furniture and stuff people accumulate over the years.




The Manhattan apartment palette



When it comes to achieving the Manhattan apartment look, the color palette you choose will play a significant role. Firstly, we need to use colors to help create an illusion of spaciousness and airiness. Therefore, when decorating your NYC apartment, be sure to choose bright colors for your walls. 



Secondly, opting for brighter shades goes for your upholstery too. This doesn't mean everything should be white. On the contrary, seek softer hues of some of your favorite colors. 



Lights play an essential role in your home's decor



Quite a few historic buildings can be found in Manhattan. These buildings are also known for their large windows. Their best feature is that they provide you with a lot of natural light, which is an advantage on its own. 


Long white curtains as one of the decorating tips for a Manhattan style apartment.
Having long bright curtains is a Manhattan apartment staple
 


However, don't be desperate if your windows are small. You can achieve the Manhattan apartment look by having curtains that pool slightly on the floor. They are a staple for Manhattan-style apartments and add richness to the overall decor.



Additionally, you can use mirrors and light fixtures to enhance the lighting in your apartment. 



Adding greenery is one of the best decorating tips for a Manhattan style apartment



Living in a city that never sleeps, surrounded by traffic and cars, with just a few opportunities to enjoy nature, has forced people to bring nature indoors. Thus, home greenery is a must if you want to decorate your home Manhattan style


Seven plants in seven small pots.
Bringing the outside indoors is one of the best decorating tips for a Manhattan style apartment.


Having scattered pots around your apartment will give you nice little pops of green here and there. Not to mention, it will also add texture to the place.


Even if you don't have a green thumb, that's okay. Some plants require very little maintenance and are perfect for the residents of the busiest city in the world!



Type of furniture


Generally, we can divide the furniture in some of the most beautiful-looking Manhattan apartments into three groups.


  1. Scandinavian

  2. Contemporary

  3. Sophisticated


A blue sofa in the corner of a modern Manhattan style apartment.
The type of furniture you choose will largely dictate the decor of your Manhattan apartment.
 



  1. Scandinavian furniture has had a significant influence on Manhattan apartments in recent years. The lines are clean and straightforward and create an elegant look. Also, they are incredibly versatile when it comes to the overall apartment vibe.

  2. Manhattan apartments with modern furniture are the ones you usually see in the movies. This type of style favors modern furniture with pops of glass and chrome. 

  3. Finally, if your idea of Manhattan-style apartments comes from shows like Sex and the city, you'll want to go for luxury pieces. The furniture can be partly antique, partly modern to achieve the whole look. 



In any case, you want to achieve a particular style by choosing the right furniture pieces and not having the place overcrowded with stuff. This is where professionals from nycministorage.com can help you. Keeping the things you don't currently need safely in a storage unit will be of great help.


 

Create areas with rugs


Area rugs are another way to define and break up the living spaces. This is especially useful for smaller apartments. Make sure you use the same color palette for your rugs. This way, you will achieve the flowing feel from one space to another.



Have colorful accents and modern artwork


If you have a monochromatic living room, you can spice it up by using an accent piece in a different color. For example, deep red cushions for your sofa or unique accent pieces in gold or marble will rejuvenate any space.


Additionally, you can hang artwork standing above your modern furniture. In these cases, contrast is a highly favorable feature.



Enlarge the space visually



Finally, the sacrifice most Manhattan residents usually make is their apartment space. Even though these apartments appear luxurious, they lack square footage. Therefore, it would be best to search for small apartment decorating tips and tricks to make it feel more spacious.



For example, you could go for bright white curtains - make sure you place the curtain rods a few inches from the ceiling. Or, you could have different light fixtures around the apartment.


 

Conclusion on decorating tips for a Manhattan style apartment


These were some of the best decorating tips for a Manhattan style apartment to get you started. Your next step is to research and plan how to use these tips to make the space suit your preferences while achieving the style you want. Happy decorating!



