Small spaces, big style: 5 design tricks New Yorkers use to make their apartments look and feel amazing
Living in a small apartment doesn't mean you have to sacrifice style or functionality. New Yorkers, known for their penchant for maximizing every inch of their space, have mastered the art of making their compact homes look and feel spacious and stylish. Here are five design tricks that stylish New Yorkers use in their small apartments, and why they're worth copying.
- Go Vertical: The Power of Vertical Storage
When floor space is at a premium, it's time to look up. Vertical storage solutions are a game-changer for small apartments. By utilizing the often-overlooked vertical space, you can create a functional and stylish storage system.
One of my favorite tricks, as an interior designer, is incorporating vintage or antique armoires or tall dressers into entryways. These pieces not only create a beautiful focal point but also provide concealed storage for everyday essentials. From hats and gloves to picnic blankets and sports gear, these vertical storage solutions keep your space organized without adding visual clutter.
- Banquette Seating: Making the Most of Nooks
In small apartment kitchens, finding enough seating around a dining table can be a challenge. That's where built-in banquette seating comes in. By turning unused alcoves or nooks into generous seat spaces, you can create a functional and stylish dining area.
Designer Hannah Blumenthal of Studio Olivine installed a built-in banquette in a narrow kitchen alcove, adding wallpaper and sconces for a defined dining space. The banquette not only saves space but also includes storage drawers and a hidden storage space, making it a practical and stylish solution.
- Light Colors for Open-Plan Living
Open-concept floor plans are common in small apartments, but they can sometimes feel overwhelming. To enhance the sense of flow and openness, decorating with light colors is key. Soft whites and warm creams maximize available light, creating an airy atmosphere while maintaining sophistication.
Color expert Hannah Yeo of Benjamin Moore recommends shades like Swiss Coffee OC-45 and Windham Cream HC-6, which reflect light beautifully and evoke the warmth of natural sunlight. Maintaining a cohesive color palette across walls, cabinetry, and design elements further enhances the feeling of openness and spaciousness.
- Embrace Bold Color in Intimate Spaces
While light colors are great for main living areas, don't be afraid to go bold in intimate spaces like bedrooms. Rich, saturated paint colors can transform low-light areas into cozy and welcoming retreats.
Sarah Jacoby, founder of Sarah Jacoby Architect, advises against trying to make a space into something it's not. Instead, embrace its assets. For example, use darker colors and efficient built-ins to create a cozy and intimate atmosphere. Exploring warm and saturated tones can make your small apartment feel personal and unique.
- Wall Lights: Space-Saving Style
In bedrooms, small nightstands might not provide enough space for table lamps. That's where wall lights and sconces come in. These fixtures don't require surface space and add visual flair, especially with architectural or statement designs.
Meagan Camp, founder of Meagan Camp Interiors, opted for wall lights in a bedroom, creating a curated and special atmosphere. By keeping surfaces clear, she emphasizes the importance of negative space, making the room feel more open and less crowded.
In conclusion, these design tricks not only make small apartments look and feel more spacious but also add a touch of style and personality. By embracing vertical storage, banquette seating, light colors, bold hues, and wall lights, you can transform your compact home into a stylish and functional haven.
