Apartment Aesthetics: Renovations for Apartment Dwellers

Apartment Aesthetics: Renovations for Apartment Dwellers

There are plenty of advantages to apartment living. It’s less expensive, there are few if any expensive home maintenance concerns, and you’re free to move elsewhere at the end of your lease. That said, you sacrifice certain things for that flexibility. You can decorate and renovate to an extent, but it’s not your space to do with as you please. There are restrictions based on the terms of your lease, and breaking them may cost you dearly or, at worst, get you evicted. It may take some research into the details of your lease agreement and possibly a little negotiating with your landlord, but in many cases, you can affordably and easily make changes that will put your special mark on an otherwise humdrum space.

Painting

Painting is the most basic and simplest renovation for apartment dwellers. Some rental companies have restrictions concerning colors or whether you’re allowed to paint at all. A landlord may withhold your security deposit or levy a fee per wall if you don’t repaint over the color you add before moving out. Try to agree with your landlord on a shade that works for both of you so you don’t get charged extra, and ensure the color you select can be easily painted over. If you are granted permission to paint, look to calming, comforting colors like blue and green shades, and avoid reds which can be stress inducing.

Wall Decoration Options

Wallpaper is a more problematic situation than painting over a few walls. If you put up wallpaper only to remove it when your lease is up, you’re creating a lot of work for yourself, and any damage will mean a hit to your bank account. Wallpaper is usually not the best choice for an apartment, but there are wall-decorating alternatives. You can go with removable wallpaper, or vinyl decals that can be removed without damaging the paint. Or, you could get creative with wallpaper by adding the pattern you like to the back of a large frame that can be hung from the wall. And there’s always the option of hanging your favorite artwork throughout the apartment.

The Right Tools

You may have a nice, powerful canister vacuum cleaner and full-sized brooms and mops, but you may need to find cleaning tools that are better-suited to the needs of cleaning an apartment rather than a house. If your intention is to renovate your apartment, you’ll need a versatile vacuum cleaner capable of picking up grime, hair, and dust from small crevices and behind furniture. You’ll need a vacuum with attachments that doesn’t take up much space but which is effective on multiple surfaces, from carpet to hardwood and tile.

Kitchen Creativity

One of the most common drawbacks of apartment living is the lack of kitchen counter space. There’s usually not much you can do to improve the situation, but you can always get a little creative and use your imagination. Add a small, wheeled table that will fit into small spaces and can be removed as needed. Or, look for a narrow sideboard that won’t take up much width but will come in handy if you need to chop an onion or toss a salad but don’t have anymore counter space left for it. When not in use, it could make an attractive decorative element covered with a decorative tablecloth and fresh flowers or pottery.

Creating an apartment living space that’s uniquely yours takes a little creative thinking, but there are many ways to put your stamp on it without getting into hot water with the landlord. If you intend to paint or make other changes to the wall space, always talk to your landlord first and get in writing any agreement you come to that’s beyond the terms of your lease.

Image courtesy of Pixabay.com

Written by: Erin Reynolds of diymama.net | erin@diymama.net

For: Metropolis Apartments| Contact us for all of your NYC Real Estate Needs | www.metropolisapts.com |

SECOND AVENUE SUBWAY: AFTER 85 YEARS WILL IT BE A REALITY?

The Second Avenue Subway in NYC has been a transportation project that has been envisioned for over 85 years now. Since 1929, when the need for a Second Avenue Subway line was first realized and plans were first developed, there have been repeated delays and setbacks. All of those delays were linked to, not surprisingly, the economy and national wars. Finally, after many plan revisions, in 2007 work began in earnest. Phase 1 of the 4 phase project was finally fully funded – or so we believed.

 

Funding for the Second Avenue Subway Project from 1929 – 2015

When the Second Avenue Subway was first planned back in 1929, it was estimated that the total construction cost would be $98,900,000. Today we laugh at such a figure. We are now talking billions of dollars per phase.

