Dear Madelaine,
I recently moved to to NYC, and I confess I’m having a really hard time figuring out how to design my apartment. Do you have any tips you can share to help me make the most of my small space?
Of course I do! As a lifelong New Yorker (and Apartment Therapy Small/Cool winner) I have lived and worked in some truly challenging homes, and am happy to share some of my favorite small space design tips.
1. Buy the right size furniture
In a small space (especially one where you can’t move the walls) every inch counts, so measure carefully and purchase accordingly. In the petite studio apartment above we were able to fit a complete bedroom and generous living area because the bed is a full size instead of a queen and the sofa is only 68″ (just long enough for the client to lay down – we checked!).
2. Leverage every opportunity for storage
Whether it’s a pullout footboard (again, like the project above), integrated drawers, or a hydraulic lift top, do not forgo hidden (but organized!) storage under the bed.
One of my biggest pet peeves, which is especially common in rental apartments, is closet shelves that are only half the depth of the available opening. It’s a combination of cost savings (half the material is less expensive) and in come cases needing the extra maneuvering space if the closet doors don’t go to the ceiling. If you can (and I did in my own apartment), go to the hardware store and have a plywood sheet cut to the width of the closet but at the full depth (please remember to sand the edges – they generally won’t do that for you). Place your new shelf on top of the existing one and screw in from below – presto, you’ve just doubled your shelf space!
Similarly, some apartments (like mine) only have one shelf above the clothing rod, but you can always get a second shelf made and support it on wall brackets – congratulations, you’ve just doubled your shelf space again!!
3. Whenever possible we take drapery floor to ceiling and wall to wall
It makes the window, and by extension the whole room, look larger and brighter. Bonus: hanging the drapes further off the wall creates pockets of sneaky storage that are great for shelves and hampers – instant linen closet!
4: Embrace flexibility and multitasking
Look for pieces that can be moved easily and do at least two jobs. For example, storage ottomans make the perfect footrest, offer additional seating for parties, hidden storage (great for extra blankets), and the tops can be flipped to create extra accent tables!
Want to discuss more specific strategies for your home?
Book a call and we can figure it out together!
Till next time…
Madelaine
PS – Do you have design questions? Send us an email at info@designbyadroit.com and we will answer it as quickly and completely as possible in an upcoming blog post!
