Perched on the 44th floor of a new-build high-rise in Carnegie Hill, this spacious penthouse offers a cinematic sweep of Manhattan’s skyline – a panorama that is both awe-inspiring and, at times, dizzying. ‘On a very windy day, you can feel the subtlest sway,’ notes Heide Hendricks, co-founder of architecture and interior design studio Hendricks Churchill.

The owners – a young couple with three small children – had lived in a similar high-rise during the pandemic, an experience that left them with mixed feelings. ‘They had grown tired of the monochromatic palette and minimal furnishings,’ says Heide. ‘When they found this apartment, they were wary of repeating the aesthetic. They approached us because they were ready to take a risk and explore uncharted territory.’

Heide and her husband, Rafe Churchill, are known for creating soulful, richly layered interiors where color, pattern, and antiques combine with quiet confidence. This project posed a new kind of challenge.

‘Most of our work involves historic buildings – the kind of spaces that come with their own narrative. This apartment lacked that sense of story,’ Heide explains, adding, ‘I realized we had to begin by inventing one – and for me, that started with the walls. They became the foundation for everything else.’

Rather unexpectedly, the transformation began in the kitchen, where Heide introduced a spirited strawberry-motif wallpaper by Jennifer Shorto. ‘Aside from a statement brass cooker hood, the kitchen was all white – sleek Italian cabinetry and acres of marble. The walls were the only surface I could challenge,’ she explains. This bold gesture set the tone for the entire apartment, with the coral tones of the wallpaper unfolding into a palette of soft, enveloping pinks.

The kitchen island was painted a pretty shell pink, echoed in the adjoining sitting room and dining area, where the walls are finished in a gentle blush tone. ‘If a room is in the same sight line, I always like to carry over at least one color from one space to the next – otherwise it can feel like you’re ricocheting around like a pinball,’ advises Heide. She wrapped the ceiling in the same warm tone ‘to help visually lower it’ and painted the baseboards in a deeper, dusky rose to ground the space.

The apartment’s horseshoe-shaped layout revolves around a central, windowless entryway, which is accessed directly via two elevators. Here, Heide embraced its intimacy. ‘We chose a saturated pink with an almost velvety quality and lacquered the elevator doors in a high-gloss burgundy. I like the idea of entering a moodier, almost theatrical space before stepping into all that light.’

Vintage finds are hallmarks of the Hendricks Churchill vernacular, woven through this project with their signature fluency. A midcentury Danish sofa anchors the breakfast nook; a rosewood shelving unit lends gravitas to the study; and a whimsical painted cabinet in the dining room, sourced via a favorite antiques dealer, brings a jolt of joy. ‘It came with stories,’ Heide says. ‘That’s what I wanted – pieces that felt lived-in and unexpected.’ Balancing the patina of age is a smattering of contemporary designs, including a black walnut dining table selected, says Heide, ‘because it will only get better over time.’

In the sitting room, a pair of 1950s Italian wing chairs have been upholstered in a sweeping floral linen – a nod to the botanical motifs that recur throughout the apartment. The walls in the twin daughters’ bedroom are paneled with a riotous Josef Frank floral fabric, which at once enlivens the space and gently tempers the drama of those towering windows. The main bedroom is a tranquil reverie, where exquisite chinoiserie wallpaper is paired with a cloud-like bed that seems to float above the city below.

Despite its lofty elevation, the apartment now feels grounded – not just in color and character but in the warmth of family life. The drama of the skyline remains ever-present, framed by vast windows and shifting light, but it’s softened by soul: the grain of an antique cabinet, the brushstrokes of an abstract painting, the way a blush-toned wall glows in the late afternoon sun. ‘We wanted it to feel casual and lived-in and cozy,’ says Heide. ‘A place that could capture both the energy of the city and the rhythms of daily life.’

I've tried it all when it comes to making my home feel more high-end. From layering lighting to adopting a less-is-more mindset, I stand by these fail-safe methods when it comes to introducing a sense of accomplishment into my space.

But, after recently moving into a new (and somewhat humble) abode, I'm on a mission to lengthen my list of golden rules, so I asked interior designers for their advice on making a confined space feel curated, considered, and chic. There's no one right way to decorate a small apartment; however, if you're looking to elevate your space and create a sense of timeless luxury, these ten interior designer-approved tips will help guide your design.

This designer advice proves that no matter how small your space is, anything is possible with a keen eye and clever design choices.

1. Be clever with furniture choices

There are many small apartment design rules, but one of the most crucial is the selection of furniture. In small spaces, it's all about opting for high-quality, competent pieces; there's no room (literally) for wishy-washy, non-descript pieces that add little value to the space.

Interior designer Dominique Bonet, Lead Designer at LD&D, explains, 'Emphasize quality over quantity. In smaller spaces, every item is magnified. Prioritize a handful of high-quality pieces with strong craftsmanship and materials rather than overfilling the apartment with mass-produced furniture. This restraint instantly makes a space feel more luxurious and intentional.'

