A few weeks back we asked you what you would like us to write about on our blog. Many requested “how to design a small apartment”, specifically in NYC! A city that never sleeps and has a lot going on everywhere – including its building hallways! The goal here is to make the inside of your apartment as cozy and fabulous as possible, no matter how small it is.

Lucky for us we were actually designing a 658 SQ FT alcove studio in Brooklyn when this subject came up. Once the restrictions loosen up we will share this project with you.

The Brooklyn project, despite the restrictive size, was by far our favorite 2020 project thus far. And now we are here, almost, as thrilled as we were when designing the Brooklyn project, to share our approach as well as some tips we learned along the way.

Are you ready?!

Disclaimer: We cannot change what goes on outside your apartment, you know - the distinctive odours, the sirens on the streets that wake you up at night, or the lively neighbor that seems to have a party every other night even at covida times. What we can do is give you the information you need to design your space in a way that no matter what is going on outside your apartment door you are as happy as can be inside your home.

Natural light

First things first, the setup. It is best to set up the space according to any natural light. The living room tends to be best at the end of the apartment because it is where the most sunlight enters. This can mean that your bedroom might not be where you envisioned. What is important is that you make it work best for you but at the same time taking into consideration that you are usually in your bedroom when it is already dark.

Bed style

Speaking of bedrooms. Get a bed with storage – this is an instant storage boost. If you don’t want a new bed, put your bed on bed risers.

Bonus: position your bed foot-first, it always looks the best head-on. 

Rugs

Divide your spaces by framing them with rugs – this works really well for small spaces, you give each area’s own designated real estate.

Curtains

Now let’s do some illusion work. Hang your curtains as far up as they can go. Not on top of your window - making use of this vertical space creates an illusion of height, that will make your room feel taller.

Lighting

Use wall-mounted lighting while bringing light to your space, without using your real estate. It is a great way to utilize your walls because it is being functional as well as adding an interesting design feature to your space.

Mirrors

If you want to expand your space, you have heard it before, use mirrors. Even for small spaces, do not hesitate to go big. We promise this will create the illusion of depth that you want. One of the best areas to place a mirror is facing a window, this way you have light bouncing around.

Bonus: entryway, narrow hallways, and/or above a fireplace are other great places to place mirrors.

Color palette

We haven’t spoken about colour palette yet, are you surprised? We didn’t forget, don’t worry : ) for small spaces we suggest keeping the colour palette consistent. It is best if you paint your apartment one colour, or at most, in neutral shades – this allows for continuity which is key.

Last but definitely not least. Your space needs to be tidy and clear. It makes a bigger difference than you may imagine. In small apartments, you can see everything no matter which space you are in. Keep the tone minimal, reduce as much clutter as possible, and this will give you a calm space that no matter what chaos is busting outside your doors, you are in your own oasis.

Now let’s get to it – making your cozy apartment even cozier, functional, and full of design elements. DM us if you have any questions or would like to request topics for our blog.