 

Just a few months ago, with over 80% of the Second Avenue Subway phase 1 project completed, MTA Chairman, Thomas Prendergast, wrote a letter to First Deputy Mayor Anthony Shorris reiterating that the Second Avenue Subway line completion was “critical to the future of the city itself.” He stated his reasons as:
“The MTA and its transit system are at a crossroads. Ridership has never been higher. The city’s population has grown and its location has shifted, putting pressure on transit in newly developed neighborhoods, and, in fact, the entire system.”

 

 

Mr. Prendergast’s reason for the letter however, was to request $1 billion for the Second Avenue Subway over the next five years. On top of that, an additional $1.5 billion will be needed for repairs and maintenance.

 

 

While it is true that the first phase of the Second Avenue Subway project is due for completion by December of 2016, even that may be delayed. In a report made just this past week, Matthew Welbes, Executive Director of the Federal Transit Administration in Washington, D.C., commented on the Second Avenue Subway project:
“It looks like the project is trending, based on our data, toward an opening of closer to, maybe early in, sometime in 2017.”

But, with all of that fudging, the FTA has been contradicting the MTA’s prediction by stating that they believe the opening of phase 1 will be more like 2018.

 

Current Second Avenue Subway Line Time Frame Predictions

 

Okay, so if the Second Avenue Subway line has been in the works for over 85 years already, what is the current plan? Will you see any of it in your lifetime? While you most probably will experience the benefits of the first phase completion, certainly those who lived in 1929 will never benefit from any of the completion.

 

Here is the projected plan:

• Present – December 2016: Phase 1 (96th Street to 63rd Street). This phase is projected to serve 200,000 daily riders.
• Phase 2 (125th Street to 96th Street). Currently underfunded and cannot begin construction until more fully funded. The projection is to begin construction sometime in 2019, at the earliest.
• Phase 3 (63rd Street to Houston Street). No funding at all yet.
• Phase 4 (Houston Street to Hanover Square). No funding at all yet.
At this time, when the complete Second Avenue Subway line is finished, the projection is that it will serve 560,000 daily riders. Most likely it will be considerably more by the time the line is totally ready. The projection is for 2029.

 

 

Written by Anne Schabert for MetropolisApts.com

Photography by Tom Ripellino

 

SIMPLE MAKEOVER FOR YOUR APARTMENT BEDROOM

How to Makeover Your Apartment Bedroom Without Making Major Changes

Tired of dealing with a boring bedroom? It can be tricky to know how to add some personality to your bedroom when you are renting an apartment. You don’t want to commit to any permanent changes, but you also don’t want to lose your personal style. So, how can apartment dwellers find a compromise? By using these tips to create their dream bedroom.

 

Add Some Style to Walls, No Painting Required

A splash of color on your walls can make the biggest difference in your bedroom. When you live in an apartment, however, a new paint job may not make sense, as it’s not easily reversible. So, how can you makeover your bedroom without losing your deposit? Well, you actually have quite a few options! One way to add some personality to apartment walls is with your very own gallery wall, which you can accomplish without damaging walls. You can use a simple tool to hang prints from your favorite local artists or any other decor that compliments your personal style. Want to make an even bigger statement but still don’t want to paint? Modern wallpapers make it easy with soothing prints that cling to your bedroom walls without causing permanent damage. When you’re ready to move, you can simply peel it off.

 

Save Bold Patterns and Colors for Pillows and Curtains

If you want to be able to relax in your bedroom, you need to stick to calming colors for the wallpapers and artwork mentioned above. Earthtones are often the easiest ways to blend your decor with white or off-white apartment walls, and they can also enhance your sleep. When you have your heart set on adding some pops of color to your room, you can do so easily with textiles. As you decorate and refresh your bedroom, be sure to focus on window treatments as a way to liven up the space. In addition to using bold, fun patterns and colors, you can also opt for blackout curtains that will turn your room into a sleep haven. You can also try some DIY throw pillow covers, which require no sewing to update the look of your bedroom.

