The only suggestion I have is to put a full or queen bed parallel to the wall in the sleeping alcove so that you can borrow some of the space in this area for the living room.

How tall are your ceilings? Many people build a sleeping loft to maximize space.

I love this view! You are one lucky person!

Sometimes one or two "regular sized" functional and attactive furnishings are much less cluttering than multiple smaller pieces. With those wide windows, I don't think that you will have to worry about furniture ruining your sense of airiness. Just keep the window treatment to a minimum. Enjoy your new home!

11ft high ceiling gives you an incredible advantage, Andrea: you can double up your space, going vertica!
Maybe not a 100% increase, but sufficiently so.

Let's divide your space by function and quadrant.

The bath is not "transformable", so we'll leave it out of planning.
Lower left corner, where you have your big closet next to column, is your sleeping area. If you invest in an elevated platform, say at 5'9" off the floor, and use it as a sleeping "nest", you'll gain an area of at least 40sf (6'10"x6'), and have an added bonus of hiding from view your sheets and pajamas. It's possible to construct a ladder so it'll take up space next to column (and be supported by it), so the interruption on the main level will be minimal.
Underneath you could put a substantial desk (up to 6'long) with computer/music/bill files, a desk chair and few small furnishings (full height mirror next to closet, f.ex) - and you still have uninterrupted view, nothing blocks your window wall, and you already have two major functions solved: Sleep and Work.
Now let's move to the lower right corner: you have about 2 of wall space to the right of door, perpendicular to entry-wall, for a "landing pad". Great!

And you have an excellent size kitchen, with almost 5' of working surface and a decent "efficiency triangle" (movement between 3 points - fridge, stove and sink). All you need to complete it is a 3'x3' table with 2 chairs (could be a model with hidden extension leaves), placed at 2'6" distance from either counter , so the 2 side w/o chairs are closest to kitchen. If you plan to have visitors and so need more chairs, you could store additional ones under your sleeping platform - plenty of space there. Buy the stylistically neutral type, so they don't look like specifically "kitchen" chairs - and they will serve double function as "guest" ones grouped near your desk. That's your other function, Eat.

So now you are left with the most pleasant one: Relax. You have the last quadrant , upper right corner, for a seating group - and here the amount/size of furniture depends on how many visitors you are planning to have. There is a space for a bif, up to 7' wide sofa - but maybe you don't need one, not even a small one, and 2 comphy chairs, a decently-sized coffee table and a small (up to 3'6 long) credenza-type cabinet or bookcase along the right wall - is enough. Again, the view is uninterrupted, oyu have plenty of space for circulation, and minimal amout of furniture.

You did great, Andrea - the place is lovely and could be made into a warm and stylish home. I could assist you further, if you like.

WHAT A VIEW!

I am in the same building as you. I have a slightly different layout but this is what I did with my place:

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/ny/small-cool-2010/small-cool-2010-lindsays-little-box-teenytiny-division-3-113357

I would think about using a couch facing the window to define the living area from the kitchen, put a chair in the corner to the right and then put your bed facing the living area with a nice bench or something at the end of it that you could use for seating. You could put a long low bookcase in front of the PTAC to hide it.

You will love living in Ft. Greene! I moved away 2 years ago and still miss it...

As for furniture, one thing I've done in small apartments that it looks like you have room for is to put a counter height table in the kitchen space - pull up a couple of stools and you have a breakfast bar/dining area and it's also useful for prep space when cooking. You can see what I mean here (although you can find much cheaper options): http://tinyurl.com/y9vw6rd

I've also found that a (small-scale) sectional sofa ends up taking up less space than a couch plus one or two chairs.

Since you already have a grid of your apartment's layout, why not make a few cutouts (to scale) of potential furniture pieces and play with them in the space?

Funny! I was just going to point out that one of the entries in the small cool contest looks like it is in that very building (judging by the floor plan).
And that that entry was fab :)
Great job lrayjones!

