New paint, shelving and lighting can give the plainest NYC apartment a fresh, custom look. (Photos by Kelsey Ann Rose)
Decorating a New York City apartment can be time-consuming and expensive, and it’s hard to know where to even start. But getting good design doesn’t have to be overwhelming. To find simple ways to breathe new life into your space, we spoke with interior designer Megan Hopp, founder and principal of Megan Hopp Design and the recent winner of Bravo TV’s interior design competition show “Best Room Wins.” Whether you’ve got a tiny studio in SoHo or a townhouse in Williamsburg, Hopp has interior design secrets that can help you. Below, she shares six interior design hacks she recently put to use on a Brooklyn Heights 1-bedroom.
1. Learn the Life-Changing Magic of Wallpaper
“Wallpaper will turn your walls and your life around in the best way possible,” Hopp says. “Nothing has a higher impact than wall coverings, and taking the leap will completely transform your room in a matter of hours.
“Wallpaper comes in a vast range of prices and with temporary versus traditional adhesive options. There is always a paper to match every space and budget.”
In this home, Hopp updated the wallpaper in the entrance and the bathroom. (Photos by Kelsey Ann Rose)
2. Boldly Go … With Colors or Patterns
“When looking to achieve a high-end look for less, big, bold decorating choices are key. Subtle hues work best when you have the budget to layer really high-end materials and textures,” Hopp says. “Color and pattern, however, don’t necessarily come with a hefty price tag.”
“Upholstery and textiles are the perfect way to show off a special accent shade or pattern on your sofa, chairs, ottomans, headboards, and pillows. The more specific and wild you go, the more custom the piece will look and ultimately add a really special wow factor to your space.”
3. Rethink All Your Life Lighting Choices
“My lighting advice is pretty simple: Replace all of it (unless you landed with something stylish from the previous person in your space), and go as big as you can without it getting in the way. Replacing overhead and wall lighting might strike some as major construction, but it absolutely isn’t. If you are renting, you can always put back the original lighting on your way out and take your fixtures with you to the next place you land.
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More from Hopp: “I love big lighting, and suggest using it as a way to really dress up a space and make a big impact without having to do a ton else. Do be mindful of door and cabinets and how far they open when you’re selecting your fixtures, but if it fits, my advice is to go as big as you can to fill the space!”
Lighting fixtures and wall sconces do wonders to dress up an apartment. (Photo credit: Kelsey Ann Rose)
4. Practice Shelf-Care
“Built-in shelving basically requires a savings account,” Hopp says. “It’s expensive … like really expensive. On the other hand, wall shelving is not, and when pieced together strategically, it can look as though it was only ever intended for your space.”
“I suggest looking for shelving options that come in multiple sizes so as to give you options when putting together your own puzzle. It’s also completely possible to cut down shelves if the sizes you need aren’t exactly standard.
Key point: “Make sure to note what you will be putting on your shelves as well, and select shelving that can support the proper weight. Too many times I have seen floating shelves without brackets loaded up with books desperately hanging to the walls in every which way, and nobody wants sloppy shelving.”
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5. Treat Your ‘Eyes’ to Some New Shades
Hopp says, “Windows are another area of design where ‘what came with the place’ rarely makes the cut in my eyes. People say windows are like the eyes to your home. Well, think of the old basic blinds as an eyeglass prescription from five years ago; just because it’s there doesn’t mean it works. A fresh new prescription in this case — drapery or shades — will have you seeing your space completely clearly.
“Two tips to consider when selecting window treatments: If you go the curtain route, make sure the curtains dust the floor; don’t be afraid to hang them higher than the actual window. Secondly, consider Roman fabric shades for a custom-tailored look.
“Many of your favorite home retailers offer shades in a variety of sizes,” she says. “Don’t be afraid to add pattern or color to your windows, too. Much like the upholstery philosophy, the more specific you go, the higher the impact of the piece.”
Hopp painted these kitchen cabinets with an eggshell finish and installed Roman fabric shades in the bedroom. (Photos by Kelsey Ann Rose)
6. Don’t Leave Your Kitchen (Cabinets) Naked
“This tip isn’t rocket science, but believe me when I say a coat of paint will hide a whole lot of wear and tear,” Hopp says. “If your cabinets aren’t in the best condition, opt for a darker, richer hue, and use an eggshell paint finish to hide imperfections. Unless you are dealing with raw, untreated wood, you will most likely need to prime the cabinets first to prevent any peeling or chipping over time.”
For more about Megan Hopp and her episode of “Best Room Wins,” click here.
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