Interior designer Nina Lichtenstein emphasizes scale, particularly when embracing furniture trends. 'Furniture selection is key. Large, heavy pieces can overwhelm a smaller room, while slimmer silhouettes give it breathing space. A velvet accent chair, a marble side table, or a slender console with hidden storage adds an instant sense of quality without requiring much square footage.'

2. Go big with window treatments

You might be tempted to tone down the window treatment ideas in a small apartment, but it's worth knowing that going big with drapes, blinds, or shutters can actually make your space feel more accomplished and impactful.

Cathryn Erickson of Cathryn Lindsey Design explains the power of scale when incorporating window treatment trends in your space. 'In a small apartment, every piece has to pull its weight, so don’t be afraid to go a little extra luxe with each choice. Floor-to-ceiling drapes are a must, especially in a rich color, texture, or pattern, to be sure they make a statement. Plus, carrying your window treatments to the ceiling makes the entire space feel larger. In a small apartment, there’s no room for filler, so choose every piece with intention and impact.'

Longer drapes or curtains create the illusion of taller ceilings and grander architecture, giving your small apartment an instant more expensive feel. Something like Anthropologie's Fiori Curtains that have a lovely weight, and the embroidery adds just the right amount of interest.

3. Decorate with mirrors

Whether you're working with a studio apartment or a larger loft space, nothing beats the impact that mirrors bring. They instantly open up a confined space and create the illusion of more room, giving a small apartment a more luxurious, brighter, and grander feel.

Interior designer Nick Poe, Founder of Studio 31 Arch, explains that mirrors make a room look bigger, 'For small apartments, light mirrors and light colors help expand the light and make the space feel bigger.' He adds, 'Mirrors will help a lot, and they can go on doors, cabinets, and walls. Prioritize mirror locations to reflect windows.'

If your small apartment feels a little dark and confined, adding a large-scale mirror to a living room wall or above a console in an entryway can make all the difference. Nina adds, 'Mirrors and reflective surfaces can work wonders, pulling light through the room and helping it feel brighter and more expansive.'

4. Invest in artwork

Not only is decorating with art a mood-boosting small space idea, it gives an apartment an instant sense of character and curation, qualities that all high-end apartments exude.

Brittney Luedecke, founder of Signature Styles by Brit says, 'Invest in artwork first because it gives personality and that high-end feel right away whether it’s from a local artist you admire or even a handmade piece you happen to find at a place like HomeSense, the point is to choose something that speaks to you and then slowly trade out those temporary filler pieces for things that actually have presence.'

Andrea Sinkin says that art is a cheap thing to thrift that will make your home look more expensive. 'To make a small space, whether it be an apartment or a home, or a condo, feel more expensive, go wild with art. Hang art everywhere. It will feel collected and interesting. You want large oversized pieces. Small pieces. Galleries. If you have an open wall, get one massive piece. That instantly elevates a home interior and gives you a very curated look.'

Cathryn agrees that you should aim to create a statement with your artwork. 'Get rid of the scattered small frames picked up here and there, and go bold with one oversized piece or a full gallery wall to give the space that curated, high-end studio energy.'

5. Bring the outside in

A fail-safe way of making the confines of a small space feel non-existent is by welcoming nature in. Adding organic textures and touches of greenery gives a smaller apartment a sense of not only tranquility but also elegance, automatically elevating the space.

Biophilic design will make your small apartment feel far more established and luxurious. Nina says, 'Beyond aesthetics, a small apartment can feel luxurious when it supports wellbeing. Adding natural textures such as wood, plants, or woven fibers introduces biophilic cues that our brains are hardwired to respond to. Neuroaesthetic research shows that natural irregularity, whether in a live-edge tabletop or a handmade rug, calms the nervous system and enhances mood.

Introducing natural materials is something Dominique encourages, too. 'Wood, stone, and other organic finishes instantly create a sense of timeless luxury. Even a small detail, like a stone tray, marble accent, or textured wood surface, can elevate the overall aesthetic and add depth.'

6. Decorate with light colors

Choosing a color scheme for your small apartment can be tricky. However, if you're looking to create an expensive-looking home, lighter colors are your best bet. Pale shades will open up a small space and serve as the perfect backdrop for more interesting decor.

I'm not saying you can't decorate with a moody color palette; in fact, rich, jewel-toned furniture and decor will make your apartment feel high-end and luxurious. However, when it comes to selecting a wall color, it might be best to avoid shades that stray into the overly deep. Nick says, 'Avoid dark colors, especially dark paint colors for walls or ceilings, as the darker colors come forward, which will make the space feel smaller. Think of layering objects in foreground, mid, and background to accentuate depth.'

