As someone who's always been fascinated by the art of design, I find it incredibly intriguing how a few clever tricks can transform even the smallest of spaces into stylish and functional homes. And when it comes to small apartments, New Yorkers certainly know a thing or two about making the most of every inch. So, let's dive into some of their secrets and explore how we can all benefit from their expertise.
Vertical Storage: A Clever Space-Saver
One of the biggest challenges in small apartments is limited floor space. But as NYC-based designer Jennifer Hunter wisely points out, there's often untapped potential in the height of a room. By utilizing vertical storage, especially in narrow hallways, you can optimize your apartment's storage capacity.
What I particularly love about Hunter's approach is her use of vintage or antique armoires or tall dressers in entryways. Not only do these pieces provide concealed storage for various items, but they also create a beautiful focal point, adding a touch of elegance and character to your home. It's a brilliant way to keep everyday essentials accessible without cluttering up your space visually.
Banquette Seating: Maximizing Every Nook
Small apartment kitchens can be a tight squeeze, especially when it comes to finding enough seating for a dining table. That's where built-in banquette seating comes to the rescue. By utilizing alcoves or nooks, you can create generous seat spaces while maintaining the flow of the room.
Designer Hannah Blumenthal of Studio Olivine demonstrates this perfectly in a Brooklyn apartment. By installing a banquette, wallpaper, and sconces in a small alcove, they've transformed it into a defined dining space. And the best part? The banquette includes storage drawers and a hidden storage space with a flip-up top, providing additional functionality.
Light Colors for Open-Plan Spaces
In small apartments with open-concept floor plans, decorating with neutrals can enhance the sense of flow and create an airy atmosphere. As color expert Hannah Yeo explains, light hues like soft whites and warm creams maximize available light, making the space feel brighter and more inviting.
By maintaining a cohesive color palette across walls, cabinetry, and key design elements, you can further enhance the feeling of openness. It's a simple yet effective way to make a small apartment feel welcoming and spacious.
Embrace Bold Color in Small Rooms
While light neutral colors work well in open-plan spaces, don't be afraid to go bold in closed-off rooms like bedrooms. There's a common misconception that small spaces should play it safe, but as Sarah Jacoby, founder of Sarah Jacoby Architect, points out, the opposite is true.
By embracing darker colors and efficient built-ins, you can create a cozy and intimate atmosphere. Instead of opting for sterile white paint, explore warm and saturated tones to make the space feel personal and welcoming. It's all about leaning into the assets of the room and making it a unique moment in your home.
Wall Lights for Bedroom Elegance
When it comes to maximizing space in a small apartment bedroom, choosing small, narrow nightstands is a smart move. But if you want to avoid cluttering up your surfaces with table lamps, wall lights and sconces are the way to go.
NYC-based designer Meagan Camp demonstrates this beautifully in one of her projects. By opting for wall lights, she keeps surfaces clear, allowing the curated pieces to feel more special and preventing the space from feeling crowded. It's a simple yet effective way to add visual flair and create a stylish, elegant bedroom.
A Considered Approach to Small Apartment Design
By following a thoughtful and considered approach to furniture and decor choices, small apartments can be just as interesting and stylish as much larger homes. It's all about enhancing the flow of the space and making the most of every inch. So, whether you're an NYC resident or not, these design tricks are definitely worth incorporating into your own home.
So, there you have it! A few simple yet effective design tricks inspired by the experts in New York City. By embracing vertical storage, banquette seating, light colors, bold hues, and wall lights, you too can create a stylish and functional small apartment that feels uniquely yours.
