A Guide to Creating the Perfect Pied-à-Terre
Creating the Perfect Pied-à-Terre
Need a getaway from your packed schedule in the city? Look no further: a pied-à-terre may be just what you need. A pied-à-terre, which is a French phrase that means "foot on the ground,” is a small second home located in or near a city. Seasoned travelers or a city-dwellers looking for a change of pace could find pied-à-terres to be the most ideal living situation because it's both parts flexible and practical. We'll lay out everything you need to know in this article about creating the perfect pied-à-terre to fit your preferences, budget, and schedule.
Definition of a Pied-à-terre
If you're intrigued about pied-à-terres, an important first step is helping you understand what it is. A pied-à-terre is a small living space located in a city, frequently used as a retreat from a primary residence. While some offer you the opportunity to make it entirely your own, many are often furnished and equipped with the basic necessities to allow for comfortable living on a temporary basis, which makes it a beautiful residence for frequent travelers and city-lovers.
However, of the many different types of pied-à-terres, each has unique characteristics and benefits that may suit the quirks of your specific preferences of stay. For example, some pied-à-terres are located in historic buildings that are representative of the region or country in which they were built, while others can be modern and sleek penthouses with an affinity to well-known designers. Townhouses and co-op buildings are other types of properties that can often become terre purchases. You can choose to be in a bustling city center where life is happening right outside your front door, or even tucked away in a quiet neighborhood where you can live a more private life in a residential area.
When choosing a pied-à-terre, one of the first decisions you should make is where you want it to be and what's around. Do you want to be in the heart of the city, with easy access to restaurants, shops, and nightlife? Or do you prefer a more peaceful setting, away from the hustle and bustle of city life? For a deeper dive into the essence and allure of pied-à-terres, explore our blog on uncovering the meaning of Pied-à-Terre, which elucidates the various facets of these urban retreats.
Another thing you may want to consider is the size of the pied-à-terre and how it might determine different factors of your stay — whether you're interested in hosting or accommodating any guests. While they are typically known to be small, some offer more space and amenities, which can be great for pets or hobbies, as well as children. Some pied-à-terres may have a kitchenette that's suitable for food prep, while others may have a full kitchen that leaves you the option to cook and host dinner parties.
Advantages of a Pied-à-terre
There are many advantages to having a pied-à-terre that make it an attractive option for those who spend extended stays in more than one city. For one, it can be a practical strategy to own property in a desirable city location, without having to completely commit to a full-time residence.
Symbol of Status
It's no secret that owning a pied-à-terre can additionally offer a sense of prestige and luxury. It is often seen as a status symbol, and can also provide a sense of exclusivity since many pied-à-terres are found in high-end buildings or neighborhoods. Foreign buyers are known to be able to afford properties like these as well.
Real Estate Investment
It's all these reasons and more that owning a pied-à-terre can be a great real estate investment opportunity. Another advantage of owning a pied-à-terre is the potential rental income you can earn when you're not living at the property for the short-term, which can be particularly lucrative in popular tourist destinations or business districts. Properties in desirable locations often appreciate in value over a period of time, making it a smart financial decision for the pied-à-terre owner. It can also serve as a hedge against inflation, as the value of the property is likely to increase over time.
Finally, the freedom and flexibility that comes with owning a pied-à-terre is incomparable. Imagine being able to come and go as you please, without having to worry about booking accommodations or finding a place to stay. It also allows for spontaneous trips and weekend getaways, to New York City, Paris, Tokyo, London, Buenos Aires, or any other dreamy cosmopolitan city that fits the ticket for your vacation home.
Design Elements
Interior design can play a huge factor in how you enjoy the space if your property, as well as how often you'll want to stay in it. One way that designers recommend adding depth and interest to your pied-à-terre is to incorporate natural elements in creative, innovative ways. Consider adding plants to the space to bring the outdoors inside. Not only do plants add visual interest, but they also help purify the air and create a calming atmosphere.
Another way to add personality to your pied-à-terre is to incorporate artwork — prints, photography, or sculptures are great places to start to explore. Choose pieces that are meaningful to you, such as a painting from your favorite local artist or a photograph from a memorable trip. Rove Travel offers free design consultation for pied-à-terreowners, reach out for more information if you’re interested!
Lighting is a crucial element in any design that can't be overlooked to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Consider adding dimmer switches to your overhead lighting to create a more relaxed ambiance, as well as using soft white bulbs for a warmer glow. You can also incorporate table lamps and floor lamps to add warmth and depth to the space; varied types of lighting can make a huge different to an otherwise bland, boring space.
Finally, consider incorporating functional storage solutions into your pied-à-terre design, which is an elegant and sleek solution to creating a more minimalist space. This is especially important if you plan to use the space for extended stays. Look for furniture pieces that double as storage, such as a storage ottoman or a Murphy bed. Organized and clutter-free spaces are key to making a space feel clean and luxurious, as your pied-à-terre should be.
By incorporating these design elements into your pied-à-terre, you can create a space that is both functional and inviting for guests and yourself. It's often a great trick to stick to simple, classic pieces and add in personal touches to make the space feel like your own. With the right design elements, your pied-à-terre can be a peaceful retreat that you look forward to visiting time and time again, provided the versatility of a multipurpose space.
Prospect Lane by Rove Travel | Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn
The Key to Crafting a Cozy Pied-à-terre
Lighting
Getting a good night's sleep can be a top priority when travel is in the cards. When it comes to creating a cozy pied-à-terre, lighting cannot be underestimated, once again. Soft lighting options such as table lamps, floor lamps, and sconces help provide an atmosphere that feels thoughtful and intentional. Trust us — the relaxing, cozy environment this will help create is essential for you to catch some z's after a day of travel to your second property!