I love this part! If it were me, I'd have the couch (full-length, but maybe a vintage couch that's not quite as deep?) face the windows, away from the kitchen, with an armchair and/or entertainment arrangement on either side. The living room wall would be a great place for vertically hanging art (maybe many pieces all the way up the wall?) or a tall mirror - something big. I'd put a large, tall, double sided bookcase between the living and sleeping (or maybe even two bookcases back-to-back, but ones without solid backs) - this creates such good storage while dividing a room and giving your bedroom a doorway. And you can see through it, so that helps keep the airy feel. Even if you do find very tall bookcases, 11' is high enough that you can probably put plants or lamps on top - either of which would draw the eye up. Seems like your bed should probably face the living room with walking space near the closet. I'd probably also try to find something that could double as a kitchen island and dining table - ideally something with additional storage below.

My space has 10' ceilings, but walled-off rooms, most of which are less than 10' wide. Your space seems much easier to work with. Biggest challenge: balancing on a ladder to hang things.

You seem to have plenty of room to do whatever you want. It really depends on whether you want to separate the living and sleeping areas or just have one big living space. If it's the former, but the headboard of your bed against the wall in the sleeping area and put an expedit or other open-type bookcase at the foot of it. Then your sofa (assuming you have one) will probably have to sit in the open in that area between the kitchen and the living room. For an open space, do the same with the bed but put your sofa at the foot of the bed. Use the wall space in the living area for bookcases/media storage and put a small table and a couple of chairs in front of the window for an eating area and more seating. OR - I can't tell if there's enough room in your kitchen area for an Ikea or Crate & Barrel island and a couple of bar stools, but if there is (and I encourage you to do this if you like to cook - I have put an island in a really small kitchen like this in a condo before and I really liked having the additional counterspace and storage), you can do that and then put a desk in front of the window in the living area.

If you really have no furniture, I'd look into what are the things you really need depending on what you aim to do in the apartment (student = studying = desk, employed = away all day = relax, yoga enthusiast = floor space is key and so forth, you know).

Loft beds always signal a crammed space to me. I so enjoy a low bed and feeling lots of air above me when I sleep, and with that view it'll be like sleeping in the clouds!

@ Andrea & Lindsay - I am in love love love with these studios. Do you mind messaging me the building info so I can potentially be your new neighbor this summer? Thanks! sasha@theperfectassistant.net

You might consider a murphy bed/storage solution like this:

http://www.designspongeonline.com/2010/03/before-after-claires-murphy-bed-lindas-chair.html

It was custom built using Ikea cabinets and a murphy bed kit. It's really gorgeous! I would also consider some kind of kitchen island for added work space.

Good luck!

FYI i think the building here is 80 dekalb (http://dklb.com/). i looked at an apartment here a few months ago. the building is gorgeous and so are the units. i just didn't like the location compared to where i am now. i think prices then were 1900 for a studio, around 2100-2200 for 1 bedrooms.

lrayjones:
How did you render your floor plan? Looks great.

great space! I'm with the folks that advise fewer regular size pieces of furniture will actually make the space look bigger and be more comfortable as well. I've done this myself.

You don't need much.

Sofa, bed, tall storage piece (armoir type) table (think about counter height) and 2 chairs. Big art, Big mirror. I might also avoid rugs as they tend to chop up a space. Just cozy runners on either side of the bed.

Enjoy!!

i wouldn't do a loft bed, but instead put full height shelves in the living area. then you can have a bed, two arm chairs, a small dining table with chairs, and a trunk. that way it will feel more open and not claustrophobic. i would for-go a sofa in this space and maybe consider a day bed in place of a real bed.

I'd imagine this as a great luxurious hotel:

In the sleeping alcove, I'd choose an upholstered bed & headboard in a full size (not queen) - and a pair of small 18" square nightstands with drawers and a pair of matching lamps to go against the wall in the sleeping alcove. (A bed with a mattress-lift base would be perfect so that you can use the space in the base of the bed for off-season storage.) At the foot of the bed, I'd choose a pair of upholstered X-Based benches that can be used anywhere as extra seating.

If the closet isn't fitted w/ organizers - Get it done. Lots of drawers, double hanging to take advantage of the height and shelves for shoes, sweaters, etc. all enclosed behind doors.

In the kitchen, I'd find a tavern-height round table - preferably one with shelves in the base - with a pair of barstools with backs for comfortable seating. This would work as both an island for the kitchen as well as a dining/work area with your wireless laptop. A hanging chandelier above on a dimmer would provide great task lighting which could be dimmed down for a cozy dinner for two.

