Your New York City apartment may not be large, but you can make it an extraordinary spot by capitalizing on the light and the views. To make the best of your views, create visual “draws” or features that pull the viewer’s gaze across your apartment.

1. Add a Garden

If you have the space for a rooftop garden, install it. You can use this area to host parties with stunning views as the backdrop. Even if you don’t, make sure you add houseplants to the living space and blooming plants if you get enough light.

2. Pull the Eye

If you have a window with a particular view, surround it with small objects that draw the eye. Books in a bookcase may invite guests to walk towards this window. Small, uniform art pieces, such as black and white cartoons or sepia photographs in a series of small frames, will also capture the viewer.

While you’re hanging your art and placing a focus on the window, make sure you also turn furniture to make it easier to study the night sky.

3. Use the Light

Add sheers if the daytime view is less than spectacular or if you just want a visual break. Outer curtain panels can be added if you need complete privacy, but sheers will give you a sense of solitude and still give you plenty of light during the day.

4. Consider Adding Film

There may be windows that offer a less-than-spectacular view or that need to be a bit more private. Consider adding a privacy film that throws prismatic light around them. The window may only show the brick wall across the alley, but a prismatic film will make the view amazing.

If this window takes up a lot of wall space, this film will also allow you to completely skip sheers, curtains, and blinds without losing privacy.

5. Limit Electric Light

Keep your electric lights low if your window shows the cityscape after dark. Use table lamps instead of overheads to get the city’s full glow once the sun goes down.

6. Echo with Artwork

Perhaps you have a terrific view of a well-known building. On the walls that don’t face that structure, create a collection of images of that building. You may even use photos you’ve taken yourself or a collection of black-and-white images in brightly colored frames.

7. Incorporate Shapes

If your apartment gives a great view of a curved bridge, use patterns and artwork that echo the curve on your walls or in your upholstery fabric. Should you have a bench or a trunk that you can settle in front of the window to create a window seat, consider getting cushions made of a fabric that will echo the shape of the most remarkable feature.

Not all windows need to be covered, but you can create a visual variety that will allow you some privacy. Careful attention to detail regarding artwork and fabrics will also draw the eye to your amazing views.

Published by: Khy Talara