Take inspiration from more neutral paint trends, and introduce bolder color through accent pieces. Mugdha Deshmukh, founder of MGU Design, explains, 'I would encourage keeping the color palette neutral and adding only a few accent pieces. For example, an ivory sofa paired with wooden chairs, and then have the rug in an accent color, or the same combination and switch the rug color for accent chairs.'

7. Always add a rug

Not only does a rug ground a living room, it creates an instant sense of warmth and coziness that makes all the difference in any small apartment. It's also an easy tactic to give your home a more luxurious feel. A rug enriches a room, covering it in a plush pile that automatically creates a sense of ambience and grandeur.

Rug trends are your best friend when designing your small apartment. They'll quietly sing against your furniture and connect your pieces together. Britney explains, 'I always remind people not to skip a rug because even in a small apartment, it’s what grounds the whole space and makes it feel finished. It doesn’t have to be expensive, but the right rug pulls the furniture together and suddenly the room feels intentional instead of just pieces floating around.'

A rug is an essential piece you should own if you live in a small space. It can transform a one-dimensional room, restricted in size, into a well-designed, welcoming sanctuary that feels expensive and thoughtful.

8. Layer lighting

As someone who lives in a small home, I'm more than familiar with the power of lighting. Whether it's vintage lighting or more contemporary styles, scattering lamps throughout your space will give your apartment competence and that all-important sense of ambience, a quality that even the most high-end penthouses radiate.

Dominique explains the power of layering lighting. 'Use lighting as a design tool. Layered, warm lighting can completely transform a small apartment, making it feel curated and dimensional. Combining natural light with strategically placed sconces, floor lamps, or table lamps adds richness without requiring more square footage.'

It's important to consider the height and scale of your lighting, too. A small living room would look best with a variety of lighting styles and sizes, for example, a statement floor lamp and several lamps scattered on your bookshelves.

9. Add ceiling trim

It's not just furnishings and decor that can make a small apartment feel more expensive; architectural touches like molding and trim will give the bones of your space depth and an instant sense of grandeur.

'Incorporating extra trim on walls and around door openings adds visual depth and makes a space feel more layered and stately', says Laura Lees Gilbert. 'Trim frames the openings in a room, creating intentional visual transitions that feel harmonious and well-planned. It's a relatively low-cost, understated upgrade with visible impact.'

If you're a renter, making permanent changes to your space might not be possible, particularly decorative features like crown molding; however, ceiling trim ideas that use peel-and-stick wallpaper can create just as much impact and personality.

10. Steer clear of fleeting design trends

Ultimately, what will make your small apartment feel high-end and impressive is its timelessness. Aim to follow interior design trends that have sophistication at their core, rather than shock factor.

Interior designer Sophie Head explains, 'Focus on fewer things, better quality over quantity. A standout piece that is a talking point draws the eye. Each main element should have its own story, for example, where it is from or what it means to you. Draw the eye and the mind and heart.'

She adds, 'Your apartment isn’t a showroom, it is your living, breathing space that reflects your personality. Don’t be shy of creating contrasts in materials and colours, but avoid clashes.'

Dominique says that following timeless decorating ideas will make or break your small apartment. 'Invest in timeless over trendy. Avoid chasing fleeting design fads, especially when it comes to flooring or larger furniture pieces that are costly and difficult to replace. Instead, anchor the space with neutral, classic modern designs defined by clean and harmonious lines. Then, introduce a few statement accents to layer in flair and sophistication.'

The key to making your small apartment feel high-end and expensive is being intentional and thoughtful with what you bring into the space and where you place it.

Remember, says interior designer Nina Long, 'In a small space you have to be more particular and thoughtful as to what you place in it. Keep it simple and uncluttered. You don’t need ten accessories on a side table, or four different blankets over the sofas. Less is more in a small space, purge or sell things that don’t go for a cleaner environment that feels light and airy.'

As someone who has the privilege of gazing at beautiful interior spaces every day, returning to my small apartment can sometimes feel like a bit of a sad reality. However, after recently stumbling across the marvellous creations of Parisian interior designer Marianne Evennou, it struck me that no matter how small your space is, anything is possible.

All good small apartment design rules balance functionality and style, which Marianne Evennou tells me is one of the chief principles she always prioritizes above all else. It's these valuable lessons that have allowed Marianne to achieve her design goals, transforming even the smallest of spaces (one of her apartments was smaller than 100 square feet) into authentic, accomplished, and liveable homes for their occupants.

Learning three design lessons along the way, I delve deeper into some of Marianne's impressive designs and French interior design rules. They perfectly balance fashion and function, honoring the tastes of both their owners and, of course, their one-of-a-kind designer.

1. Consider your layout

When I asked Marianne how to decorate a small apartment, she consistently emphasised the importance of acknowledging your architecture. As a designer who works mainly on small-scale homes in the heart of Paris, it's not only important to recognize the age of the building (and design around it authentically) but also to acknowledge its layout.