Textures
Another important aspect of creating a cozy pied-à-terre? Textures and fabrics. Soft, plush fabrics can make a space feel more inviting and comfortable, like a warm hug. A shaggy rug or a velvet accent chair are great additions that could create a cozy reading nook. Textured throw pillows and blankets can also add depth and warmth to the space. Have fun with it and choose things that feel and look good to you upon first touch.
Colors
When it comes to the color scheme, warm and neutral colors such as beige, cream, and gray are a great base to reference if creating a calming atmosphere and making the space feel more inviting is your vibe. If you love color, throw in statement pieces and find a color story that makes you smile. Contrasting or bright colors can add a lot of personality to your space, too.
Scent
Lastly, selecting a signature scent for your space can create an entirely different feeling. Without diving too much into aromatherapy and its benefits, consider using essential oils such as lavender or chamomile in a diffuser or lighting scented candles to create a soothing environment. Other scents like citrus, vetiver, or vanilla are favorites that can give your home an incredibly unique environment to hang out in.
These tips will give you the dedicated cozy pied-à-terre that truly feels like a home away from home. With soft lighting, comfortable bedding, textured fabrics, warm colors, and soothing scents, you’ll have the perfect space to unwind and relax after a long day of traveling or exploring.
Choosing the Right Furniture for Your Pied-à-terre
When choosing furniture for your pied-à-terre, working with the space — rather than trying to make the furniture fit — is the best approach you'll want to take. A pied-à-terre can typically be a small living space, so it is crucial to choose furniture that actually serves its purpose. Convertible sofas in the living room or a storage ottoman in the bedroom are great picks that can serve multiple purposes and help to maximize the use of the limited space available.
Style is one thing you can't buy, and you can showcase that in your property with just a few tips. The furniture you choose should complement the design elements you’ve chosen for the space and be indicative of your personal style. For example, if you have a preference for minimalist furniture, opt for designs inspired by Noguchi or Eames. If you prefer a more traditional style, furniture with ornate details and classic lines could be a fun option from secondhand stores that boast a variety of styles from different decades.
Again, it can't be overstated that furniture you choose should be proportional to the size of your pied-à-terre. Avoid oversized pieces that will make the space feel cramped and cluttered; you'll end up with regrets and feel when it starts to get difficult to move around.
Furniture is a fun opportunity to incorporate both natural materials and lacquered 70's-inspired finishes. Whatever your style, be consistent, and create an opportunity for conversation with pieces you select. You'll be happier that you went with what made you excited, versus the piece you begrudgingly bought to impress a client or in-law. Material also matters; opt for durable materials that can withstand wear and tear. Leather is a great option for seating as it is easy to clean and maintain. If you prefer upholstered furniture, choose a fabric that is easy to clean and stain-resistant.
Prospect Lane by Rove Travel | Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn
Maximizing Style and Comfort in Your Pied-à-terre
Once you’ve established the groundwork of your furniture style for your pied-à-terre, focusing on maximizing style and comfort is the next step. This can include a large framed unique piece of artwork, an intricate and rich-colored rug, or a handcrafted sculptural piece of furniture.
Another way to add extra style and comfort to your pied-à-terre is creating experiences through varied interesting textiles. Incorporate soft, touchable fabrics such as cashmere throws, velvet pillows, and linen curtains. They multi-layered look of different beautiful scapes create dimension, and will create a welcoming and luxurious atmosphere that’s perfect for unwinding after a long day of sightseeing or work.
Incorporating the Latest Technology into Your Pied-à-terre
State-of-the-art gadgets can make the difference of living an easy lifestyle in your pied-à-terre. This can include smart home automation systems that allow you to control everything from the lighting to the temperature to preheating the oven before you get home. It can also include a high-fidelity sound system equipped with speakers to enhance the listening experience of your entertainment system. Flat-screen TVs or projectors can also create a mini home theater that’s perfect for movie nights after a busy day exploring the city. Often, homeowners will add digital concierges or keys for convenient and secure access to the apartment, which can make having pet sitters or housekeepers less of a hassle. Rove Travel offers a solution for individuals looking to rent out their pied-a-terre's by using specialized sensors to monitor noise levels and foot traffic. These sensors track decibel levels and the number of devices connected to wifi in order to determine if a tenant is being disruptive. This innovative technology enables Rove Travel to create a positive environment for neighbors and ensure that tenants are following house rules.
Decorating Your Pied-à-terre for Maximum Enjoyment
Finally, decorating your pied-à-terre for maximum enjoyment means creating a space that allows you to fully relax and unwind. This can include adding a luxurious tub or massage chair to help you unwind after a long day. Or, you can create a cozy reading nook with a bookshelf hosting with your favorite subjects and authors with a cushy chair that's great for snuggling. Design the outdoor patio of your dreams with a beautiful garden of flowers and herbs.
Balancing functionality, style, and comfort is an art form, but a truly crucial one when creating the perfect pied-à-terre for your ideal retreat.
Extending Your Pied-à-Terre Journey: Finding the Perfect Vacation Retreat
Now that you've garnered insights into creating a cozy pied-à-terre, the adventure extends to discovering one that resonates with your vacation aspirations. The essence of a pied-à-terre blooms profoundly when it aligns with the tranquility and excitement of a holiday retreat. Our comprehensive guide on finding the perfect pied-à-terre for vacation unveils a pathway to identifying a haven that not only reflects your style but also complements your vacation experience. From exploring the right locations to understanding the local lifestyle, delve into a reservoir of tips and strategies that steer you towards making well-informed decisions on your vacation pied-à-terre.