In Demand: The Home Office is Here to Stay + Tips for a Productive Workspace

via Haven Design and Construction

At the onset of the Coronavirus pandemic, many were forced to adapt to working from home that did not previously take advantage of doing so, or worked for a company that frowned upon it. Now, nearly 2.5 months into staying home, employees around the country and global have adapted to working from home, and companies are realizing just how efficient, effective, and productive it can be. In fact, surveys conducted since the pandemic started are now revealing that a majority of respondents, 54% in one survey, say they are more productive thanks to not having wasted time on commutes and office distractions.

What does all this mean? The home office is likely here to stay, and will become a top must-have on many home buyers lists. For folks that do not yet have a dedicated workspace, a home office is likely to be very high on their list of features they want in a home.

We polled our Instagram followers a few weeks into the Pandemic, asking them, of various spaces in the home such as a gym, home office, extra bedrooms, etc. what spaces they realized they valued having in their home the most as they spent increased time in the home.

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When we initially polled our audience, of the choices, Home Office had the most respondents citing it the space they realized they valued the most while spending more time in their home.

However, as we got more comfortable with our work from home routines, and major Tech giants like Twitter announced permanent work from home policies, it became apparent that the Home Office is here to stay, and will be one of the most important rooms in the house.

With a broader shift in mindset, we thought it would be interesting to once again poll our followers, specifically on the Home Office and if they had changed their opinion. We asked our followers: Now that companies have adapted to remote working and see the success, has your opinion of the importance of a Home Office changed since the beginning of the pandemic?

Surprised by the results? Yes, nearly 100% of respondents said their opinion of the importance of a Home Office workspace has changed since Shelter in Place started….it is time to start planning your dream home office!

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Tips for a Productive Home Office

via

Whether you are looking to improve your home office that has not gotten much use until the past few months, or you are ready to convert a room or space in your home into your new workspace, we are sharing the top things to keep in mind as you create a productive and inspiring home office.

Do Not Forget Ergonomics - you don’t want to find yourself hunching over your computer with tension in your shoulders all day. Ensure your monitor is positioned at the right height - in line with your eyes is recommended. Feet should be flat on the floor and splurging on a nice desk chair is worth it

Natural Light - if possible, try to pick a space or room that has ample natural light. Positioning your desk in front of a window may increase your productivity

Add Greenery - plants make us happier…in fact, some even help clear the air within the home by removing toxic chemicals! Add a few plants around your home office or desk to bring the outdoors in.

Lamps - even though you are taking advantage of natural light, lamps are still necessary for darker hours of the day or rainy days. Table lamps come in a variety of styles to match your design aesthetic and can create a soft glow to supplement natural light when needed

Add Personal Touches - personal photos, your favorite piece of art, a design object…anything you love! Rotate your photos every month or so to keep them fresh and inspiring

Reduce Clutter - ensure you have an organization system that works well for you. Whether it is a traditional filing cabinet, wall organizer, or a style desktop paper holder, being organized is key so that your work documents do not take over your desk top and home office. No one is productive when surrounded by clutter

Best Flower Delivery Services to Shop For Mother's Day

Just as most everything looks different these days, so too, will the upcoming Mother’s Day holiday for many. Whether Mom is across town or in another Zip Code, there are still ways to show Mom some love this Mother’s Day. 

Fresh Flowers brighten up the home and are sure to put a smile on your face. Many of the top florists offer delivery so you can send get your gift to your mother’s day while practicing Social Distancing. 

Fresh air may seem but a distant memory, but the bright arrangements from these florist will bring a pick-me-up right to Mom’s front door.

H.Bloom

If you are seeking a high-end, luxurious arrangement, H.Bloom is a great choice. The company, founded in 2010, is centered around the philosophy that flowers are living art, and their arrangements look just like that! In addition to one time orders, H.Bloom also offers a subscription service to ensure beautiful flowers are always arriving to Mom’s door.

Shop H.Bloom

1-800 Flowers.com

One of the biggest players in the floral delivery space, 1-800 Flowers.com is sure to have an arrangement that Mom will love. In addition to floral arrangements, they also have a selection of gift baskets, fruits, and gourmet foods. We are pleased to be able to offer 20% off your order through May 10th. Click here to claim your Discount Code.

UrbanStems

UrbanStems prides themselves on sourcing on-trend flowers and creating one-of-kind arrangements. They have a team of designers that create stunning bouquets and curated plants for every occasion. Delivery is available across the country with same- day delivery available in NYC and DC.

Shop UrbanStems

FlowerBX

FlowerBX is a go-to for many in the fashion industry, and you can have the same delivered to your day. They are known for their freshness, sourcing flowers directly from growers where they are placed into a refrigerated van and delivered to your door.They have a Mother’s Day Collection which includes special arrangements of peonies, roses, and snapdragons.Delivery is available in NYC and across the northeastern United States.