Titled 'Chez Bambi', the first apartment is less than 400 sq feet in size, located in the Rue de la Paix region. Marianne said, 'It was a challenge to change a dark two-room apartment with small proportions for each space into a comfortable and generous space.'

She continues, 'I choose to open the kitchen to the living area and enjoy all the windows with beautiful light. The kitchen had to provide the feeling that it was the continuation of the living room.' By making the design into one cohesive vision, each room feels connected and therefore larger, part of the same idea that, in turn, opens up the space.

Most good apartment living room ideas are open plan, as it encourages unity with the other rooms, creating the illusion of more space. Referring to the small living room pictured above, Marianne says, 'I make sure that the eye can escape by playing with perspectives using interior windows, glass roofs, or openings. In this way, I recreate miniature worlds that respond to each other and give the feeling of an inner journey, a richness of decor, rather than unifying everything to escape the “cell” effect.'

Despite being an open plan space, the detailed architectural elements work to define each zone and give each room (despite not being physically divided) its own character. In the space above, the window panes separate the bedroom from the living room, while still allowing light to filter through, reminiscent of a Moroccan riad.

Being clever with apartment layout ideas, Marianne has ensured to consider the architecture of the building and where it sits geographically. She says, 'The bedroom has been pushed to the back of the apartment to avoid street noise with an adjoining bathroom. The glass windows around the bed allow you to breathe and enjoy the entire volume of the apartment. The room was designed like a cabin with wooden planks lining the interior. I found it funny to have a cabin spirit in one of the most expensive streets of Paris.'

2. Prioritize storage

Another key principle of designing a small apartment is getting your storage ideas right. As integral to the design as layout, storage can make or break a small space, providing you with ample room to incorporate all the furniture and decor you wish to.

Dubbed 'Chez Rose', this home is located in the Marais. It's a mere two hundred square feet in size and was lovingly designed for a client who had not yet seen the building (it was purchased during the pandemic). Marianne said, 'I loved the faith she had in the future, and the trust she placed in me, living so far away. It was a pleasure to work on this project with carte blanche.'

On a mission to make the functional spaces as compact as possible, Marianne made the small kitchen not only blend in with the interior design, but also nifty. She said, 'As the apartment is quite small and there was no way to hide or separate the kitchen, I decided to make the kitchen as discreet and elegant as possible to integrate it into the living room. The upper kitchen cabinets were treated like a piece of art thanks to a bas-relief created by my husband, Franck Evennou.'

The beautiful daybed idea (pictured above) is just as accomplished. Acknowledging space and its preciousness, Marianne created a bespoke bed-cum-sofa that serves two purposes. 'The alcove accommodates a bench during the day and transforms into a bed at night. Behind the curtains, then storage space is hidden.'

Marianne shares her small space storage lessons, saying, 'I make the most of every square centimeter to maximize the volume (storage under the stairs, under the bed, niches transformed into storage or bookshelves, a sink placed on the kitchen counter to free up space underneath, etc.) I try to find solutions with multifunctional furniture: for example, a staircase that doubles as a bookcase, desk, or storage space, or a bench that also serves as a chest.'

She adds, 'Rose wanted a pied à terre to enjoy her stays in Paris, but also to be able to work. She seems very happy to spend regular time in this small apartment.'

3. Design according to your needs

Last, but by no means least, is Chez Anne. With a floor print that totals less than one hundred square feet, it's fair to say space is on the smaller side. But that didn't stop Marianne from achieving her design goals; in fact, the result was a deeply authentic creation that honors its owner and her lifestyle.

Chez Anne is a studio apartment located in the Marais, in the heart of Paris. It belongs to a university teacher living in Brussels who gives regular lectures in the city. 'Instead of staying in a hotel or at friends, she wanted to have her own pied à terre in a quite classic but cosy atmosphere', explains Marianne.

What makes the small space so successful is Marianne's ability to acknowledge her client's needs and wants. She says, 'She wanted to be able to come over for weekends with her husband to enjoy a cultural life in Paris. This is why we have a trundle bed and sliding doors for the bathroom and the dressing.'

No matter if you live in a small storage-less home, as long as you design according to your needs and everyday activities, you can fit in storage according to each room's function. Marianne says, 'I am very pragmatic and try to organize the space around the fundamental activities, which are: sleeping, eating, washing, tidying up, working, and of course, relaxing. I make sure that the apartment, however small, can be easily organized with a specific area dedicated to each function.'

Acknowledging the owner's needs and tastes, Marianne added her signature flourish of romance. 'The wallpaper has been designed by my daughter-in-law, Yung Chi Ku-Evennou, who is a tattoo artist. I asked her to create a wallpaper inspired by the Italian Renaissance to give a unique look to the apartment, which is small but also has just one window. It offers another view to dream about and separates the bedroom distinctly from the rest of the apartment.'

