Amanda Seyfried's clever living room storage is as space-saving as it is chic – and it's so transferable

This space-saving storage doesn't compromise on style, according to the design experts

Amanda Seyfried
(Image credit: Getty Images / ROBYN BECK / Contributor)

The New York City apartment of actress Amanda Seyfried is a sophisticated and modern space, with clever living room storage serving as a central part of the home's interior. 

Designed by NYC-based interior design studio General Assembly, the original historic building was transformed into a contemporary living space that serves as a base for the actress and her family in the city.

A prominent theme in the home is the use of natural wood that nods to farmhouse decor ideas, but with a sleek and modern revamp.

Pictured above is the wooden custom-built library wall that establishes the inner city home's organic style. Balancing the old and new, its rich earthy color adds textural interest to the space whilst its sleek frame promotes a modern feel.

Not only do the custom cabinets add aesthetic appeal to the home, but it's also a highly practical storage ideas. Running from floor to ceiling, the built-in cabinets make full use of the height of the apartment, as well as wrapping around the open door frame which leads into the apartment's dedicated workspace.

Whilst it's a fairly unexpected way to integrate storage, opting to take advantage of the room's height is a clever way to save space, as designer Milly McEwan explains: 'The area around a door frame can be relatively dead space, but it takes up valuable real estate.'

'Bespoke storage will cost significantly more than most pre-built storage options and furniture. Still, it’s an investment well worth the cost that can increase utility while simultaneously creating a more chic space,' McEwan continues to explain. 

Milly McEwan
Milly McEwan

Milly McEwan is an award-winning designer, working as the Product and Design Manager at RJ Living, a furniture and home furnishings manufacturer and retailer.

If you're considering the addition of custom shelving in your own home as a way of maximizing space, there are some key things to consider to ensure a stylish result, as McEwan shares: 

'If you opt for bespoke shelving around your room and doorframe, bring all of the items you want to fill the shelves into one space so you can measure the optimal dimensions for each shelf. Separate your 'ugly' items that are best stored away and plan for cupboards and drawers to avoid visual clutter.'

Shop Amanda's look

While it's best to follow a bespoke option for built-in cabinetry, we've rounded up some of our favorite Seyfried-inspired homeware pieces from McGee & Co for you to shop below, which are perfect for recreating a similar decor style.


If you're a fan of Seyfried's modern take on country decorating ideas, take further inspiration from her minimalist kitchen which uses a monochrome color scheme. 

Paint & Color Editor

Emily is H&G's Paint & Color Editor, covering all things color across interior design and home decor. She joined the team in the summer of 2023, having studied Fashion Communication at university before working in various creative roles ahead of making the leap into interiors. She lives in Glasgow where she loves admiring the city's architecture, frequenting her favorite coffee spots, and sourcing vintage furniture for her tenement apartment. Emily's interior style is inspired by the simplicity of midcentury design, mixed with more playful modern pieces that inject small (but bold) doses of color.