Show FlowerBX

The Bouqs Co.

Here, all flowers are cut farm-fresh from eco-friendly farms across the country. The floral arrangement options are endless, and they also offer a variety of subscription services.Arrangement are available to anywhere in the United States.

Shop The Bouqs Co.

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Wishing All the Moms out there a Happy Mother’s Day!

5 Plants to Grow Indoors for Improved Air Quality

In recognition of Earth Day, we are sharing some fun facts about something all around us…air! This year, we have seen interesting facts on air quality as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic forcing much of the world to come to a halt – images have surfaced of cities that are normally blanketed in smog with some of the highest visibility we have seen in recent years.

What about indoor air quality? Since Americans spend nearly 90% of their time indoors, healthy, quality air should be a top priority. Controlling Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) can start with the HVAC system in your home and be supplemented by room-based air purifiers as well as natural options such as plants.

Having plants around your home can not only make a room look beautiful, but certain plants can actually aide in removing toxins and chemicals from the air including formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, and benzene.

5 Purifying Indoor Plants

Fiddle Leaf Fig

Because of the Fiddle Leaf Fig’s extremely broad leaves, it is very efficient at purifying air. The plant can also help control humidity. They do require a lot of sunlight, so be sure to position them appropriately!

Spider Plant

Spider plants are easy to care for, and fun to watch thrive in your home as the offshoots grow and hang over the pot, hence the name spider plant. They do well in indirect sunlight. Note they do not like damp soil so be sure they are drying between watering.

Rubber Tree

These plants have been shown to absorb and break down harmful chemicals in the air. Similar to the Fiddle Fig, their broad leaves make them efficient at doing so. In fact, they take in the carbon dioxide we exhale and convert it into oxygen.

Aloe Vera

Follow the succulent trend while cleaning your air with aloe Vera. These easy to care for plants clean the air of benzene and formaldehyde. They prefer a sunny spot to grow. The added benefit of having aloe is that you can use it on your next sunburn.

Dracaena Marginata

Also known as the “Dragon” tree, these plants have been shown to remove 4 out of the 5 major indoor air pollutants. This makes them the perfect plant to improve air quality while adding a fun vibe to your home with the plant’s resemblance to palms. Note they can be toxic to pets

Perspective: Learning from Being Quarantined During SARS and now COVID-19

This is a guest blog written by Marc Kijner who shares his experience having lived through the 2003-2004 SARS pandemic in Hong Kong and now the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. A perspective on what living through one pandemic taught him for the future.

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The Beginning of the SARS Outbreak:

The first cases of SARS happened in around March 2003 at a University Hospital, impacting mostly teaching professors and medical students. Similar to how the Coronavirus pandemic unfolded in the United States in 2020, most people were not too concerned at the onset of the SARS outbreak. In the photo below, you could see that workers in the MTR (the local subway) were wearing masks and gloves but the vast majority of people didn’t really know about social distancing yet as SARS began to unfold in 2003. Masks and gloves are commonly used in Asia especially when someone is sick to avoid spreading which is less common in the United States or Europe from my experience.

Life went on normally for most people until the second strong wave came a few days later when a popular housing community in Kowloon named “Amoy Gardens” was hit very hard with over 300 cases almost simultaneously. This was a highly populated complex with nearly 20 high rise towers and a famous shopping center connecting them all together. Hong Kong island is a very highly populated area very similar to Manhattan with very small housings and a highly gentrified area. If you take NYC with nearly 70,000 people per sq mile, compared to HK with nearly 20,000 people per sq mile and juxtapose it to Park City Utah with 888 people per sq mile you can quickly see how a pandemic can spread so quickly (source).

Hong Kong Authorities React:

The HK local authority were quite overwhelmed during the initial SARS outbreak as they had never seen something quite like this, but moved quickly to implement a vigorous and strict plan:

•  Mandatory Isolation was requested similar to our current stay at home orders

• Surveillance was put in place so people similar to our curfews

• Schools and Universities were closed down same as now in the USA

• Major office towers were on limited or fully restricted access same as the US

• Temperature check-points were frequent in MTR or other points of entry such as malls, ferry terminals, airports, hospitals etc. which I haven’t seen here

• Some districts (neighborhoods name) underwent deep cleansing campaigns which I haven’t seen either here in the USA

Above is a picture of the Lippo Center, a very famous office building with a large courtyard and green areas in the financial district where people usually gather during the week at lunch time and for picnics on Sunday. There was barely anyone in sight during SARS.

The virus spread, with other places in the world starting to get hit such as China, Singapore, Vietnam, South Korea and Canada.

In the beginning, I decided to stay away from the busy city center and spent most of my time visiting places that had little to no population such as Lantau Island and the Ngong Ping area which is home to the world largest bronze buddha statue and many hiking trails.

