As someone who loves space, moving to NYC was a choice (No My The choice—it was my husband’s—but that’s not the point, and you’re here to shop, not to hear my entire life story). Although I have adjusted to city life and wouldn’t trade restaurants, energy, etc. outfit For anything, going from a 1920s Spanish-style house with a backyard to a square box in a new-build apartment complex was the hardest thing. But one thing about me? I’m an inner snob who refuses to sacrifice comfort or style – and I love a good challenge.
After receiving quests from key home sites, head to the side of the road (shout out.) @stoopingnyc), vintage stores, and out of my neighbors’ sales, I’ve transformed my tiny apartment into a sanctuary I actually look forward to coming home to. I may still hear a siren or two outside, but my space allows me to breathe and relax.
If you’re moving to town soon, or if you’ve been here a while but need help creating a space where you don’t feel like yelling, I’ve got you covered. No money is needed to feel comfortable, but fair warning: I like the investment piece. On some things you can save, while on some you should not save at all. I’ll tell you which one, and I’m keeping it short and sweet – just the essentials that make a difference.
Bedroom essentials
Has your mattress ever felt so bad that you woke up wondering if you even got any sleep? Since I started using the Casper mattress, those nights have become a distant memory. They don’t call it Cloud One for nothing. I would say it’s like sleeping on a cloud, but that’s not even fair. My husband may have had tears in his eyes when I showed up carrying this thing into our building with a luggage cart on a rainy Saturday — and the fact that it came compressed in a box made the whole NYC hallway situation so much more manageable than it could have been. We stubbornly held on to a very useless old mattress because I was determined to save money. big mistake. You don’t understand the importance of sleep until you have poor sleep for a long time. No gummy, supplement, or eye mask is as effective as a quality memory foam mattress. The Cloud One uses patent-pending foam pillars at its core that basically cradle you while maintaining breathability. And it will stay with you year after year. It’s a splurge, but the good news is that Casper has options at a few different price points, so you can find your ideal version.
cozy earth
Bamboo Jersey Sheet Set
Did you grow up believing everything Oprah said? Same. Cozy Earth sheets have been on her list of favorite things for seven years in a row — and if they’re good enough for Oprah, they’re good enough for me, too. he has his own too edit On site. The bamboo sheets are the real star. They are buttery soft and get better with every wash. I’ve had mine for about five years, and they continue to improve. Every guest who stays at my house buys these immediately after they leave.
Kauai
Airmega AP-1512HH(W) True HEPA Purifier
You’ve probably seen about five million Instagram ads for air purifiers — and if you haven’t yet, I’m sorry, because now you will. But it’s worth it. Four-stage HEPA filtration captures 99.97% of airborne particles, a color-coded sensor tells you in real time how clean your air is, and it runs so quietly you’ll forget it’s there. It’s not cheap, but not overly expensive either, and considering that poor air quality really affects your health, it’s a good investment.
Yes, you can use your phone’s alarm clock, Or You can use something that won’t spike your cortisol as you start your day in an already anxiety-inducing city. The Hatch is technically an alarm clock, but calling it that feels like I’m not giving it the credit it deserves. It gently wakes you up by mimicking sunrise with sounds like birds chirping or ocean waves – whichever you prefer. You can set mood lighting on demand, schedule a wind-down routine, and watch the lights slowly change from sunset to red light that truly lulls you to sleep. Why did I choose it over competing brands? This is the most beautiful. And I’m just a girl!
living room staple
I’m lucky enough to have a proper living room, but the studio also has its own version of it (though it shares that space with everything else). This is where hosting happens, reality shows air, work gets done and arts and crafts come to light.
rugs usa
Arel Speckled Wool-Blend Rug
A rug makes a space fifty times cozier, and I don’t think I’m exaggerating. In a small apartment, it does something magical and intentional by defining the space. I have lost count of the compliments I have received from Rugs USA. Everyone assumes this is a designer rug, and it’s far from it. It costs less than $1,000 for a 9×12, which is practically unheard of in the interior world.
west elm
Zigzag Floor Lamp
I’m not sure what it is about New York landlords and their commitment to zero overhead lighting, but it’s kind of a blessing in disguise. This forces you to be creative with attractive lamps, candles, and intentional light sources, and the result is a space that actually feels warm and livable rather than a medical office.
palace house
hamilton sleeper sofa
If you have guests and either don’t have a second bedroom or have one the size of a closet (*raises hand*), a sleeper sofa is a non-negotiable. And I say this as someone who’s browsed nearly 300 of them: Castlery is the best and most reasonably priced. And you’re not compromising on style or comfort; This is really a very nice sofa.
green line
Verbena Cane Wide Dresser
I know what you’re thinking: Shouldn’t the dresser be in the bedroom section?? Stay with me. I love a dresser as an alternative to a TV console in the living room because it gives you so much storage. If you have small closets, you can stuff your stuff here. I deeply hate clutter and would rather add space for drawers than have racks of clothes scattered around my apartment. It’s definitely a splurge, but Green Row is a brand I’ve had my eye on for some time for really quality pieces. Otherwise, I’m a sucker for a good secondhand find on Facebook Marketplace. The worst thing you can do is buy a cheap item online that may not last. Believe me, I have experienced it many times.
bathroom upgrades
When it comes to creating a zen space, the bathroom is often overlooked, and I don’t understand why. Did you know that instant sense of calm you feel when you go to a spa? You can recreate it at home. Painting your bathroom is the first step if your landlord allows it, but after that, it’s all about the details: splurging on good soaps, finding a shower curtain that doesn’t actually look like a shower curtain, and adding cute wall storage.
anthropology
Pippa Wooden Wall Cabinet
There’s nothing worse than moving to a new place and being faced with a complete lack of storage in the bathroom. Wall space is much neglected and is prime real estate. A wall storage cabinet is my favorite NYC bathroom hack. You can find the best options secondhand (old spice cabinets work surprisingly well), or there are also great options available online if you don’t want to go the hunting route.
quince
European Linen Shower Curtain in Beige
Hang these as high as possible in your bathroom so they look like they’re coming down from the ceiling, and thank me later.
zara home
Beige Marble Soap Dispenser
Now is the time to give up your drugstore soap. ok, ok, you won’t do that In fact got to give it up. I’m all for being practical, even though Diptyque Fleur de Peau hand soap is something I would bring as my one item on a desert island. The hack is simple: Put your affordable soap in a pretty bottle. Instant upgrade.