In the Living Room - Don't go the sofa/chair route.
Instead, choose a matching pair of luxurious clubchairs with a matching ottoman. Place them in the center of the Livingroom facing one another with the ottoman in the center between the two with a tray on top, and the entire tableaux in a large 6x9 rug that's angled into the room. Small round side tables and a floorlamp for reading would round out this area.

A tall 36-42" wide cabinet on the wall next to the fridge with with lots of drawers below, space for the TV above so that it's visible from the bed, and enclosed shelves above for your electronics, wireless router, etc. would be perfect for general storage.

The small niche next to the front door needs a narrow dresser for storage and a place to stash gloves, hats, mail, etc - A mirror above and a tray on top for keys, etc.

The column facing the kitchen is where I'd mount a tall ornate dressing mirror.

Choose fabrics wisely - At most, one pattern, one coordinating stripe or plaid and two solids that relate to that pattern (If you choose leather chairs - That's one solid). Use this palette of fabrics throughout the space as your upholstery, pillows, floor-to-ceiling draperies and barstool seats. Keep the bedding simple: like a hotel, never underestimate the power of plain white bedding.

I dont understand the idea of a murphy bed or a loft bed. I live in 250 sq feet and have a beautiful full size bed and couch etc...!

First off, I love these apartments to. I feel that the Architect did a great job dividing up the space so that it is still livable! Secondly Living in a studio myself i know the challenge of making things work, which being an Interior Designer makes it worse!

Before i would do any think i would do some soul searching as to what your style is, you want antiques, modern furniture or both. Secondly get magazines and look at it and take out the pages that you love, then take a posted not or paper and write why you love it. this can help you with everything from color to furniture to even layout. you can do the same thing online here to by bookmarking pages and in the title noting what u like! then take all of these and get online a look for similar shapes and colors that you are interested in.

I think since you have no furniture at all i would start to think about storage needs first. For example clothes storage (since you have a closet maybe consider a trip to a home Improvement store for ideas on organizers to maximize on it). Secondly i would think about outer general storage needs like books, movies, cd's etc... and what kinda of requirements you need and i think that will tell you what kind of storage you need for a TV and equipment.

For your sleeping area i would get a Queen bed (they are 5' x 6'8") which will fit great in our space! consider side table here that have closed storage. some great lamps to frame out the bed and either a great high head board (could be made of fabric, or an architectural piece) or if no headboard consider a large inspiring piece of art.

For your kitchen i feel your neighbor's solution is a great on because it includes storage and table space while being compact, and as a bonus for u could also be used as an island!

For your living area i would buy a loveseat that is 6' or under and has a neutral color. but instead of placing end table's around it, Get a shelf or sofa table and place it behind the sofa, allowing a place for lamps and art work display but not cluttering up the visual space around the sofa. Then i would select a small coffee table (round or rectangular) just make sure its less that 2' wide or it will take up a lot of room. and then for me i would get two fun side chairs, they can be different maybe even one that swivels around to be placed by the kitchen so guests can sit between the space. place and end table by the side chair by the window with a lamp etc... Get a great rug, and accessories that u love.

To end my epic note. Make sure you love everything you buy. If you question it in anyway, move away from it a think about it. I love to shop online first to browse for things, but i always go to the store to see them in person because color and texture are always different in pictures than in person (This helps with shipping costs etc...). And above all have fun, let your apartment reflect who you are and the way you live.

Make it you!

Benjamin M Hayes

I would go for a queen bed in the sleeping quarters (foot of bed pointing out towards living area of course)..a platform bed would be ideal with a streamlined floating shelf for a nightstand. You could also put an upholstered storage bench at the foot of the bed and puill it out for extra seating when necessary. Then in the living area, I would do two chairs and a coffee table. I think positioning a sofa would just be too difficult and a small love seat-size sofa would only call attention to your limited space. Chairs would be much easier to maneuver around and reposition as you need. A round coffee table would be ideal as well, since you are going to be moving around it quite a bit. For the kitchen, I would get a tall but small pub-height table with two stools that can tuck underneath when not in use. The taller height will mean extra counter space as well, as you can comfortably work at it if necessary. Amazing space and super amazing view...I'm jealous!!

Good Luck!

Low. Pale. Monochromatic. Reflective. Transparent.

Don't think "against the walls" is the only place for furniture.

Don't think "against the windows" is NOT a place for furniture.