 

Look for Furniture That Will Serve More Than One Purpose

Living in the city often means dealing with limited space, and your bedroom is no exception. If you plan to makeover your furniture, you need to ensure you choose options that are made for multitasking. That means shopping for a bed that has some space for storage underneath or a bookcase that can also serve as a laptop desk. Still wishing for more room in your bedroom? If space is really tight in your home, you can easily makeover your bedroom with a stylish Murphy bed. This can be a fun DIY project if you’re up to the task and can help you make the most of the square footage you do have in your bedroom. You can use a screen and some pillows to turn that extra space into a meditation zone, for even more relaxation in your bedroom.

 

Find Ways to Save on All of Your Bedroom Makeover Materials

Since you’re making over an apartment bedroom, chances are you will be moving again at some point in the future. So, it may not make sense to splurge on pricey furniture and decor, just to have those items not work in your next home. That’s why it’s smart to stick with budget-friendly retailers when you are buying new items for your bedroom. You can usually find small space-friendly furniture at stores like Target and World Market, and IKEA is always great when it comes to buying items you can easily hack into statement pieces. Another easy way to add unique style to your bedroom without breaking the bank is to shop for flea market finds that you can upcycle into furniture and decor for your makeover project.

 

Don’t settle for a basic bedroom just because you live in an apartment. With some simple changes, you can have a dreamy bedroom you cannot wait to come home to every night. So, have fun making over your bedroom!

 

Photo Credit: Unsplash

Written by: Erin Reynolds of diymama.net | erin@diymama.net

Contact Metropolis Apartments for all your real estate needs.

 

Home Improvements That Will Help Sell Your Apartment on Any Budget

Home Improvements That Will Help See Your House on Any Budget

The last thing any home seller wants is for their apartment to sit on the market for months without a reasonable offer. Unfortunately, that’s exactly what happens to many sellers. Often, the place itself is great — it’s the presentation that’s lacking. Besides setting the right asking price, the best thing buyers can do for a quick sale is to improve their home’s appearance.

The extent of pre-listing home improvements will depend on your apartment’s condition, price range, and local market. If you’re selling a newer, affordably priced apartment in a seller’s market, a few small updates should be plenty to draw buyers in. But if your home is showing its age or you’re selling in an upscale real estate market, expect to spend more to meet buyers’ expectations.

High-End Updates

Buyers in the luxury housing market want a space that’s equipped with amenities not found in the average home. However, if you’ve owned your apartment for several years, features that were state-of-the-art when you bought it might feel dated today. To truly “wow” luxury home buyers, make these changes before you sell.

  • Replace kitchen appliances with professional-quality models in modern finishes.
  • Refinish kitchen cabinets and install new cabinet hardware.
  • Install smart home essentials, including smart thermostats, lights, smoke and CO detectors, and surveillance cameras.
  • Repaint interior walls.
  • Refinish hardwood floors.
  • Update lighting fixtures with contemporary designs, paying special attention to kitchens, bathrooms, and entryways.
  • Rent furniture and artwork for staging; store your belongings offsite.
  • Hire a professional cleaning service, including upholstery and carpet cleaning.

Luxury Defined recommends sellers look around the neighborhood to see which amenities are popular. If every apartment for sale in your price range has granite countertops, yours should as well. But if apartments with spa-like bathrooms aren’t netting a higher price than those without, it’s likely a feature you can skip.

Affordable Improvements

If you’re worried that updating your apartment before selling has to be costly, don’t be. Outside of major work like kitchen or bathroom updates, most sellers don’t have to spend a lot to get their home market-ready. Sellers who want to save on home improvements should shop around for extra savings opportunities. Many home improvement stores have weekly deals and rewards. For example, Lowes coupons or Home Depot weekly deals can help your budget go further. Sellers who take advantage of discounts can easily knock the price of these home improvements to under $100. However, before you commit to DIY, follow Money Talks News’ advice and ensure you have the skills to do the job right.

