7 Things You'll Find in Every New Yorker's Apartment This Autumn
Ugly radiator? There’s a design solution for that.
Don’t you just love New York in autumn? Temperatures dip down low enough (but not too low) for locals and tourists alike to slip into their chunkiest of sweaters and galavant about town taking in the changing autumn leaves while sipping a cosy warm beverage. It’s a time of year when NYC hits its stride and its residents rise to the occasion, particularly when it comes to the subject of seasonal interiors.
No matter what size or style apartment, New Yorkers are adept at translating seasonal shifts into their homes. Blazing hot summer? Cue the closed curtains and breathable linen bedding! Dead-of-winter-bomb-cyclone? You can bet on layered throw blankets and a sleek space heater. In other words, New York City is no stranger to the elements and New Yorkers don’t let inclement weather get in the way of a savvy home.
In this spirit, we scoured the abodes of in-the-know NYC residents to find a smattering of common themes. Of course, some of these motifs would also work well in other regions of the world with similar autumn climates, so grab a pen and paper and take notes for imbuing your home with NYC design sensibilities.
Of course, shorter days during the fall is a phenomenon not specific to just New York City. But there’s something about living in the city that makes adjusting to the diminished sunlight feel like more of a struggle – after all, most New Yorkers are commuting by subway or on foot, subsequently spending more time in the ‘elements.’ Thus, curating a cozy space to escape back to each day is all but essential. One of the most common ways you’ll see this achieved is through cozy light sources scattered throughout the space, whether it’s a glowy lamp placed next to the sofa or a string of tasteful bistro lights adorning the dining table.
We can think of few more fulfilling ways to spend an autumnal afternoon at your NYC abode than curled up with a good read. New Yorker’s apartments are all about crafting stylish corners and vignettes, and the reading nook is no exception; it’s a design mainstay. Plus – pardon the plug – but we’ve got just the thing to complete the look: The Makers, our new coffee table book that travels you around the world and inside the most inspired interiors from over 50 tastemakers. Pour the masala chai latte, plop down on a plush chair, and enjoy a leisurely hour or two away from the NYC bustle.
If there’s one decor accent that New Yorkers have inarguably mastered it’s the art of the well-curated candlestick collection. From dramatic brass holders to moody ceramic candelabras fit for an autumnal dinner party, it’s a staple in homes across the city’s boroughs. It also complements a common architectural detail in older NYC apartments: the (non-operational) fireplace. Replacing burning wood with a display of flickering taper candles on the mantel or in the hearth itself is a clever way to emulate the spirit of historic city homes.
This autumn, step foot inside a Fort Greene brownstone or a Meatpacking District loft and you’re sure to discover living spaces accented with a lovely layered mix of ultra-soft throw pillows and blankets. Perhaps not a decor detail that’s found only in New York City, but it’s ubiquitous here during the colder months of the year. And the differentiating factor from other parts of the states, perhaps, is the mixing and matching of textures, palettes, and patterns that come together for that ineffable eclectic New York City charm.
Many apartments in New York City are situated within older homes, which means they’re likely outfitted with a radiator. While these aren’t the sexiest design element in a personal space they’re all but necessary for keeping warm during autumn and winter. For in-the-know New Yorkers, radiators are an opportunity to be creative and come autumn when the weather dips down you’ll discover all the ways one can enhance a heating system that is often thought of as unattractive. For example, hanging artwork in a vertical direction above it or even painting the radiator the same colour as your walls.
Anyone who knows New York City apartments knows that descriptors like ‘shoe box’ and ‘cramped’ are commonplace – we’re not known for our sprawling square footage! Because of this, it’s not uncommon to find studios or one-bedrooms where the sleeping area is close to the living room, which means styling the bed feels even more important when transitioning to a new season. Come autumn, chic New Yorkers swap out summery comforters and duvet covers for cosy palettes to add warmth to the overall home, creating an autumnal haven of sorts.
While a bouquet of freshly-cut daisies or sunflowers sounds delightful all year round, come autumn you’ll find New Yorkers often replace their vibrant florals with more subdued arrangements of dried flowers and sprigs. Aside from the autumnal mood it gives a space, this is also likely the case because weekend farmers markets tend to shift their offerings to these sorts of displays. And the best part? They’re not as dependent on water or sunlight, making it easy to keep them around for several days or weeks.
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