Despite its small scale, Marianne managed to create a dedicated area for each important activity, i.e., the kitchen and the bedroom. She says, 'The kitchen is organized to be able to cook comfortably, as Anne loves cooking. Instead of knocking down all the walls to create one large room and using a single color, which is often recommended for micro apartments, I divide, split, and create different worlds by marking them with different colors or materials.'

Shop the Parisian look

Finally, Marianne shares a final tip for making the most out of a small space and creating a design that truly sings and honors your style.

'When it comes to organizing the apartment, which once again requires good practical sense, I try to make up for the lack of space by treating it with respect, choosing quality materials and decorating it with elegance, charm, and above all, poetry', says Marianne.

'Show consideration to the modest, and they will reveal themselves to you. For a small apartment to be successful, you have to rediscover your childhood spirit, have fun dreaming about it, invent an imaginary castle, and you will see that the walls will be pushed back as if by magic and that instead of making you feel confined, it will bring you happiness.'

The idea of ‘going big or going home’ might seem counterintuitive when working with small rooms, but interior designer Christian Bense knows better than most when it comes to creating a sense of generosity and scale within conservative proportions.

When reworking this compact city maisonette, he had plenty of tricks in his tool kit, not least because his own London flat is also on the diminutive side. ‘I love apartment living, but I find there are a few rules when it comes to doing it well,’ he says.

Christian explains his first rule; ‘One is to avoid limiting the use of a room to a single purpose just because it is smaller. The key is to create multifunctional spaces instead, otherwise, you’ll feel the home is lacking in some way and it won’t seem like a grown-up home.’

That’s exactly the approach that the South African designer took to the renovation of this first and second-floor Victorian apartment. Fortunately, he had worked on another home in the same Grade II-listed building a few years before, though its proportions and style were different.

‘Many of the apartments were renovated in the 1990s and early 2000s,’ says Christian. ‘Some retained their period features and some did not.’ In the case of this home, owned by a couple with adult children – the bones were good, characterized, says Christian, by high ceilings, big windows, and high-quality fixtures and fittings.

He continues, ‘But in a way, it was too perfect. The walls were whitewashed; there was an overkill on moldings and paneling, which had been retrospectively fitted, and a sense that it had not been designed for everyday life. In essence, it needed soul.’

Working to the principle that successful schemes take their cue from their setting first, followed by the needs of the owners, Christian and the couple opted to create a sense of playful sophistication that riffed on the building’s genteel roots while incorporating a touch of nature-inspired design.

Conversely, that meant stripping back in some places (removing paneling and beading) and adding contemporary touches in others (an orange stair runner or geometric rug), offsetting the rigor of the more formal architectural details. ‘Swapping out brilliant white paintwork for an off-white and staining the timber floors in a richer hue were easy wins,’ says Christian. 'At the studio, our mantra is light but never white.'

More complex was the question of balancing form and function. Though there was plenty of existing joinery, much of it needed to be reworked – such as in the study-dressing room, where the floor-to-ceiling cabinetry meant that upper hanging rails were out of reach, or in the kitchen where a built-in drinks cabinet left little room for essential utilities.

Christian explains, ‘I’m a great believer that freestanding storage can lend layers of character, as well as being immensely practical’. As a result, he introduced sculptural pieces, such as a walnut cabinet on the landing to accommodate shoe storage, while an impressive drinks cupboard in the dining area is adorned with chinoiserie detailing by artist Tess Newall, answering the owners’ brief for naturalistic elements, while freeing up space in the kitchen for built-in utility storage.

That marriage of form and function is most creatively executed in the living room. ‘The couple and their friends love kicking back to watch the football, but they also like to entertain more formally, read or play games, so the room needed to deliver on all fronts,’ says Christian.

To further complicate matters, an off-center square bay threw off the room’s proportions. This was solved with a generous L-shaped sofa in one corner, offset by more formal seating elsewhere. ‘The danger of an L-shaped piece is that it can create the feeling of a laid-back snug or a den,’ says Christian. ‘But we added finesse and backbone with other more graphic items, such as footstools and armchairs.’

Little went to waste during the renovation. A floating marble shelf in the entrance hall and a built-in version in the study-cum-dressing room were salvaged from the reworking of the guest bathroom – hand-selected touches that, says Christian, make a house a home.

Slubby linens, woven textiles, leather, velvet, and stone each combine to strike just the right balance between smart and comfortable. We’ve ended up with the kind of schemes that don’t need styling to look good,’ he reflects. ‘This home might not have the largest footprint but it certainly has ample soul.’

The 5 rules of making the most of a compact space

Designer Christian Bense shares his tips on creating a feeling of generosity and scale in small homes.

1. Less is not more when it comes to a compact space. Rather, focus on proportion and balance, ensuring a room doesn’t feel lacking.

