The New York style, although it looks very young and modern, was born in the USA already in the 1960s. Since then, it has not stopped developing and absorbed into itself all the fashionable trends. Here’s why this style is perfect for those who want to combine elegance, comfort and functionality in their apartment.
Anyone who has spent at least a week in Megalopolis, certainly noticed the confusion of everything and the dizzying pace on the streets. In addition to the natives, many ambitious people descend on the city, who in the conditions of ruthless competition and tense struggle set themselves the goal of living in a chic apartment “towering” over the city.
This kind of atmosphere forces people to decorate their interiors in a particular style. New York apartments exude a cool serenity. Domesticity and warmth are not their domain – they are supposed to demonstrate the hard-won achievements of their owners. In this spirit, the still popular New York style was born. Its main characteristic is eclecticism, or a controlled mélange of fashionable trends.
New York style is characterized by open plan – no partition walls between living room, kitchen, dining room, and sometimes even bedroom. Ceilings of New York interiors are decorated with stucco or covered with impressive coffers. Sometimes illuminated curtain rods, mirrors or shiny suspended ceilings are installed.
New York interiors are fond of stucco. Ornaments and cornices, however, are designed so as not to be conspicuous. The reference point for stucco interior design is the 17th and 18th century English and Dutch interiors, the owners of which emigrated to America. With this approach to arrangement, walls are framed by decorative mouldings, and doors and windows are surrounded by smooth decorative profiles. The surface of the walls and decorative elements are covered with the same color.
In more modern interiors stucco is practically absent. Another idea for finishing walls is to cover them with leather or fabric, pre-cleaned and painted brick, wooden panels, large format panels, or even natural stone, for example, onyx. When doing so, beware of a large number of different coverings and finish large sections of walls with one material.
New York designers use flooring to link or divide several living areas. The same floor covering will emphasize the openness and amphitheatre layout of the rooms; a change of covering will emphasize the transition between the interiors. Solid wood or a very realistic imitation of wood, shiny tile, porcelain stoneware or marble are most often chosen for floor finishes.
Furniture of New York apartments matches or contrasts with the general mood of the interior. On the background of uniformly painted walls, designed according to classic rules, we can see a set of colorful plastic chairs or a glass illuminated table with chrome legs. The whole looks so harmonious and well-thought-out that the arrangement seems to be the best possible.
The way the New Yorker furnishes his interior reflects his individuality. If space allows, the furniture is arranged in such a way that it can be rearranged without harming the overall concept.
Designer lighting performs not only practical, but also decorative functions. New York interiors use spotlights on slats, lamps recessed into the ceiling, spot lighting in the suspended ceiling and decorative chandeliers. When it comes to lighting, there are no limits. The light is supposed to build the atmosphere of the exhibition space.
The color palette is as varied as the people living in Megalopolis. Nevertheless, we can observe a predilection for white, black, gray and beige. New York interiors also feature vivid colors: purple, burgundy, ink and emerald.
New York interiors do not like to dazzle with decorations, the accent is rather on the furniture and interesting combinations of textures and finishing textures. However, if they do appear, they are high-end decorations. They are usually works of art: sculptures and paintings.
Panoramic windows, characteristic of the New York style, are usually covered with tulle and curtains reaching to the floor and hung on curtain rods hidden in the wall. It is the fabric itself, rather than the cut, that plays a greater role. Intricate weaves, original shades and play of colors are welcome here.
Photo: Sidekix Media/Unsplash