Then, focus on the following DIY changes:

  • Replace the welcome mat.
  • Buy potted plants to decorate the space.
  • Deep clean and declutter your apartment; store boxes in the basement, or off-site.
  • Organize bookshelves, closets, cabinets, and other storage areas.
  • Rent a steam cleaner to clean carpets.
  • Repair scratches in wood floors and crumbling grout in tile.
  • Remove personal decorations and hang inexpensive framed art prints in their place.
  • Purchase fresh flowers to set out in the kitchen, dining room, and bathrooms before showings.

If you want to sell your apartment quickly, you have to put your best foot forward from the day you list. Give yourself plenty of time to complete these improvements so your place hits the market looking its best. While some motivated sellers may be able to get their home listing-ready in just a couple of weeks, most should plan at least a month for repairs and improvements.

Written by: Suzie Wilson ⎸info@happierhome.net  ⎸Happier Home

Image via Unsplash

For: Metropolis Apartments | Contact us for for all your real estate needs.

The Upper East Side: A Posh Neighborhood in Uptown Manhattan

The Upper East Side is a Posh Neighborhood in Uptown Manhattan

When we think of the Upper East Side, images of wealthy residents and their purebred dogs come to mind. You also visualize trees lined community with beautiful houses on both sides of the streets. Well, you are not off the mark as this borough of Manhattan is indeed home to some of the wealthiest and influential people of the country. The Upper East Side is indeed a posh locality famous for its affluent residents.

 

High home prices and rents

The Upper East Side is bound by 96th Street, 59th Street, East River, and Fifth Avenue on its north, south, east, and west respectively. Median home prices in this neighborhood are $1.1 million while median monthly rents here are touching $2400. A lot of people are attracted to the Upper East Side, especially Museum Mile which is always buzzing with activities. However, the historic architecture of the buildings and clean sidewalks make it clear that this neighborhood hast a rather relaxed and calm atmosphere.

 

Relaxed and refined living

Central Park is, in many ways, the heart of Upper East Side. This sprawling park is full of greenery and provides an opportunity to the residents to have fun with friends and families, also enjoy its nature. This park will become your playground if you choose to make UES your home. You will find this neighborhood just like Paris. It feels so refined and aloof from the rest of Manhattan that you will feel as if you have come into another city.

 

Paradise for people with artistic leanings

Upper East Side is home to the famous Museum Mile, a mile long stretch that contains some of the finest museums around the world. If you are fond of art and culture, you would love to spend your time in some of these museums like Met, Jewish Museum, and the Guggenheim.

If you are looking for nightlife, you should go to Second Avenue. You will be surprised that there are no clubs here. But the Irish pubs on this street are very welcoming and remain open till late in the night. People enjoy alcoholic drinks, music, and dancing in the Irish pubs.

As far as real estate is concerned, you will find expansive townhouses and luxury apartment buildings with uniformed doorman standing at the front of the gate. Towards the eastern part of the Upper East Side, you will find one and two-bedroom apartments that are surprisingly affordable.

Upper East Side has a beauty and charm that is attracting more and more families. There are a lot of great schools, awesome playgrounds, and many diverse restaurants.

 

 

The Wellesley

 

https://www.metropolisapts.com/top-5-reasons-hire-real-estate-professional/

 

SOUTH PARK APARTMENTS _ 435 West 57th

SOUTH PARK APARTMENTS

South Park Apartments is a Mid-rise residential building located in Clinton.

It’s a well managed, Full Service building right on West 57th St.

Amenities include: Elevator, Doorman, Bike Room, Garage and Laundry Room.

The apartments have a spacious floor plan and offer, separate or open layout kitchens with brand new appliances.

South Park Apartments is located at 435 West 57th St, near the Hudson River; close to W. 59th Street – Columbus Circle, Time Warner Center and major public transportation.


Kitchen

 

Living Room

                                                                                                

Laundry Room

 

Lobby

 

Mailboxes                                                                                            

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Parking right outside

 

Contact us for all of your real estate needs at South Park Apartments.

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