The New York Capsule: 8 Décor Pieces Every Style Pro in the City Owns

By
Gabrielle Savoie
Gabrielle Savoie
Gabrielle Savoie is the founder of décor site Savvy Home, a finalist for prestigious style and design awards. She is an expert in interior design and home décor and has been a writer and editor for various high-profile publications in the industry for almost 10 years.
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Updated on May 03, 2021
NYC decor

The White Arrow

New York City apartments are the mecca for unique, innovative décor. Far from the breezy boho houses of L.A., the ornate effortless apartments of Paris, or the minimal muted spaces of Copenhagen, New York homes—just like its residents—march to the beat of their own drum. Space comes at a premium in the city that never sleeps, personal style is celebrated, and salaries often run high; a trifecta that makes up the perfect storm for innovative and edgy small-space décor that's both high-end and understated.

So what are New Yorkers adding to their homes these days? We're seeing a mix of highly textured, moody, and dramatic items mixed with clever small-space solutions, from wall-mounted storage to black marble furniture. If you want to learn to decorate like a New Yorker, you'll want to take a cue from the stylish, cute NYC apartments that do it best.

Read on to learn more about NYC décor we're seeing in apartments all over the city, and design your space to the max (no matter how small it is).

01 of 08

Hang Noguchi Lanterns and Lamps

NYC decor

Elizabeth Roberts

A growing trend that extends far beyond New York City décor, Noguchi lanterns and lamps are becoming increasingly popular in interior design. The rule of thumb: the bigger, the better. Style yours with bright white walls and natural elements for a cohesive, earthy finish, and add a few pops of color to liven up your space. Let's hope it's only a matter of time before IKEA reintroduces its oversized paper lantern collection.

02 of 08

Style a Low Black Marble Coffee Table

NYC decor

Tali Roth

White marble might be all the rage around the country, but for New York designers, black marble reigns supreme. We're seeing it grace moody living rooms around the city in the form of low, lounge-inspired coffee tables. This trend can also extend to counter surfaces, floating shelving, or small accessories—so incorporate it wherever suits your space best.

Burke Décor
Burke Décor Plinth Table Low $1,994.95
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03 of 08

Glow With Abstract Neon Signs

NYC decor

Elizabeth Roberts

With neon signs flashing everywhere outside of their apartments, it may seem a little peculiar that decorators in New York would want them inside too. But the residents love their indoor neon signs to replace traditional lighting—and when it comes to styles, the more abstract, the better. Whether it's framing the living room, trailing down a hallway, or spelling out words as a statement piece, neon can bring a special glow of personality to any space.

For a truly unique design, opt for flexible styles of neon that you can shape on your own in any word or pattern you want: No one else will have a piece quite like yours.

04 of 08

Step Onto a Vintage Tuareg Rug

NYC decor

The White Arrow

First it was all about the Moroccan Beni Ourain rug—then we all fell in love with vintage Oushak Turkish rugs. Now? Vintage Tuareg mats are the next big rug trend. We're seeing them increasingly grace the floors of the coolest apartments in the city, so it's only a matter of time before more designers catch on. Get the look in your space by pairing the antique rugs with modern elements, eclectic décor, and unique light fixtures.

05 of 08

Dream on Channel-Tufted Beds

NYC decor

Studio DB

New Yorkers are all about channel tufting these days, especially in darker velvet fabrics like hunter green or charcoal. The bedroom is the favored place to add channel tufting, but we're also seeing it in the living room on chairs and sofas. Complete the look in your space by opting for a full channel bed frame that's upholstered from top to bottom, then style light, airy bedding for a fresh finish. In the living room, pair your channel furniture with mix-matched throw pillows that complement the shade of the upholstery.

One Kings Lane
One Kings Lane Delmar Channel Bed 775.00 - $895.00
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06 of 08

Mount Your Shelving

NYC decor

Elizabeth Roberts

New Yorkers have notoriously small apartments, so every square inch is precious space. A city dweller's favorite trick to maximize space: Use wall-mounted storage. We're seeing bookshelves mounted to the walls in almost every apartment, big or small. Use it to display plants, books, art, and anything else you don't have table space for. If you're looking for more storage, style your shelving with plenty of baskets to house all those less-attractive necessities (like extra towels, blankets, bathroom accessories, or even dishware) without making things feel cluttered on display.

07 of 08

Go Geometric With Side Tables

NYC decor

Ash NYC

If there's one item that's coveted by New York City décor aficionados these days, it's De La Espada's Laurel marble side table. But since it's not within everyone's budget, we're also seeing concrete geometric tables in pastel colors and angular shapes proliferate in NYC homes everywhere. Opt for varieties that stick to the classic stone or concrete style, or choose pieces in different shapes like cylinders, hexagons, or triangles with flat tops for easy placement of food, drinks, and décor.

08 of 08

Try a Modern Daybed

NYC decor

The White Arrow

While daybeds are not necessarily the first thing you'd think of when decorating a small space, they are surprisingly popular in the city. In smaller spaces, they are used to double as a guest bed or replace a sofa. They're usually modern and minimal in shape, and can sometimes be bold in color as well. Here, a daybed rests in the center of the room to serve as a focal point among modern furniture. Style yours against a wall to save space, or let it draw attention with vibrant colors and sleek décor.

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