2. Design with intent. If there is an intention behind the items you are adding to a room, and there is a clear rationale as to why an item is used or a purpose served, you’ll be amazed at how much you can add to a small space before it feels cluttered.

3. Include multiple focal points. A small room with just one, such as a fireplace, will force the eye to one area only, drawing attention to the fact that the room is compact. Multiple areas of focus lend a room variety.

4. Don’t underestimate the power of a mirror; every room should include at least one. In addition, light-reflective materials also create another dimension, ensuring a space feels interesting and layered.

5. Play into the vertical. A small space that only occupies the X axis will feel cramped, so play into the Y too – whether through art, window treatments, walls, or picture lights. The eye should track up as well as left to right.

There are real estate brokers, and then there's Egypt Sherrod, famed for being 'Married To Real Estate.' The aptly named HGTV show established Sherrod as one of the most reputable estate forces in the country – and this includes knowledge on elevating even the smallest of homes.

When curating a small living room, kitchen, or entryway, we may keep our vision (or, simply, how the space looks) at the forefront of our minds. However, Sherrod explains there's much more than meets the eye.

'I want people to remember that when they tour a home or a room, they experience it with all of their senses, not just their sense of sight but also their sense of smell. What does that room smell like? Bring some of your favorite scented goods. I love essential oils and reed diffusers,' Sherrod says in an exclusive interview with H&G.

On the subject of finding peace in a small home, Sherrod also encourages us to consider how our space sounds. 'What do you want to hear in the room? Maybe you can add a white noise machine, or you play some soft music? It allows for even the smallest and most chaotic of spaces to feel restful. The scent and smell are so powerful.'

Alongside diffusers, Sherrod recommends introducing florals – firstly, for their scent, but also their transportive aesthetic. The best flowers are the ones that remind you of the places where you're happy – even if they're hard to grow in your home's environment. 'Bring in florals, even if they're beautiful faux, as they will travel your mind to where you want to go. And prioritize space for things that inspire you,' she says.

Lastly, perfecting your storage ideas is vital in every home, but especially those where you need to be strategic with space.

'Having effective storage solutions is key. When you’re in a small space, knowing where to put your things and how to declutter is often a challenge. You need to learn how to turn it into a multifunctional space. You’ll still want it to be beautiful and not feel overcrowded – because even if your stuff is nice, too much of anything can just feel like junk, right? Add more cabinets and built-ins wherever possible – so you can close things behind doors and drawers,' Sherrod explains.

'Also, find a special drawer just for your mail so that you're not constantly reminded of what the stack of mail you gotta go through and the bills you gotta pay.' The latter is something we can particularly get behind.

Earlier this year, I moved into a new apartment, and unlike the all too often white-washed spaces upon which renters seek to imprint their personality, it embraces a range of colorful hues.

While the paint ideas that range from the yellow kitchen to the plaster pink living room make for stylish room color ideas, it wasn't until recently, when I wrote about colors to decorate with depending on the mood you want to create, that I discovered many of the rooms follow the rules of color psychology.

So much so, living here and enjoying the mood-altering effects of color – from calming to energizing – has made me a convert to a colorful home in place of my previous pull toward neutral rooms.

Color psychology lessons learnt since living in a colorful apartment

Below, I've rounded up three examples of how the colors in my apartment help to create various moods. If you're considering going bolder with your color choices in 2025 and want to add more distinction between each room, read on.

'The way that we see color isn't just visual, it’s emotional as well,' explains Tash Bradley, Director of Interior Design and Color Psychologist at Lick. 'There are certain colors that are calming, there are some colors that are energetic, there are some colors that you feel more mentally soothed by.'

'So when we’re looking at different rooms and different feelings that you want different rooms to have, certain colors definitely benefit from being in those rooms,' says Tash.

1. Warm and bold colors energize

The boldest room in my home, the kitchen features a rich mustard yellow within its color scheme, a color that's known to be one of my most uplifting and energizing. Paired with white so it's not overwhelming, I'm convinced that a pop of yellow is the best way to add zeal to the heart of the home.

'We have moved away from those clinical kitchens where it was very stark and very white,' Tash tells me. 'Now, they are places that people are really introducing those colors that make their hearts sing. They deserve colors that have a lot of vibrancy to them, that have energy.'

I spend most of my time at home in the kitchen, so I've seen the benefits of its mood-boosting color scheme. The yellow feels instantly happy throughout the day, and it separates the kitchen as the main social space, while the rest of my home is more restful.

Many yellow paints can be used to make a kitchen feel uplifting, such as Farrow & Ball's India Yellow and Sudbury Yellow, but you could alternatively turn to red paints for a stimulating effect.

2. Soothing greens boost focus

Decorating with green is widely known to be one of the most calming colors thanks to its association with the natural world. I can vouch for this since my home office is decorated with a muted, mid-tone green that promotes a feeling of focus and calm.

