A 450-Square-Foot NYC Apartment Is Proof You Should Use Dark Colors in Small Spaces

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Name: Dustin Breckenridge Hulsey
Location: West Village — NYC, New York
Type of home: Historic Apartment
Size: 450 square feet
Years lived in: 5 years, renting

Tell us a little (or a lot) about your home and the people who live there: After moving to New York, I was determined to live in the most charming little block in the West Village. I’m lucky to now call a tiny apartment in an 1800s building my home. I’m currently the head of store design for Hermès and have in previous years led store design and visual for Dior and rag & bone.

Describe your home’s style in 5 words or less: Handsome, modern, heritage, luxurious, juxtaposed.

What is your favorite room and why? The living room, because I can entertain friends in an intimate jewel box, while overlooking a quintessential West Village street.

What’s the last thing you bought (or found!) for your home? Vintage luggage, crystal decanters, and photographs… family pieces that I treasure. I also found a historic photograph of my building in the New York Public Library archives!

Any advice for creating a home you love? If you buy pieces you love, they will eventually work within your space. And don’t be afraid of dark colors!

This submission’s responses were edited for length and clarity.