Design like you have a New York City apartment
It's no surprise that New York apartments have a small footprint and often one space runs into the next. The kitchen can be right next to the living room and it can be hard to differentiate the different spaces from each other. A design tip that is often used by New Yorkers looking to create different spaces within their apartments often make use of area rugs to help accomplish this. Lay down an area rug in each room, bringing the focus from the edges of the space into the centre of the rug. For spaces next to another high traffic area like a kitchen, try experimenting with a bold coloured area rug to define the space next to it so that it doesn't get lost. This will make it easier to feel like you're in a cozier space.
Bring the New York City streets to your own living room
Who doesn't love walking the streets of New York City? It's always an adventure and there's always something new to discover. Well you can bring this adventure home with you, wherever you might live and bring a touch of NYC to your staycation with a New York City Map art print. A graphic print of the Manhattan city streets makes an nice addition to any wall decor. It not only adds a pop of color and modern design but it also serves as a reminder of the memories you made on your next adventure there.
And plus, it's a great conversation starter with friends and family who come to visit; you can look like a real local and point out places on the map where you found that great pizza place, where you ate the best deli sandwich and that quiet little bar where you grabbed a nightcap on your way back to your AirBnb.
Bake something classically New York
Ever thought that you could only get New York style bagels in the Big Apple? Well thing again. You can make amazing New York style bagels at home and you'll be surprised at how easy it is to do. Another classic to make next time you're entertaining some guests and treating them to your home-made New York experience is a New York cheesecake. It's decadence might seem a bit over the top, but hey, when were New Yorkers ever known for slowing down and living small? If bagels and cheesecake aren't quite your style, then head down to your local deli, grab some corned beef and make yourself a mile-high corned beef sandwich.
Shake up a New York Cocktail
One of the most famous and most sipped cocktails in the world definitely has to be the Manhattan. Legend has it that it doesn't just share it's name with the iconic city but that it was also originally concocted there as well at the famous high-end hotel called the Manhattan Club. A popular stomping ground for politicians and celebrities, this famous hotel nestled in the heart of its namesake borough added this now renowned cocktail to its menu in the early 1900s. If you're really going to live like a New Yorker from the comfort of your home, then make sure to treat yourself to a jar of real maraschino cherries as the garnish for this delicately sweet sipper.
Watch a movie set in New York City
To really set the scene and feel like you're in New York with ought actually going there, pop in a movie and transport yourself into it's bustling city streets. There's an endless number of movies set in New York for you to choose from. Consider some classics like The Apartment (1960), or Rear Window (1961). For a bit of a quicker pace try Taxi Driver (1976) or West Side Story (1961). If you're more into modern cinematic creations then try Birdman (2014) or The Devil Wears Prada (2006). There are too many choices really so pick the movie that has the New York vibe you're looking for a forget you're in your own apartment, if even just for 90 minutes.
Treat yourself to something classically New York
Seeing as you've saved yourself a plane ticket already and you're re-creating a New York adventure from your own living room, then it's a bit easier to justify splurging on a New York treat for yourself. It could be as simple as finding the best thin crust pizza in your city and placing an order (make sure to order extra so you can have a slice for breakfast too). If you're feeling really fancy you could splurge and finally get those Tiffany champagne glasses you've been dreaming of. Or to keep things a bit simpler you could start a subscription to the Sunday Times and start a new tradition of reading the Sunday paper with a coffee and your homemade New York bagels.