Tash Bradley adds that decorating with blue can have a similar effect to green, making blue and green two of the best home office paint colors:

'Anything like our Teal 03, Teal 01, Green 04, Blue 07 – these are really good focused but calming colors – anything that has a light blue or a dark blue or a green with a blue are really good colors for a home office.'

3. Plaster pinks feel cozy

Plaster pinks have come to the fore in many homes, thanks to seemingly universally flattering shades such as Farrow & Ball's Setting Plaster and Templeton Pink.

In my living room, the walls are adorned in an earthy shade of pink paint, giving the space a cozy, soothing feel to unwind in at the end of each day. While I typically would have been drawn to a warm white paint for a room such as this, I now realize how much more depth plaster pinks add – snug without feeling too bold.

'The more diluted the red becomes – so the more white and brown and black pigment that you add to a red to make it into an earthy pink – that is going to become more physically soothing,' Tash Bradley explains.

Safe to say, I've witnessed firsthand how color can shape not only how a room looks, but how it feels. While neutral colors add balance, the right colorful hue used in the right amount can transform a room, whether you want it to feel more lively, calming, or focused.

If you're looking to bring more color into your own home in 2025, take a look at these easy-to-use bold colors, which paint experts say are surprisingly liveable.

I have a particular affinity for New York real estate listings; the buildings are often historied in their design, as well as intriguing in their inhabitants.

A listing that caught my eye recently fits this bill: a West Village apartment formerly belonging to Kiefer Sutherland, star of The Lost Boys and 24, has gone on the market for $20,500,000. The Greek revival townhouse contains five bedrooms and five bathrooms spread out on five levels – a considerable amount of space for the city.

Renovated by designer Stephen Gambrel, the home truly mixes period details with modern finishes, from its brick façade to its contemporary interiors. It's one of the world's best homes, fittingly redesigned for a Canadian Hollywood legend. Let's take a closer look inside.

Located on Greenwich Street, the brick exterior of this West Village townhouse fits into the area's tendency towards Greek revivalism.

Upon entering the home, we are greeted with a charming credenza and large, framed artwork, while the white walls contrast the black, painted front door. The blues in the print add a hint of color to the space, as the wood legs bring some rustic charm to the area.

The living area uses a cream base to keep the space feeling light and airy; however, textured and patterned furnishings, such as an oatmeal colored rug and black-and-white, printed throw pillows, create dimension in the sitting area. The theme of blue continues, with a large, blue and white artwork hanging over the white sofa.

The kitchen, meanwhile, features the eternally popular combo of white, painted cabinets and wood floors, with stainless steel appliances adding some modernity. We love how the space makes use of floor to ceiling cabinetry, with plenty of storage options.

A nook in the kitchen is perfect for cozy breakfasts with family members. The dining table is surrounded by rattan seats with floral cushions, which complement the floral curtains. A bench against the wall means ample seating for guests, too.

The master bedroom's monochromatic, white look is minimal yet refined, with a fireplace and mantle offering some warmth. The gold chandelier brings elegance to the room, while the subtly patterned, cream rug adds texture and some softness.

Black and white is a timeless color combination, and it works particularly well in the bathroom, as evidenced by the white cabinetry with black handles in Sutherland's home. Tiled walls bring a uniform appearance to the space, blending in seamlessly to the marbled floors.

A pop of color emerges in the dining area via bright green chairs, though the rest of the space remains partial to the white and wood duo. The reclaimed floors pair beautifully with the beige fireplace, and a white, open shelving unit adds some further visual interest to the room. There is also lots of natural light thanks to double windows.

The backyard is a highlight (and a rarity) amid the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple, with a large dining table allowing for dinner parties.

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Kiefer Sutherland's home is listed by Chris Poore, Serena Boardman, and Eyal Dagan of Sotheby’s International Realty – Downtown Manhattan Brokerage.

Houseplants do so much for a home: adding character, a breath of nature, and an injection of calm. Even if you live in a one-bed city apartment, there's most likely still somewhere for a tiny plant to go.

The best indoor plants don't have to be large. In fact, many people prefer small indoor plants ones as they're easier to incorporate into a space of any size. This also makes them a great gift, as you know whoever receives one will have room for it somewhere in their home.

To help you learn about the world of tiny plants, we talked to indoor plant experts to see what greenery they would personally pick for a small space, as well as why, and the plant's ideal conditions for growth.

1. Hoya Kerrii

Also known as the sweetheart succulents, hoya kerri are an indoor tropical succulent in the shape of a heart that stand at three or four inches tall. Being low maintenance as well as aesthetically charming, they're ideal to insert into the smallest of spaces or to give as a thoughtful gift.

