Let's face it, the reality of living in the city usually means getting accustomed to smaller spaces and a tighter budget. This is where creative design comes into play. The ability to maximize space and functionality in a space less than 700 square feet is truly a sought-after gift, and Cheryl Eisen, a celebrity interior designer and luxury home stager of Interior Marketing Group (IMG), possesses that skill. Cheryl and IMG's impressive client roster includes Kim Kardashian and Kanye West, Bethenny Frankel, Keith Richards, and Daniel Craig.
Today, we're sharing some of Cheryl's tips on how to make the most of a small abode, all of which were used for this latest staged West Village listing. Located in a restored 1780's landmark building at 84 Bedford Street, apartment #2S is a one-bedroom, one-bath unit that features an en-suite study, triple south-east-western exposures, solid whitewashed American walnut floors, and even, a gas-burning fireplace – all for $1.735M. And although it spans 696 square feet, well-chosen and strategically-placed furnishings create a more spacious feel. See what techniques Cheryl used for the home below.
Today, we're sharing some of Cheryl's tips on how to make the most of a small abode, all of which were used for this latest staged West Village listing. Located in a restored 1780's landmark building at 84 Bedford Street, apartment #2S is a one-bedroom, one-bath unit that features an en-suite study, triple south-east-western exposures, solid whitewashed American walnut floors, and even, a gas-burning fireplace – all for $1.735M. And although it spans 696 square feet, well-chosen and strategically-placed furnishings create a more spacious feel. See what techniques Cheryl used for the home below.
Tip #1: Say Yes to Banquette Seating
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Banquette seating refers to the built-in benches typically found in restaurants, but are now making their way into homes. It serves as both a unique design element and a space saver because you don't need room to walk behind the seating.
Just keep in mind a pedestal or trestle table works best since tables with legs at each corner make it a little more difficult to slide in!
Tip #2: Strategically Place Mirrors
If you didn't already know, decorating small spaces is basically 75 percent visual manipulation. Mirrors double the visual square footage of any space and if you position a few across from a window, you'll also double the natural light that exists in your apartment. Just remember to opt for a simple frame rather than a bulky one.
Tip #3: Use Shelves as Desks & Drop-Leaf Tables in Kitchens
Wall-mounted or "floating" shelves and tables are perfect and stylish (hello, minimalism!) for small spaces.
Typical desks have storage built in at the bottom, but by adding a vertical row of shelves, it'll look like your ceilings are much higher.
Since it seems like there's never enough space in an NYC kitchen, a wall-mounted drop leaf table is a smart choice. It can be expanded whenever you need it and folded when you don't.
Since it seems like there's never enough space in an NYC kitchen, a wall-mounted drop leaf table is a smart choice. It can be expanded whenever you need it and folded when you don't.
So the next time you're apartment hunting or redesigning your tiny home, be sure to utilize these space-saving tips!
[Listing: 84 Bedford Street, #2S by Katia Kostina of Carlton Residential]
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Sandra Herrera
Sandra Herrera is a writer, editor, and graphic designer based in Brooklyn, NY.
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