As the virus continued to spread, the situation quickly escalated, and we had to stay inside and find creative ways to remain occupied. At the time Netflix, streaming services, Zoom, Bluejeans, Skype, smartphones and personal tablets did not exist yet and high-speed Internet was a luxury reserved to a select few such as large businesses and university campuses. We were lucky if we had around 980kbps and cable TV. I relied mostly on Internet cafes, but my beloved Blackberry quickly become the replacement. Who remembers AOL instant messenger, Blackberry Ping, Apple Powerbook G3 and Sonny Vayo’s with their “mega” advanced 30GB ultra hard drives?

Adapting to Life in Qurantine – Then and Now: 

I was watching my favorite DVD’s and listened to my iPod top playlists during that time. I was able to create inspiration for a relaxed workplace and keep my mind off thanks to movies and music. It helped me focus and stay calm during those trying times. Today, I use a combination of Youtube Yoga channels in the morning with my favorite Pandora stations throughout my work days. Creating serenity is key to staying calm and positive. Music elevates the mood while films and series are a great source of entertainment.

Using plants and flowers to bring life and color into my workplace was the perfect way to bring outdoor wonders inside when I was stuck in a 35 square meter flat (approximately 370sq ft). I had a little orange tree at the time which helped create a sense of serenity around a tight space and smelled wonderful. Plants are very soothing natural elements and they purify the ambient air. Today, I am lucky enough to live in a large home with outdoor space and balconies, so I can “talk” to my basil, mint, lemongrass and other aromatic herb plots daily. They are also a great source of fresh produce to add to our daily meals and drinks. Whilst in Asia, I picked up the habit of adding mint and fresh citrus­­ to my water as a way to cut the chlorine taste that many filtered tap water had. It’s a great way to stay hydrated and healthy.

On the topic of staying healthy, body and mind need to be aligned. So I also learned to snack healthy and picked up the habit of eating roasted cashew nuts which are common in HK and practice Tai Chi stretches. I also succumbed to the infamous dried shredded fish strings which can leave your tongue all kind of colors thanks to natural skid and fish colorant. Eating well is key to staying happy and healthy while indoors and exercising regularly. Delivery service was available at the time and they helped greatly to avoid getting out.

Creating a calming and stress-free environment was important to my mental health. I watched the news daily, texted colleagues and friends regularly to keep a social element to my day and concentrated on goals I had set for myself. For instance, I wanted to improve certain computer skills at the time which I had not had the time to practice during normal times. I actually learned how to type fluidly to nearly 60 words per minute. I also learned a new blogging tool at the time which had just been released: Wordpress which every traveler started to use for their personal blogs. Remember setting daily goals for yourself and keeping your mind active will improve your cognitive performance and give you a sense of accomplishments.

Today, I start my day by logging on to the Compass Academy portal and pick up a new set of skills or brush up on existing ones in the real estate realm. I keep in touch with clients and team members daily via Zoom and conduct virtual tours with our various projects in Florida and NYC in order to practice social distancing.

The most vivid memory I have was bringing pleasant colors to my tight space as Hong Kong is a vibrant and colorful city as the below picture from Winter 2011 shows. These had many therapeutic benefits that my mind needed to deal with the stress. Today I also have the presence of my wife and my dog to keep me company which are a major contribution to my daily happiness.

Lastly, the pandemic was contained and eventually we were able to go back to work, travel and learn from this experience. I have since lived in Thailand and Japan for nearly 8 years and spent an additional 5 years in NYC and have came back to Hong Kong multiple times for work and to see family and friends. I have since been practicing what I valuably learned from the SARS experience. Hong Kong, Singapore and South Korea are among the model countries with their dealing with Covid19 as they had been tried hard by SARS and were already equipped to deal with a pandemic. I can say that I was already prepared for Covid19 given my experience with SARS.

The most important thing is to remember that most of us who reside in highly developed countries are fortunate enough to rely on essential workers who risk their lives daily to support our community in getting better meanwhile we are in the comfort of our homes staying safe and healthy. We simply have to be patient, thankful and help them by staying home. Because of an evermore connected world, we can transact with each other and continue to build our communities, keeping our minds busy by picking up new skills and continuing to learn.

From our family to yours we wish you good health and serenity during these unprecedented times and remain at your service for all your needs in NY and Florida.

Inside Drake's New Toronto Mansion

All Images via Jason Schmidt/Architectural Digest

Being in New York City real estate, we often see “wow” properties. Whether its stunning views, over the top amenities, or eye-popping price tags, we have our fair share of being wowed on a regular basis. It takes a lot to wow us, however, when Drake recently let Architectural Digest inside his new Toronto mansion, our immediate reaction was WOW!

