Smart & Stylish Small Space Ideas: Spotted in a West Village Apartment

published Mar 4, 2016

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Project by: Alexa Stevenson of Alexa Stevenson Interior Decoration
Location: New York City, New York

Small spaces sometimes need extra creative and smart space saving ideas. This colorful and small one-bedroom apartment in NYC’s West Village combines a few smart ideas with really bold decor choices for a smart and stylish space.

From the designer:

A bright West Village one bedroom needed storage and a cohesive style. Besides carving out a functional living and dining area, my client also wanted a work space and room to entertain (she has hosted a party for 40 people in here!). A club chair of the client’s was a sad and mustard yellow velvet I had re-stuffed and recovered in a bold floral that set the tone (bright, airy, happy) for the rest of the space. A custom sofa covered in a quilted bright green cotton is apartment sized but deep enough to accommodate an overnight guest.

An antique pedestal table (with leaves) is surrounded by client’s chairs I had painted white and recovered in a cheerful yellow and white print. A chest found at the Brooklyn Flea serves both as a buffet when entertaining and storage for bedroom spill-off.

(Image credit: Gigi Gatewood)

Use a tall dresser or storage piece as a nightstand

It’s not the most easily reachable depending on the height of your bed, but going for a tall dresser—rather than just a normal-height nightstand—can give you more inches of storage space in a small bedroom.

(Image credit: Gigi Gatewood)

Find a bench/basket storage combo for a coffee table

Make better use of your small living area by looking for a coffee table that can also be used for storage or as a bench for extra seating.

(Image credit: Gigi Gatewood)

Use mirrors

Placing mirrors in rooms is age-old advice for visually expanding space and reflecting light, but, it really works so it bears repeating. Just look at how the reflection of the light blue wall in this mirror opens up and brightens this corner.

(Image credit: Gigi Gatewood)

Extend the kitchen breakfast counter

If you’ve got the space, consider extending your kitchen breakfast counter to another wall. You can place stools under it for extra seating and use the space for eating or as a compact workspace. Doing this won’t feel too intrusive in a small space.

Thanks, to Alexa of Alexa Stevenson Interior Decoration!

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