My NYC Apartment Decor Update

After visiting Miami several times and staying in my favorite Domio (vacation apartment rentals), I wanted to feel like I was on vacation all the time. The decor at Domio is modern yet comfortable and I always got an amazing sleep in their beds with exquisite sheets and comforters. I wanted to bring that vibe to my own space. I’ve never actually done an apartment decor update. Everything I had was accumulated since I was in college. Even my kitchen table had been in my first college off campus apartment. It was definitely time to update my decor to fit my new sense of self and womanhood. After returning from my Miami vacation for New Years, I wanted to start the New Year off right and I embarked on a decor update. It was a full month of internet stalking, visiting stores like CB2 and Target but I finally finished my space and now I’m ready to share it with you in full detail. I just dropped a video to go along with this post so make sure to check that video out as well. Now lets get to the good stuff!

Walmart Dining Table | Wayfair Velvet Chairs | Byredo Bohemia Candle | Slate Coasters | Urban Outfitters Grey Rug

The Dining Space

For the dining space, I went with a white round table from Walmart to fit the small space I had. It has a really cozy and modern feel to it now and melds well with my color scheme of whites, greys, browns and black. For the chairs I went with velvet blush pink chairs from Wayfair. I wanted a subtle pop of color in the space to break up the white and these are perfect. They are super affordable and really comfortable. I love sitting at the table in the morning with my cup of coffee and going through emails. I can look out the window and I have a clear eye line to the television as well.

IKEA Mirror | Bird of Paradise Plant | IKEA Floating Photo Shelf | Teakwood & Tobacco Reed Diffusor

MY CONTENT SPACE

I definitely need a large mirror to help showcase my outfits and make my job easier as a full-time blogger. I found the perfect extra large yet modern floor mirror from IKEA. I outfitted the space with a white bird of paradise plant from Home Depot and a floating photo shelf from IKEA as well. I loved the idea of having a photo shelf next to a mirror. I also use that shelf for showcasing my favorite reed diffusors from PF Candle Co. The Teakwood and Tobacco scent is amazing. I love walking past that space and catching a faint whiff of it.

Amazon Bookshelf | Kinfolk Coffe Table Book Set | Porter Magazine | Kinfolk Magazine | Marble Bookends | Steele Magazine

STORAGE

I knew I needed a fair amount of storage but I wanted something that would attract less dust and would be super easy to clean. I wanted something fairly modern as well and this bookshelf from Amazon was perfect. It took me less than an hour to build and it looks super sleek. I love that I can show off some of my favorite fashion books, historical books and magazines…including my first print issue of Steele Magazine! Sorry the print version is no longer available for purchase but the digital issue is always available. I’m also really into the Kinfolk Coffee Table Books as well as Kinfolk Magazine. They both gave me a lot of inspiration for my decor update.

IKEA Couch | Bird of Paradise Plant | Wayfair Pillows | Oak & Fort Cream Knit Throw | Wayfair Coffee Table | Supreme Models Book | The New Black Vanguard Book | CB2 Acrylic Tray | Target Faux Orchid | White Wayfair Rug | White Curtains | Clear IKEA Photo Shelf

LIVING SPACE

I knew I wanted a huge grey couch and I found the perfect one at IKEA and for $650 it was an amazing price. It’s a beautiful couch and I love it. I outfitted it with some pillows from Wayfair and a lovely thick knitted throw from Oak and Fort. I’ve never had a coffee table and definitely wanted one that was functional yet aesthetically pleasing. I went with this coffee table with a built in magazine holder. It’s absolutely perfect for the space and was really easy to build. I dressed the coffee table with a few fashion books from Amazon including Supreme Models Iconic Black Women Who Revolutionized Fashion as well as The New Black Vanguard. For some greenery I added a faux orchid from Target. I went with a white rug from Wayfair to tie in more white to the space. With all the windows in my space I decided on white curtains with a linen like finish. They have a slight sheen yet let in the perfect amount of daylight so my space is always nice and bright. They were a steal from Walmart being that I needed 6 panels! I have 8 windows in my living/dinning space and it can get a little drafty in the winter so I decided to get a lovely basket from Wayfair to keep all of my throws close. I love getting cozy on the couch while watching YouTube.

Wayfair Reclining Chair | Crate and Barrel End Table | Wayfair Lamp

MY COZY SPACE

I love to sit and have my coffee and relax in the morning before working and in the evening when I’m winding down. I never thought I’d want a reclining chair but when I saw this cognac colored faux leather chair on Wayfair I had to have it. I’m so glad I went for it. I spend more time in this chair than any other space in my place. For the end table I went with a beautiful concrete end table from Crate & Barrel. I loved how it looked and it fits in with the decor perfectly. I also wanted a little more light for the area especially in the evening when I sit to read. This table serves as my phone table. It’s where I leave my phone at night when I retire to bed. I no longer sleep with my phone next to my bed and it’s changed my entire morning routine. I take at least an hour for myself in the mornings before I even walk over to look at my phone. I got this lovely lamp from Wayfair. It was hell to build. I know what you’re thinking. This lamp took me longer to build than the bookshelf! But it is a beautiful lamp. I fit it with a smart bulb speaker so I can control it with a remote. I can dim the light as well as connect it to my blue tooth to play music. I like

Target Curtains | Target Grey Storage Bench | Wayfair Knit Throw | Moroccan Rug | Amazon Chair | Target Vase | Monstera Leaves

THE NOOK

My bay window area is a special place for me. I love sitting in the window sills and looking out at the city. I can see the sun rise in the morning and the moon at night. I like sitting there and thinking and dreaming. It’s my Merlot spot. I pour myself a glass in the evenings and just sit and watch. I wanted to make this area more user friendly so I added a padded bench to sit on from Target. The top also lifts off so it’s great for storage too. If I have extra guest over or have a party it can seat two people. I added a few of my favorite Monstera Leafs from my favorite flower shop in a vase I got from Target to add some greenery to the space. I also added some pampas grass to the space. I don’t know what it is about Pampas but its really soothing to look it. It’s like bringing the outside world it. It always reminds me of water and I love being near water. It’s probably why I can only ever see myself living in a coastal state. Lastly, I added another chair cozy chair to the space from Amazon so I can sit and enjoy the views.

Thanks so much for checking out my new decor updates. I’m really enjoying my new space and feel like I’ve utilized the space a lot better. I love spending time in my space now. Lord knows I’ve always been a home body but now it’s even harder for me to leave my apartment! Stay tuned because I will be updating my bedroom, bathroom and foyer in the Spring! Once the whole apartment is done, I’ll do an updated apartment tour video on my YouTube channel. If you’d like to check out my Office/Closet Ikea Pax System you can check out that video here and the associated blog post here.

xx

Monroe

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