Drake’s new home clocks in at an impressive 50,000 square feet, and no detail was sparred across the entire home. From finishes to amenities, this mansion seriously has it all. The Embassy as its dubbed is the work of Canadian Architect and Interior Designer Ferris Rafauli The home makes an impressive statement with its inspiration from traditional Beaux Arts architecture. At its core, the home is an execution of the traditional 19th-century limestone mansion, but Rafauli brought an updated sensibility with clean and minimal lines.

On the interior, Rafauli drew inspiration from modern Art Deco style, with his own touch unique to Drake. Rooms have tremendous proportions with luxurious finishes from the floor to ceiling. Finishes throughout the home include the likes of limestone, bronze, exotic woods, suede, and more.

Upon entering the home, guests are greeted in the entry hall which features towering walls clad in limestone with inserts of Nero Marquina marble. The great room gives a sense of the sheer scale of the home as the ceilings soar to 44 feet tall. The Great Room also contains one of the many prized posessions in the home – a grand chandelier. The chandelier is an interation of the Metropolitan chandelier that was created for the Metropolitan Opera in New York and contains more than 20,000 pieces of hand-cut Swarovski crystals.

The master suite is another notable area of the home as it spans nearly 3,200 square feet with an additional 1,100 square feet of covered terraces. The master bath is a “Wow” moment with a nearly 4,000 pound tub carved from a single piece of marble as the centerpiece of the room. A 2-story closet is also located within the master suite.

All of that is just a taste of the 50,000 square foot home. Other notable features include an NBA regulation-size indoor basketball court, a lavish lounge, pool, and world-class recording studio.

Fun Things to Do at Home During the COVID-19 Quarantine

With everything closed from museums to concerts and sporting events as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic, many Americans are faced with significant time spent at home and wondering how to pass the time.

With Federal guidelines on Social Distancing extended to at least April 30th, you may be beginning to wonder what you will do over the next month as you spend more time at home. Safety and Social Distancing is the main priority, so you won’t find any recommendations to go hang out at your neighbor’s house here.

Workout at Home: So many are struggling with gyms and fitness studios being closed down – we are envious of all those with full at home gyms or Pelotons, however, there are great resources online for those looking to get in a sweat and stay mentally sane. The Fitness industry, like many industries, has adapted quickly to all the changes with many instructors going live on Instagram to host daily workouts for their followers, or gyms posting daily online videos for members and non-members alike.

 Here are some great online workout options:

• CorePower Yoga: on-demand classes on their website with a 7-day free trial and $19.99/month after

• Barry’s Bootcamp: Many instructors are hosting workouts on Instagram Live. Find your favorite instructor and check their schedule

• Peloton App: Peloton offers much more than just the stationary bike many think of. Their app offers many different work outs from floor sets to runs. The app is currently offering a 90-day free trial

• Orange Theory: on-demand videos being posted to the Orange Theory website daily

• Bar Method: on-demand videos available on their website. 14-day trial and $19/month after

Start Spring Cleaning and Maintenance: What a better time than now to start those spring tasks around the house to get your home ready for warmer months. Take this time to organize that closet or room you’ve been putting off or get a head start on outdoor work in the flower beds

 Brainstorm Home Improvement Ideas: Have you been thinking about a kitchen reno? A new bathroom, perhaps? Use your downtown to put those dreams into an action plan. Research contractors, price out paints, finishes, etc. When things get back to normal, you will be ready to efficiently move forward with your renovation idea.

Take Walks: Getting out of the house and moving is so important to mental health and helps get some movement in. Go on walks around your neighborhood or on your public trails. Most public trails remain open for fitness, but please be conscious if you are using a public trail or path to adhere to social distancing guidelines.

Support Local Business: Small business in your community need your help now more than ever – many of these are in the hospitality and retail industries which are being hit the hardest. Check in with your favorite local restaurant to see if they are offering curbside pick-up. Your favorite boutique or store more offer online shopping.

Take a Virtual Tour of a Museum Around the World: While Museums around the world are closed, head to Google Arts and Culture to virtual tour an exhibit. More than 500 museums across the globe teamed up with Google to offer a virtual peak inside their doors.

Listen to Podcasts: Netflix binging is a given, but have you considered Podcasts? Play them while you are working from home, cooking, or doing work around the house. Name and topic, and you will likely find a Podcast on it. From comedy, to series, to news, it is a great way to keep your mind occupied during the day.

Foster an Animal: Animal Shelters across the country are facing a crisis as many have been forced to close. Consider using your downtime to help Shelters ease the burden while they are closed and foster an animal…who knows, you may end up falling in love and keeping it!

Brush Up on Skills or Learn New Ones: Use your newly found weekends to brush up on your existing skills – does your profession require continuing educate? Now is a great time to tackle that often dreaded task as many industries are offering these courses online.

