the best purchases I've made for my apartment
I've slowly but surely added personal touches to make decorate my apartment, with an emphasis on maximizing space & adding charm/personal touches. Here's the best things I've purchased so far!
kitchen
things that made my tiny brooklyn kitchen more functional + useful
I can not speak highly enough of pull and stick backsplash- this completely transformed my kitchen and added so much brightness to the space. It was easy to install, but I recommend having some caulk on hand to seal any spaces between sheets (espeica...
Lighting is so important! I hate turning on the ‘big light’, so I bought this IKEA lamp to add some extra lighting in my kitchen. It has a cool look and fits in so well with my overall kitchen.
Getting real glasses truly catapulted my adult life. I am in love with these glasses from Our Place- I use them for everything from iced coffee, to water, to cocktails! They're perfect.
In small kitchens, it's so important to add any extra countertops/storage where you can. We found this exact island outside our apartment, but this is the exact one from Amazon.
Multi-functional appliances are key for limited countertop space. This nut milk maker doubles as an electric kettle, food processor, and small blender.
Another multifunctional product- the airfryer is my stovetop, toaster, and more. I use the air fryer every single day!!
I wanted to add some more texture to cover my kitchen tiles, in effort to create more of the ‘homey’ feel. I love this option from IKEA, as jute is great for kitchens (any spills or crumbs are hardly noticeable), and it's great price and size.
Another great way to make a spcae feel lived in is adding greenery/plants. I have a mix of real plants and faux plants that I put on top of my carbinets. All of the fake plants and vases are from TJ Maxx- they have great options.
living room
our living room is big by NYC standards, but it's our living room + dining room in one. Here's how I make it work!
My living room doubles as the dining room and living room, but I could only fit a small table. This West Elm option is a great pick for small spaces. I found mine on FB marketplace.
Our couch came from Wayfair- it's functional, with storage built in and pulls out into a full bed for guests. It probably won't be my forever couch, but for a first apartment, it's decent.
this blanket from Clr Shop makes the couch feel extra special. I love the pattern, and it's cozy too!
I get so many compliments on this coffee table. Even cooler, the company makes it so that any product can transform into another- this coffee table could be a desk someday. Super cool concept!
I looovee SIN ceramics. I got this piece at one of their sample sales in Brooklyn, and it's such a show shopper. I use it as decor all the time.
Once again, say it with me- lighting is so important!! I love this Hay/Noguchi-inspired lamp shade from IKEA.
bedroom
I love my tiny NYC bedroom. Here's my favorite things that have made it feel like me.
I love my vintage curtain from this Etsy seller. Here's a similar option that she's currently selling.
I found these amazing vintage frames from this Etsy seller for the prints I have. Instantly elevated the room!
I added a few extra pillows and got shams from the Casaluna line from Target. Mine are a darker pink than what they currently sell, but this option is very similar.
Linen sheets changed my life! I have this set from I Love Linen.
In small spaces, vertical storage is everything. I added three of these to make a make-shift bookshelf.
I have this mirror on top of my dresser- I like the ledge at the bottom for storing makeup, hair ties, etc.
guest room
we have an extra small room/oversized closet tbh that we're lucky enough to use as a guest room. a NYC luxury!
Becuase the room is small, I didn't want to have a bed take up all of the space. I love this option that transforms from a chair to a lounger to a bed when you need it. Add a futon mattress to complete!
My guest room gets the least amount of light, so it's important to maximize what you get. Positining a mirror opposite a winodw allows you to reflect the light. I used this IKEA one.
Again, since the room doesn't get the best light, sheer curtains were a must. I like beige to create a warm atmosphere.
These stools are so versatile! I use them in this room as a nightstand/seating/etc. Super easy to put together, and easy to store since they stack together.
Another IKEA purchase for this room- this rug is so well priced and super comfy.
Once again, lighting is everything! Love this cool lamp from IKEA for the finishing touch.
bathroom
our bathroom is still a work in progress, but here's some things we've added to elevate it so far.
I was gifted this shower head replacement set, but I'm obsessed-it's completely transformed my shower. You can add a filter or scents into the filter if you'd like, making this the ultimate luxe shower if you like!
I don't have this exact shower curtain, but I have a similar one with a sheer fabric to let in the light (since the window is behind the shower). Such a good option to maximize light.
Adding eucalpytus to my shower makes it so much better! Avsilable on Amazon or at grocery stores like Trader Joe's.
Cute toothbrush holder from Muji! I've had this forever and love it.
miscellaneous
miscellaneous home items for pets, cleaning, etc.!
If you have cats, you know the litter can be stinky, especially in small spaces. Getting a stainless steel litter box was a game changer, as it reduced the smell that can get trapped in plastic.
I added ceiling fans this year, and I wish I did it sooner. So great for being able to get the air moving, and it cuts down on our summer electric bill big time.
I am a Dyson customer for life! If you have pets, you need a Dyson. I got mine refurbished from the Dyson website- definitely keep an eye on that section of their website to score one for less, as they can be pricey.
Another cleaning product I love: my steam cleaner! I use this mop to floors, clean the windows, etc. All of the attachments make it easy to get in all of the crevices and small spaces.