If you'd like any more help with planning or shopping, look me up on HGTV.com! If the link from my name on my AT profile doesn't work, search "Bachelor Party" in the Rate My Space section. :)

Some things I think would work well:
- an island with 2 stools/chairs floating in the middle of kitchen.
- a landing pad with some coat hooks and storage at the wing wall right next to the entry door.
- you could easily partition off the sleeping area with some curtains.
- sofa facing the windows, for sure.

This is a great open plan!

lrayjones I thought your place was incredible! Just perfect! Great job!

I really love this space, and am envious of your view! Wow!

Here's how I would go.

Your sleeping alcove area truly lends itself to creating a nice little cave for yourself. Were it me, my full-sized bed would be centered on that wall or canted a little bit toward the closet, headboard against the wall. I'd put the TV on the wall next to the refrigerator, but my main reason for that is I like to watch TV and movies in bed on occasion. You could also put your bed parallel to the wall, headboard to the closet and foot to the window to create a dressing area between the closet and the bed. This really depends on your dresser situation. I do recommend a full-sized bed, though. Small enough for the space, and big enough for two.

I'm with @bepsf when it comes to a tavern-height table and a decent pair of chairs. You don't really need a couch when you have your bed right there, and I know for me, some of my best naps have occurred when I've been curled up in my favorite chair. A tavern-height table would take advantage of, and highlight, your vertical space.

You could also use floor-to-ceiling draperies over your sleeping window and - wait for it - closet. Using drapes or curtains over the closet will soften the room, hide your stuff, and give your sleeping area a wonderful cave-like feel.

If you have a crap-ton of clothes, don't be afraid to get a low dresser as a TV table. You can always put components like the DVD player and Wii next to the TV.

Greenkey
Excellent suggestion!! It's the solution to my space problem, too!!

The other key I've found to studio living is to set up your main seating so it is NOT facing your bed... so as you sit there, reading, watching TV, you are not reminded you share your living room with a bed. :)

I'd REALLY love to furnish that space!

And unless you have the bed already, do a FULL bed (not a Queen). You'll be happy you did.

It looks like no one has has suggested that you start by figuring out what you want your space to look and feel like. We don't have a sense of your personal style.

I agree that smaller scale furnishings will be best -- Crate and Barrel and Room and Board both have excellent quality small-space upholstered and case goods, with both minimalist and more detailed options.

What about a daybed? I wonder if you could find a full-sized one (big enough for sleeping!) and have it face out into the living space. It would expand your daytime or social space into nearly the whole room.

I see a screen or divider coming off the column wall between the sleeping alcove and living room. long enough to cover the width of the bed and two small bedside tables and leave a wide enough opening to keep it feeling open. It could be something translucent to allow the light to flow through during the day and see lighting through when you have lamps on in the sleeping alcove.

Lighting is going to be important, keep the lamps low and dimmers.

Place your bed so the head of the bed is coming off the screen divider then when you lay in bed you are facing the wall and looking at the view to your right. I would just have a bed and two tables and big art on the wall in the sleeping area.

babyfishmouth- I was thinking the same thing in going with a small island in the kitchen with stools. Then again I would love to see a small table with two chairs up in the right corner at the window, what a loving spot to dine or sit and have your coffee.. and a spot for a beautiful floral arrangement think 1940 glamour apartment how they have a small dining table near the balcony window that functions as a dining table, place to play cards and when not using a place to put a lamp and flowers.

I agree with bepsf I would go the two big club chair way and not the sofa.

What a fun space to work with. Good luck.

Hi Andrea,

My husband and I lived in a similar studio in brooklyn heights. Here is a link to our space to help you out!

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/ny/house-tours/steven-gretchens-airy-studio-house-call-090646

This space would be a lot easier to work with were it not for the arbitrarily slanted exterior walls, and what's that thing between the windows-- some sort of column?

(Why do architects sacrifice usability for an eccentric exterior? They oughtta be flogged, or just forced to live in their own buildings.)

Such wonderful comments by everybody. Love the details and ideas. Thank you so much. Perhaps one day I can give a house tour!

Again, thank you for all your help, everybody!