Free time is also great for learning a new skill that you have always wanted to learn, but have pushed off because you just didn’t have the time. From TED talks to YouTube videos, and even Ivy League courses, you can find a host of material online for free to learn about that topic you have always wanted to. Check out ClassCentral.com for a list free online courses being taught by top universities around the country.

Should You Buy a Home if a Recession Hits?

With the United States and Global economies on the brink of Recession, many folks are beginning to wonder - is now a good time to buy a home, or should I sell my home now or weather the storm?

To preface the below, it is important to set the expectation that a Recession is not necessarily a positive for any sector of the market. Yes, some sectors can whether a recession better than others, namely essential goods and services as opposed to those businesses that are reliant on consumer discretionary income. With that said, real estate tends to all into the former - people will always need to buy, sell, or rent their homes. Whether an economic recession or an economic boom, people will always need a place to live.

The Backdrop is Vastly Different than 2008

The current economic environment and fundamentals look much different than they did in 2008. The Great Recession of 2008 was the culmination of many weak spots in the economy that was fueled by the Housing Crisis. Lenders originated mortgages to people that did not qualify, severely driving up home prices across the nations, and which ultimately resulted in many buyers foreclosing on their homes because they did not have any skin in the game. 

Because banking and real estate/construction companies were at the core of those hardest hit, the massive layoffs these companies faced trickled negatively throughout the entire economy. 

Today, the current crisis is not a result of economic weakness, but is rather the result of an external factor on the economy. In fact, after the 2008 crisis, laws were passed that cracked down on Banks' balance sheet requirements as well as lending practices for Mortgage companies. Additionally, consumer sentiment and spending looks quite different - the Great Recession spooked many households, and as a result, household debt has been at historic levels since.

Will Home Prices Drop? 

Timing the market is nearly impossible whether you are talking about stocks or real estate. It is likely that home prices may drop slightly to a "level off" range, but a recession does not always mean a sharp decline in prices. The true impact will depend on the severity and duration of the economic downtown. 

A chart published by the Federal Reserve  Bank of St. Louis shows home price data as provided by S&P Down Jones Indices. Note that prices moderately declined during the 90-91 recession, and then rebounded. During the recession of 2001, home prices did not decline. Remember -- the cause of this downturn was the burst of the dot-com bubble. 

Source: Fed Reserve Bank of St Louis

We do see a decline that lasted for a moderate timeframe during the Great Recession of 2008-2009, however, housing was a large underlying factor in the breakdown of economic activity during the Great Recession so this does not come as a surprise. Additionally, you see that home prices started to decline before the recession hit during 2008-2009.

Manhattan Luxury home prices have been in a correction phase for ~2 year as the market has been adjusting from lofty asking prices from 2014-2016.

Not All Housing Markets are the Same

The Media often refers to the "US Housing Market", implying that there is just one housing market across the entire nation. We would recommend treating housing markets as micro markets, sometimes, like in the instance of New York City, there are even hyper-local markets. Pricing and activity can vary from neighborhood to neighborhood even within the same city!

It is important to understand the micro locality of housing markets to set expectations that, when thinking about a national media home price, this could be influenced by local markets that are impacted more severely during a recession versus some local markets that may so an increase in prices, although at a much slower pass than would be absent a recession

What Should I Consider for Buying a Home - Especially Now?

1. Employment Stability: Sometimes this can be hard to assess during times of increased uncertainty, but it is important to gauge your gut feeling as it relates to your employment. Do you feel confident that your household is in a situation of income stability as you are considering making one of the largest financial commits that you will make in your life? This is an important question to ask yourself if you are considering purchasing your first home during a recession. 

2. Savings: If you have financial savings in the bank, you are in a very strong position during a recession. Your savings will directly influence your ability to make a down payment - recommended at a minimum of 20% - as well as provide a cushion in a time where job certainty my be slightly less. Savings also brings us to number 2.

3. Mortgage Qualification: Getting pre-approved for a mortgage is a first step no matter the economic condition, but now, it is more important than ever to get pre-approved! If you have substantial savings, this will help you get pre-approved at a favorable rate. Some lenders may impose stricter requirements during a recession, so having sizable savings will only help you. Additionally, pre-approval ensures you know what you can afford and that is the most important piece. Now is now that time to be buying something you cannot afford. It is always a good time to buy a home, unless you cannot afford. 

Ensure you are considering purchases that are within your budget, allowing you additional cashflow outside your monthly mortgage payment for everyday expenses.

4. Time Horizon: Think about your time horizon for this purchase - how long do you plan to stay in the home? This brings us back to the point of timing the market. If you plan to stay in the home for many years, which is often the case, you may actually stand to benefit from buying during a recession. 

