The Surrey is the epitome of New York glamor and contemporary luxury on the city’s Upper East Side. Photo credit: The Surrey.

Amber Woods wrote this guest post about bringing travel inspiration home from New York City. She is an Australian writer who wishes she could bring more of New York City into her own home.

The Big Apple…Anyone who visits it will instantly be captivated by its cool attitude, fast-paced environment, and its vibrancy. Home is where the heart is, and for millions of people, New York City is their home forever.

If you’ve just recently taken a trip to the concrete jungle, you’ll be inspired with pictures of bright lights and splashes of colour. Bring that energy back into your own property – regardless of whether you’re shopping for real estate in the northern suburbs of Melbourne or looking for house and land packages in Truganina, you can add a little bit of New York City flavor into your life.

Adorn your walls with pictures of lights

Lights are a popular subject matter for those who love time-lapse photography. With blurred photos of different colored lights or photos where streaks of lights dart in and out of the frame, your home will instantly have more of that New York city spark. Choose to hang your photographs on a white wall for maximum impact, or cast them in a white frame against a black wall for something a little bit different.

From City Travel + Design: Vintage Atlas wallpaper. Photo credit: wallpaperspace.co.uk.

Minimalism is uber-chic, uber-cool, and uber-NYC

New Yorkers are all about mixing style with functionality. To get that iconic loft apartment design that is quintessentially ‘New York’, it’s all about having statement items that are a little bit quirky – but don’t put too much in one space! Put a simple white or black sofa with some bright colored cushions on one side of your living room, and add one big painting or photograph that matches the room’s color scheme. Incorporate a coffee table made of glass or made of simple white or black materials, and add a bright rug underneath to make the room pop. Remember, less is more when it comes to minimalistic design – keep it to a few colors and don’t clutter the room too much with knick-knacks.

A cool guest room at The James New York. Photo credit: The James.

Martini – shaken, not stirred

Every cool New York City apartment has a bar, so why not create your own mini bar at home? Buy a side table and a tray, and put your favorites there: wine or whisky work great as they don’t need to be refrigerated. Put two or three low ball glasses on the table as well, and you’re ready to go – James Bond would be proud.

Sculpt a masterpiece of home design

Many people don’t include sculptures in their property décor plans, and – if you’re going for NYC chic – this is a mistake. Sculptures may be more costly than a painting, but they give a room sophistication and elegance. Opt for a tall sculpture if your room is small to give the illusion of height and space; or choose a small piece to help add some extra oomph to your hallways.

The Rio Chaise Lounge by Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer. Photo credit: ESPASSO UK.

Seeking a vintage design classic piece for your city apartment?

Then look at the Rio Chaise Lounge by celebrated Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer. Called a “sculptor of monuments”, Niemeyer is famous for his signature use of abstract forms and curves which is also seen in the famous chair’s design.

In 1978, the architect designed the classic chair with his daughter Anna Maria Niemeyer. The Rio Chaise Lounge is made from curved compressed laminated wood lacquered in black with Brazilian artisan wicker work.

“Much like his architecture, Niemeyer’s limited furniture designs celebrate the beauty of the female form and the geographical elements of Rio de Janiero,” says ESPASSO  which specializes in modern and contemporary Brazilian furniture.

Niemeyer’s Rio Chaise Lounge is available at ESPASSO UK, the company’s London showroom.

ESPASSO UK

19 Greek Street

London

Website: www.espasso.co.uk