Photos used:



https://unsplash.com/photos/epJoNR_4feM


https://unsplash.com/photos/EF6z_6R94zQ


https://unsplash.com/photos/S7viz8JWxwY


https://unsplash.com/photos/t4oVP2xFMJ8




Feb 4, 2022

How to avoid moving day disasters

 a tipped-over house



Are you planning to relocate to another home and want to avoid moving day disasters? To achieve this, you will want to carefully plan every aspect of the relocation process and familiarize yourself with potential pitfalls. If you are curious as to what precisely the most common relocation disasters are and how best to avoid them, My Home Sweet Home has prepared a small guide for you. We will walk you through everything you need to know for creating a smooth, enjoyable, and disaster-free moving process!



Most common moving day disasters



"Knowing is half the battle," as the famous 80's quote says. By knowing what the most common moving day disasters are, you will already have some ideas on how to prevent them. When it comes to relocations, here are the things you will want to watch out for:

  • Being a victim of a moving scam

  • Broken/Damaged belongings

  • Friends "bailing" out

  • Movers refusing to transport some items

  • Not being able to fit some pieces through the door


Person doing research
You can avoid moving day disasters by conducting proper research.



You may also want to take some steps to strengthen your home security. When moving into another area, you might be unfamiliar with the crime rate. New homeowners might also seem like an enticing target. Take the necessary precautions, and you will be able to sleep soundly.



Moving scams and how to avoid them



The unfortunate truth of the moving industry is that many "scam artists" are looking to relieve you of some of your hard-earned money. These rogue movers can quickly transform your relocation into a disastrous one. So, what can you do to avoid having to deal with them?



The first step is to conduct proper research when searching for a mover. In other words, you need to do your homework. Before you entrust your belongings to a moving company, you will want to check whether your movers are licensed, insured, and properly certified. Furthermore, you will want to check if there are any official complaints filed against the moving company in question and check their online reviews. You may also want to verify that your movers are associated with at least one prominent moving organization such as the BBB and AMSA.




Person with a mask
Be wary of scammers.



You can come across many unwanted moving expenses if you are not careful. By conducting extensive research, you will avoid overpaying your movers and minimize any chances of a disaster. It literally "pays off" to be as thorough and meticulous as possible.



How to avoid broken/damaged items



One of the most common moving disasters is when your belongings arrive at your new home only for you to find that some of them are broken or severely damaged. It is pretty common to find yourself with shattered glass and damaged furniture after the move, especially if you are conducting a long-distance relocation.



The best way to avoid this is to be extra careful when packing your items. You will want to use proper packing supplies and quality boxes, avoiding any that are damaged or obviously falling apart. Furthermore, you will want to utilize specialty boxes for sensitive items such as artwork, mirrors, or TVs. Ideally, you will want to invest in telescope boxes for this occasion.



You will also want to wrap any breakables in bubble wrap, foam, or newspaper and place heavy items in smaller boxes. Whatever you do, try not to place several heavy items inside one box, as that is equal to inviting a disaster to happen. If you are unsure of your packing skills, you can choose a moving company that offers packing services and have them pack your belongings for you. Professional packers always use high-quality packing supplies and will ensure that your items receive maximum protection.



Don't risk friends "bailing out"



The fact of the matter is that relocations are costly endeavors. You will probably want to ask a couple of your friends to help you relocate to reduce moving costs. But your friends might suddenly "bailout" on you when the moving day arrives. And this can spell disaster for your moving plans.



several people in a room
Your friends can be a great help, but you might want to have alternative options.



To avoid moving day disasters due to the lack of labor, you will want to have other alternatives at the ready. Contact a labor-only moving company ahead of time and make some arrangements just in case. While it is possible to find help at the last minute, this will usually cost more. When we talked to the experts at teddymoving.com, they recommended contacting your movers at least a week or two in advance. Of course, you will want to allow yourself the time to conduct some research about your hired help, which means that you may need to start thinking about this even earlier.



How to prevent movers from refusing to transport some items



The easiest way to avoid this particular disaster is to communicate clearly with your movers. Check with them and ask for a complete list of non-allowable items before you start to pack. If you are uncertain about a specific entity, consult with your movers.