There are likely bargains to be had in the market during a recession should prices dip. If you plan on staying put for a longer time horizon, we see that housing tends to fair well over the longterm. 

Tips for Combining Apartments in NYC

Combining apartments is something that a lot of people consider while living in New York. Combing apartments can be a viable option for people that are starting a family or need more space, but love their building and location. A lot of people are willing to combine apartments, but are not sure how to go about it properly, we are going to take a closer look at some tips on what to consider when combining apartments.

Before combining apartments in NYC

The most important thing to remember about combining apartments in NYC is that it is all about preparations. If you do your research, prepare properly and find the right people to help you, you are bound to combine your apartments with relative ease. So, trust us when we tell you that there is no such thing as being too prepared for combining apartments.

This holds true for understanding permits and approvals needed by your building, contracts, as well as Brokers - hiring an agent that knows your building in and out is crucial as they are likely familiar with building rules, unit floor plans, and have dealt with a unit combination in the past.

Combining apartments vs getting a larger apartment

Even though we will go over various aspects of combining apartments in NYC, we would still like to remind you that moving into a larger apartment can sometimes be a good idea. As you will soon learn, not all apartments can be properly combined, even if they are adjacent to one another. The structure of your building, the placement of plumbing and electricity and the available space... All of them dictate whether combining apartments is actually a viable option. So, if it is obvious that you need to move out of your old home into a larger one, don't try to combine what cannot be combined, even with top contractors by your side ensure that combining units is best for your individual needs.

Proper planning

If you are sure that combing your apartments is the way to go, you need to sit down and plan. If the apartments you want to combine are on the same level, you shouldn't have much trouble combining them. Simply figure out a way to have easy access between them. The only thing to keep in mind is that NYC law doesn't allow an apartment to have more than one kitchen. So, make sure that you convert a kitchen before you officially combine your apartments.

In order to tackle combining apartments in NYC, you will need to deal with a fair bit of planning.

If, on the other hand, you are combing apartments where one is above the other, you will need to deal with a bit more planning. Keep in mind that staircases require a lot of room. Not to mention the plumbing and the electricity that can run through the floor that you might need to remodel. So, hire someone competent and plan carefully before you vertically combine apartments.

Necessary permits

When it comes to both dealing with and renting apartments, NYC is heavily regulated. This means that if you plan on combining your apartments you will need to take care of copious legal paperwork and abide by numerous codes. Now, even with the help of resources from NYC, you still might struggle with keeping everything in line. This is why it is often a good idea to hire an expediter to make the process more streamlined. All in all, we advise you to start tackling the legal aspect of combining apartments in New York as soon as possible.

The sooner you start tackling legal paperwork, the better.

How to go about combing apartments

Now, if you carefully considered your situation, planed out your apartment properly and have acquired the necessary paperwork, you are ready to combine your apartments. As you might guess, there are tips that can make this process easier, even with proper preparations.

Hiring the right people to help you

It is hard to overstate the importance of having the right contractors helping you out with combing apartments. Even if it is a simple project, you really want someone experienced at your side. Subpar contractors can make small mistakes that can end up costing you a lot more to fix later on. So, if you want to ensure that your apartments get combined properly, hire someone whom you can trust. W.e are happy to make recommendations.

Make sure to spend enough time looking before you settle on a contractor.

The best place to look for contractors is through a trusted source - testimonials and referrals. Testimonials from your neighbors are a good way to find contractors. After all, they are bound to work in your area. Plus, you have access to first-hand testimonials, which are always welcome. But, even if you get recommendations, don't neglect to look online. Not only can you check out the recommended contractors, but you can also look for the ones with more experience or better rates. So, do yourself a favor and do plenty of online research before you settle on a contractor.

Preparing your current apartment for combining

Another thing that you will have to tackle is preparing your current apartment for combining. The best course of action is to clear out the entire room where you plan on adding the door. You can either place your items into storage with companies like Movage Moving NYC, or better yet, into your new apartment. But, whatever the case, try to avoid cluttering up your current living space too much. It will not only stress you out, but it can also make combining the apartments needlessly difficult.

Moving to a nearby place

Even though combining apartments in NYC may seem simple, it is often far from so. This is why you should plan so that your contractors have enough time and room to tackle it properly. If necessary, you can temporarily rent a nearby place in order to give your contractors the necessary freedom to tackle combining properly. That way you'll be able to live a normal life and check-up on your apartment regularly to see how the work is going.

Minimalist Design Trends and Tips

Aesthetic restraint is, perhaps, the most suitable minimalistic description of Minimalism. In apartment design, minimalism is a growing trend and it is clear why. We are overstimulated in our daily life and the last thing we need at home is unnecessary ornamentation and clutter. A concept of clean lines is also a concept of simple beauty. While it may seem so, this concept is not easy to materialize. Emptying your home and painting it white will not make it minimalist, but sterile-looking and cold. The following guide should explain how to convey the true essence of minimalism to your living space, or what to look for if you are seeking a Minimalistic aesthetic in your next home.