You could install one of those fold up beds in the sleeping alcove, the kind that goes up against the wall? And put a nice cafe table in front of those windows, the kind that accomodates two people. Right now they are in stores full force--as outdoor furniture, and Im inspired by them. With your view of a lifetime, you'd eat your breakfast there, dinner for two, or just tea. And the sleeping alcove would be more like a dining area to your living room. Your clothing, instead of trying to mask it, put it out there!! Get one of those racks on wheels from the fashion industry or retail stores--and bam, you've got mobile closet. I think that'd be really chic, actually (arrgh, why cant I be this inventive when it comes to MY space. Yours is so inspiring and fabulous though.)
Undies and foldable clothes can go in a trunk, and that would obviously double as a table or such. Get one of those designer steamer trunks from LV or something..or get a basic one, and wallpaper it, with your favorite designs (victorian, stripes, etc). My thinking is to minimize the bedroom function as much as possible, it would instantly suck up so much space. And bedrooms are usually in the back, where people dont see them...so when your friends walk in, it will have the look and feel of a 1BR, instead of them walking in and your beds the first thing they notice....ya know? A sofa bed is always another smart option. Day beds...eh...basically twin beds with backs. Your floors are probably some gorgeous aged wood, the bayside sleeper from Crate Barrel would be so chic in your studio.

Kell

In the sleeping alcove, I'd probably go without a headboard and keep the head of the bed at the windows. Some sort of tall bookshelf that is open on both sides would probably be decent enough separation.

In the living area, I'd put a couch along the wall the refrigerator is on with a console table behind it. If there is space, maybe a few ottomans under the window. If you have/want a television, maybe have it sitting to one side of the partition.

I'd do a small table in the kitchen - nothing bigger than what would seat two people unless the table has let down leaves.

If you want to get something to sit on for the foot of the bed, the very best small scale mini sofa I've found for my itty bitty studio is the Mona Sofette from Mitchell Gold. It's comfy and feels deep enough but is really petite, smaller than loveseats. It really works in place of a bench. I agree about thinking of it as a hotel room or as a very large Master Bedroom. It won't feel as overwhelming that way! If you put your head against the left wall, a sofette at the foot, you could then get a narrow sofa to face the windows , making an L with your sofette or bench. I'd do cute storage cubes instead of a coffee table so you get storage, mobile surfaces, and potential seats all in one. Then maybe a wide instead of tall dresser that faces the bed, and put your tv on that, or mount it on that wall? It can function as a little credenza on top but be your clothing dresser on the inside!

Another thought is to scrap the foot of bed seat and do a small scale sectional, where one side either faces the windows or the kitchen and the other part of the L parallel to the foot of the bed.

If you want to do wall mounted shelves, I highly recommend seeing Paul at Bed Bath and Beyond on 6th Ave. He's the best in helping you plan, cutting everything to size, mapping it out for you, etc. Way better than the Container Store system.
This way you can build bookcases, office shelves, kitchen pantry shelves, anything you want to go vertical.

Congrats!

oh man, I'm late to the party.

I can't believe no one's mentioned a canopy bed! I moved into a 14' x 14' studio in Cobble Hill two years ago and got the Room & Board Architecture bed with the intent of making curtains for it. the curtains still haven't happened, but I like the visual suggestion that the space marked off by the rails *is* my bedroom, even though my sofa is four feet away. with high ceilings (mine are 11', too) it's not overwhelming at all. (bonus: there's a good 15" of vertical space underneath to store stuff!)

also, if you don't feel the need for a table all the time, but you'd like it once in a while, keep your eyes peeled for a gate-leg table. I inherited one that my downstairs neighbors were getting rid of -- it's tiny when closed, but can seat four (or feed and water a whole party) when opened up.

really, the biggest thing is not to make apologetic choices because you're living in a small space. go for a queen-sized bed, not a full -- a queen is only 6" wider, but it feels so much bigger when you're sharing it. ;) stop by the Brooklyn Flea (you're so close!) and see if anything strikes your fancy. if you want to use splashy bright colors, do it! being surrounded by pieces you love makes all the difference.

Loft it! You'll add about 50% more space to the apartment. You can put a home office area underneath the lofted bed space, and hang a translucent curtain up there for more privacy. Then you can really expand your living area. Make sure that any furniture you get isn't bulky and that it has high legs. Having an inch or two of extra space underneath really opens up the room. Good luck!

please post pics when furnished!