Getting the couch through the door



To avoid this quite common moving disaster, you will want to measure both the couch and doorways before the relocation. You may also want to try to take the hinges off the door, remove couch legs, or search for another point of exit. At this point, you may encounter some common doorknob problems, as well. Therefore, you must start thinking about this early and take the necessary steps.



The best way to avoid moving day disasters - Choose a reliable moving company



While moving can be very stressful, having top professionals by your side will make it significantly easier. It is in your best interest to hire movers with sufficient knowledge and experience, as well as the ones that have a stellar reputation. You will want to take the time to ensure that you are working with the best moving company in your area. When it comes to making moving less stressful, working with reputable movers is the way to go. With their help, you will not only avoid moving day disasters, but you will experience a smooth and reliable moving process!



Photos used:



https://pixabay.com/photos/man-writing-laptop-computer-write-2562325/


https://pixabay.com/photos/scam-hacker-security-virus-fraud-4126798/


https://pixabay.com/photos/people-girls-women-students-2557399/


https://pixabay.com/photos/hurricane-irma-home-destruction-2857982/




Feb 3, 2022

Why the Vinyl Flooring In Your Mississauga Home May Be Shrinking


Summary: While vinyl flooring is a durable option, it can shrink and cup when exposed to certain external stressors. So, if you have chosen vinyl flooring installation for your Mississauga home, be wary of exposing it to rapidly changing temperatures, floor damage, and breakdown of esters. 




C:\Users\G-Shu\Downloads\vinyl flooring.jpg

Vinyl flooring is made from a variety of synthetic materials such as PVC vinyl, plasticizer, and fibreglass. It has multiple layers, including a sturdy wooden core, which creates a durable product that stands up well to wear and tear. And it is available in many styles, designs, and colours which helps homeowners not only update their interiors but freshen the space. Being an artificial material, it’s more affordable than natural flooring options like hardwood. 



However, vinyl flooring is known to shrink after just a few years of use in certain conditions. 



What causes this? And how can it be prevented? 



Experts at a leading vinyl flooring store in Mississauga, Ontario, have researched the answers to these questions.

 



Let’s find out what they are. 



Why Does Vinyl Flooring Shrink? (Advice from Experts in Mississauga)



There are a few reasons why your vinyl flooring planks may be shrinking. Let’s look at some of the most common ones. 



  1. Exposure to Fluctuating Temperatures

One primary reason that your vinyl flooring may expand or contract is exposure to heat and sunlight throughout the day. When vinyl becomes warm, it expands slightly which causes buckling over time. 



Moreover, if your vinyl flooring was glued down or came with a self-stick option, sunlight, and heat can release the glue bond and cause the tiles to shift. When it’s exposed to colder climates, this flooring will contract, resulting in gaps becoming visible between the planks or tiles. 



If you live in an area that experiences frequent temperature fluctuations, choose luxury vinyl tiles. While they may be slightly more expensive than regular vinyl tiles or planks, they are more durable, making them a suitable option. 



  1. Floor Damage


Your vinyl flooring can sustain damage from furniture being moved around, when it is exposed to water, or when heavy objects are dropped on it. The result is gaps appearing between the planks.



If you need to move heavy furniture around, it’s better to either carry them or place furniture sliders or pads beneath them before sliding it across the floor. They will reduce friction on the planks and diminish chances of them sustaining damage. 



Alternatively, if your flooring has sustained water damage because of a leaking water heater or busted pipe, make sure you mop the area promptly; failing to do so can cause separating and cupping. 



  1. Breakdown of Esters


Esters are also known as plasticizers. These liquid solvents are added to synthetic resins to promote elasticity and flexibility in vinyl planks. They allow the material to offer superior durability and to expand and contract easily. 



But this can also have the reverse effect when the planks are exposed to a drastically changing environment. Over time, these esters break down, resulting in gaps appearing and edges cupping. 




Vinyl flooring is one of the most durable options available, but it can shrink and cup when exposed to external stressors. This makes it necessary to have experienced professionals install your vinyl flooring in Mississauga and elsewhere. Along with ensuring they look beautiful, it will also help the material last for many years to come. 



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