Open floor plans in apartment design

Minimalism is not a form of asceticism in apartment design; on the contrary. It doesn't remove for the sake of abstinence. It eliminates the excess to bring the architectural features into the spotlight -the same home features buyers will pay extra for.

Open floor plans are not exclusively tied to minimalism but they go hand in hand. However, the key characteristic of minimalism is focusing on every single piece of furniture. Once you pause and take a look at your apartment, you should not see the things you own, but the things you use. In an open floor plan, there's no room to hide. Except that there is plenty, but cleverly fit.

Minimum furniture, maximum functionality

With so few pieces of furniture, it may seem that minimalism neglects storage space. While you should declutter to make your apartment a serene minimalist haven, modern home design will provide quite sufficient storage space that complies with the principals of contemporary minimalism. If you still have too much, you don't need to dispose of your excess belongings; simply store them away. Make sure you're using the right kind of boxes when packing and choose a climate-controlled storage unit. You will need those items sooner or later when you decide to renew the setting.

The key to understanding minimalism in apartment design is that every apartment is, in essence, a functional, smart, and light space. As such, it allows for countless designing possibilities while at the same time ensuring every piece is purposeful, adds values to space, and works in harmony with other items.

Minimalism in apartment design: focus on form, texture, color

You probably already know everything you need to know when renting in NYC including that furnished apartments can be significantly more expensive than unfurnished ones. While such apartments have their benefits, you may not feel in tune with the presented design. If you are seeking a minimalist aesthetic in your home, you should opt for an unfurnished unit that offers an empty canvas that you can turn into a form-focused, stunning minimalist interior. If shopping for New Development, seek at those units that have the bones from which to build - neutral color palettes, sleek kitchens, concealed appliances, etc.

Note that condensing the form brings the best from minimalism out and reveals the true nature of architecture. The composition should be simple, flowing, and harmonious, creating a restful home as a result. Neutral monochromatic but multihued best describes the minimalist color palette. Other colors should be used sparsely and only as accents. The color palette helps to create a warm, inviting and relaxing atmosphere, however, textures help to achieve this as well - materials and fabric you will choose play a vital role.

Make it simple, not boring or depersonalized

Minimalism will profoundly transform your home by adding only a few select items to accentuate the otherwise monochromatic interior. Art is welcome in any form, though its composition should be uncomplicated. A lamp, a vase, a painting, a rug; it is up to you to find what speaks to you and compliments the living space. However, the biggest challenge is to know when is enough. Add one item too many and you will slide back into the cluttered past.

Moreover, with so few things on show, every piece should be a quality item. Resisting the test of time is only one of the reasons. The other lies in the not-so-subtle contest of quality versus quantity in minimalist design. Finally, your apartment shouldn't lack in personal items. Most successfully designed homes reveal the taste of the owner without disorder and excess. Besides, it is your home and it should reflect your way of life. That is the only way it will make you feel comfortable, relaxed, and happy.

Summary

With all this being said, and in the true spirit of minimalism, it feels important to summarize the key points and benefits of minimalist apartment design

• Visual appeal: the less you show, the more noticeable it becomes. The beauty of minimalism lies in the art of making so little so attractive.

• Health benefits: Open space allows more light, and where there is light, there is a positive attitude. Without clutter, there is significantly less dust and other allergens. Calm colors and a relaxing atmosphere will improve your sleep.

• Easy-care home: Regardless of the size, a minimalist apartment, in general, is easy and fast to clean. With chosen pieces of quality furniture and no dust-collecting objects, maintenance is simple.

• Smart investment: Letting go sometimes means getting more. Substituting disposable and superfluous for experience and life-altering memories is priceless.

In the world of hoarders and mass-production, minimalism in apartment design is a form of silent rebellion. It resonates with people who wish to turn to other people, to items of great personal importance, and art and quality. Moreover, an investment in a simple yet effective home with chosen, high-quality items will never fail. 

The gracious beauty of calming and clean space blends well with uncomplicated shapes, textures, and colors. Just as little black dress is to fashion, minimalism is to apartment design; the timeless aesthetic is magically appealing. It doesn't surprise that minimalism is taking the world by storm; after all, who can resist harmony?

Modern Minimalism in Midtown Manhattan

Looking for modern, loft-style living in Manhattan? We are please to represent 3 unique residences at Foster + Partner’s 100 East 53rd Street. This new development offers luxury living in the heart of the Midtown Culture district with residences that are characterized by minimalism. Homes feature minimalist design features such as white plank oak flooring, custom kitchens with concealed appliances, and ample wall space for art work that gives a gallery like feeling.

