subject: Simple Tips On Creating Custom Decorating And Renovations [print this page] In decorating today, it's all about creating a custom look. No matter how amazing your neighbor's kitchen remodeling job was, most of us just don't want the exact same look. Everywhere you look, you can find people who will do quick, "cookie cutter" Manhattan renovations for your kitchen, living room, or bath. Sometimes they can promise a complete bathroom remodel in a short time period, and as long as you don't care whether it's the same remodel that's being done all over New York, it's not a problem. But if you want your living space to reflect who you really are, you want a custom renovation that will redefine your condo and create higher style. If you want the best, you want a custom renovation. Here are two simple tips will help you create a custom Manhattan renovation for your condo or apartment.
Remember the Outdoors
When planning for your remodel for your condo, don't overlook the patio. City patios get so grungy and worn down that they aren't pleasant places to hang out anymore. Maybe your old roommate used to put his bike there, and the stucco walls are scratched and crumbling. So much can be done to a condo's patio area that can bring nature into your abode and provide an extension of your living space. Good places to start are restoring the patio wall enclosure or railing, installing new tile flooring, or installing an outdoor water feature (some even hang from walls, taking up no floor space). If you'd like more privacy on your patio, add lattice walls or trellises to block the view into your neighbor's living room. You can also add a roof to your patio, if your co-op allows exterior changes. Add some hanging plants and a few good chairs and you have your own spot to relax, serve meals in good weather, and watch the world go by.
Ignore the Popular Colors
Every season has its new color palette, and every year the tones and shades of blue and green and red change. If you want a custom look for your Manhattan renovation, look past this year's color trends and select colors that reflect your personal tastes. The colors you use in your living space are an indication of your level of sophistication and artistic intuition. If you go with the top three colors of the season, it won't matter how exotic the materials you select or how customized the woodwork (or metalwork) is: your living space will simply look like a generic catalog image of standard Manhattan renovations. Look past the obvious and find your true style.
