Make Room
Location and space…Space or location. Shopping for real estate is always about compromise, despite price point. At non-stratospheric price points, getting more space is often coming to terms with a location that is a few ranks down on the wish list, or the debate becomes how best to function with limited property size.
We’ve seen smart solutions over the years to better tackle the compromise of home size, which we saw New Yorkers become even more innovative with during the pandemic, as Pelotons found their way next to beds and home offices got jammed into corners and closets. Using the oven as a makeshift storage box wasn’t the only available option, and New Yorkers were making do.
Below are solutions that clients have found useful, whether just trying to steal a little space out of a foyer or closet, or doing a full-home renovation.
Take the cabinets up.
If you’re going down the path of a kitchen renovation, look up. Too often precious kitchen space is wasted with dust-collecting dead air above cabinets or wasteful soffits enclosing what could be useful storage. Take the cabinets all the way up or add another bank and take advantage of the space for lesser used gadgets or serveware.
Stretch the door height.
Like taking kitchen cabinets to the ceiling, take doors – especially closet doors – as high as you can. Not only will their height give greater access and options for closets, extra length to the room doors will give rooms more visual height, light and air, making them feel bigger and brighter.
Leverage inconspicuous places.
Foyers, hallways, dead corners, a large room with extra space under windows all present opportunities for clean wall-mounted cabinets, drawers or shelves for things that clutter, like shoes and toys.
Customize your favorite closet to your own needs.
Don’t spend time thinking about what a future buyer of your home might want from your closet design. If you need double-height hanging for all your evening gowns, pull out racks for ties or meticulous drawer solutions for all your cuff links, do it. Organize what you need.
Splurge on built-ins.
Done well, built-in cabinets, shelves and drawers leverage space for storage better than anything store-bought. Plus, the simplicity and cleanliness can make a room feel calmer, uncluttered and more open.
Create a small office.
If you have back-to-back closets and were blessed with enough existing storage throughout the rest of home, consider a low-cost office space solution by combining them, walling off one door and creating a work-from-home office nook.
Ditch the wasted space.
Most New York City apartments are not sprawling like a country house. Get rid of space wasters like pedestal sinks and go for vanities, remove the old bathroom built-in hamper for some more linen and toiletry storage space.
Please share other tips and tricks that you’ve seen or implemented to make your New York living space more organized and efficient. Reach out if you are interested in discussing the neighborhoods across Manhattan and Brooklyn that are currently offering some of the best values on space and location. We look forward to connecting, and have a great start to your holiday season.
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The Properties
Our month's featured listings on the market.
Brooklyn Market Activity
Highlighting our market's past 30 days.
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The Properties
Our month's featured listings on the market.
1111 Ocean Avenue, Various Units
Ditmas Park / Brooklyn
Co-op
1-3 Beds / 1-2 Baths
$480,000 - $925,000
Upper West Side / Manhattan
Co-op
2 Beds / 2 Baths
$1,250,000
Flatbush / Brooklyn
Condo
2 Beds / 2 Baths
$795,000
Long Island City / Queens
Condo
2 Beds / 2 Baths
$1,400,000
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The Pick
From the cool and eccentric to reserved and irreverent - Our month’s pick of what's happening in New York City.
New York Comedy Festival
Enjoy your pick from over 200 comedians performing in this annual NYC festival.
November 6-15, 2026
Various venues throughout the city.
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