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Best Home Upgrades for Your Pets

The number of pet owners in the US is getting larger by the day. We are not only referring to the people living in houses with yards; nowadays many apartment dwellers and renters choose to live with a furry or feathery friend. Since they love them so much, it is natural that they would try and do all that is necessary to make their pets safe and happy. That means that sometimes you need to make some home upgrades for your pets in order to make your living space their living space too. If you are planning to move any time soon, here is your opportunity to make your new home pet-friendly before you move in!

Plan your new home layout with your pet in mind

Just like you would do if you were to move with a baby or a toddler, you should plan your relocation with pet very carefully. The plan should include not only the actual moving but pet-proofing and pet-friendly upgrades that should be done in your new home too. Informing your movers from companies such as dynamicmoversnyc.com that you are a pet owner gives you a chance to get some practical advice for the moving day. Now, let's get back to the upgrades. Here are some of the ideas for you to think about, and we will discuss them later on:

• Making it easy for your pet to enter your new home;

• Creating a designated eating area;

• Making a sleeping nook for your pet;

• Creating a play area for your pet to enjoy - this will be one of the home upgrades for your pets that they will like the most;

• Planning a bathing station.

Before you dive into any of these projects, make sure that you set the budget and stick to it. There is nothing that we wouldn't do for our pets, but there is no need to go overboard with the expenses.

Pets tend to be messy, but that is no news. What is new is that manufacturers offer special materials nowadays that are designed to endure longer. If you are upgrading your new home you can choose stain-resistant paint, stain-proof carpets or even scratch-resistant hardwood flooring. On the other hand, if you are buying a place as-is, you might want to make a home inspection before purchasing to check if it is safe for your pet. 

Making it easy for your pet to enter your home

If you would like to adapt your new house to your animal friend's basic needs, you will have to install a pet door. Changing the entire door can be rather expensive and it can be difficult for you to find one that fits your home style and your pet's needs, so maybe you should build in a pet door into your existing one. Most of them are made of unsightly plastic material, but luckily for you, the Internet is flooded by amazing DIY ideas that might cost less and look better than the store-bought ones.

Unfortunately, installing a pet door is not an option for you if you are moving to an apartment downtown. But, if your animal friend has a designated potty area on your deck or patio, maybe you can help them reach the area by making a balcony door pet-friendly. Of course, you should first check whether the policy of your building allows for such adaptations.

Creating a designated eating area can be one of the home upgrades for your pets

Are you one of those pet owners that constantly trip over water and food bowls in your home? Or you have a clumsy pet? There are a few solutions to this problem. You may buy some specially designed bowls that are a bit more difficult to overturn or you can opt for an upgrade that is a permanent solution. We are talking about a pull-out drawer that can act as a feeding station. You can install it in your laundry room, mudroom, hallway or any other place you find suitable for your pet to have its meals at. If your future home is an apartment, then we suggest that you use the bottom drawer in one of your kitchen cabinets for this purpose. The eating stations are one of the home features New Yorkers will pay extra for. So, why wouldn't you make your own?

Making a sleeping nook for your pet

It will probably be difficult for your pet to part with its old home, so your job is to make it as stress-free as possible. You can do that by creating a special area where your friend will relax after a long day of playing, running or waiting for you to come back from work. There are some home upgrades for your pets even the owners living in small apartments can try. And we know that the majority of pet owners in Manhattan have the issue with space. For instance, a cabinet in your living room or anywhere else in the house can serve as a pullout bed for your pet. You can have it custom-made with upholstered cushion. Just like you would call Manhattan professionals if you are planning to relocate to that part of the city, you hire a carpenter and have this bed made for your pet.

Creating a play area for your pet to enjoy

Your pet probably misses its natural environment. We get it that it is very difficult to spend much time outside in nature especially if you live in Manhattan, Bronx or any other urban part of the city. That is why people started opening playrooms where you can take your pet to play and run even if the weather outside is rainy or snowy. So, why wouldn't you make a playing station for your pet in your home just alike? Research the Internet and you will find an abundance of ideas!

Planning a bathing station

A lot of pets do not like taking a bath. Even though you might consider yourself lucky for finding an NYC building with pet amenities, your dog might be terrified to walk by the door of a dog salon. You can alleviate the stress they undergo whenever it is time to get cleaned by making a bathing station at home. One of the best home upgrades for your pets is modifying a shower in a way that you can easily use it to keep them clean. Replace your showerhead with a pet-bathing nozzle or build a separate bathtub with a pet-friendly faucet if you can afford it. Or, you can simply convert your shower into a walk-in.

Don't be surprised if your pet, especially if it is a dog, refuses to enter the station at first. It will resist all that is new and different from their previous home. Just be patient and persistent. The most important thing you can do for your pet is to be by them just like they come to us when they feel that we need their support.