'Hoya kerri are thought to be a symbol of love and affection, making them a perfect gift for loved ones on special occasions,' says Ofra Gaito, CEO of plant company, Verdant Lyfe.

A sweetheart succulent will thrive in sunlight that isn't direct, so it's recommended to sit them on a windowsill or under a grow light. We like the GooingTop LED grow light from Amazon as it will clip to any surface top and not take up too much space in someone's home.

2. Haworthia Truncata

Haworthia truncata is a visually unique plant that looks like it's made up of lime green fruit segments. Small in size and tolerant of lower levels of light, this plant could live in even the dullest lit apartment corner, making it one of the best types of succulent for beginners.

Al Klein of Botanical Wonders says, 'As far as succulents go, haworthia make great indoor plants. They will tolerate lower light when compared to other succulents, although a decent level of light is still recommended.'

If your small apartment has no windows, this plant would cope easily with the climate, though to boost its health a little grow light is recommended. It's important to note that a haworthia plant will go dormant in the winter, meaning you need only water every other month.

'Only water your haworthia when it feels completely dry,' says Al. 'In the winter when the plant goes dormant, you can water less. The plant will still be fine, it's just resting.'

3. Peperomia Hope 'Trailing Jade' Plant

A Peperomia Hope 'trailing jade' plant only requires a small pot to live in but will produce beautiful trailing leaves if handled with the correct care. Its size makes it ideal to place on any shelf space, and the elegance of its structure serves for a stunning gift.

'A peperomia hope will grow nicely and trail healthily if you place it on a table near a window or on a well-lit shelf space,' says Ofra. 'It requires once-a-week watering and will grow beautifully with minimal care.'

Target's 24" floating wood shelf is streamlined and would be a practical addition for a home lacking shelf space where a trailing houseplant could sit.

4. Pothos

Pothos plants come in many varieties and colors from shades of green to yellow-gold. Similarly to a peperomia, pothos only require a small pot to live in and over time they will produce a gorgeous trail of small leaves.

Patrick Coleman, founder and CEO of PlantInTheBox.com, recommends pothos plants for small spaces as they don't need a shelf or surface space to live happily.

'Pothos plants are ideal for small spaces, or as a gift for someone looking to add a plant into a small space, because they add a lush trailing touch to any elevated space,' says Patrick. 'They work beautifully trailing from shelves or high cabinets, but also hanging baskets in a ceiling.'

The host hanging planter from The Sill will make the leaves on your pothos plant pop, as it's minimalistic in design. Though The Sill also sell a golden pothos hanging basket designed specifically for this plant.

5. Portulacaria Afra

A domestic cork bark, also know as an elephant bush or portulacaria afra, is the perfect addition to a small space for many reasons. It provides all the appeal of owning a miniature tree minus as much care because it's actually a drought-tolerant succulent.

'This domestic variety of cork bark is excellent for small containers and easy to grow, only requiring a light watering when the soil feels dry,' says Al.

6. Pilea Peperomioides

Pilea peperomioides, or Chinese money plants, are a very popular gift, and for good reason. Sometimes known as the friendship plant, its playful leaves have the ability to bring joy or elevate the look of a small space. They can grow quite large, so keeping yours to a smaller pot will limit its growth.

Nicolas Bartoli, chief plant stylist and CEO of Léon & George, says, 'The coin-shaped leaves on a pilea plant makes it a great gift. It propagates easily, and earned the nickname friendship plant as many plant aficionados like to take cuttings of their pilea and pass them onto friends.'

A pilea plant requires bright, indirect light to thrive, and watering when the top inch of its soil has begun to go dry.

If you're unable to sit your plants on a windowsill or indoor plant shelf to make the most out of natural lighting, and clipping a grow light to anything around the plant also appears as an impossibility, we recommend opting for the SANSI grow light pot clip from Amazon. It has four light settings, a timer that will automatically shut off it you need it to, and it will fix directly onto your plant's pot, taking up as little extra space as possible in your home.

7. Dracaena Compacta

With 'compact' in the name, a dracaena compacta (also known as the janet craig compacta) is a safe choice for those truly lacking any spare space to start a plant family.

'As its name implies, we often recommend the cute deep green tuft of the dracaena compacta for smaller spaces,' says Nicolas. 'This mini plant is a slow-grower, meaning it won’t require more space or repotting very often.'

Tolerating medium light and most temperatures, so long as it isn't constantly in direct light or by a draft, owning this compact houseplant isn't a difficulty for many. Although, if you want your dracaena compacta to be the healthiest possible, placing it on a pebble tray for increased humidity and using a well-draining potting mix will help.

To create a pebble tray all you need is some small pebbles, such as the succulent and cactus jade pebbles from Amazon and a small tray like the Chaoliuy pebble tray from Walmart.

Add some water to your pebble-filled tray and then sit your plant's pot on top of it for a humidity boost minus the fear of submerging your plant's base in too much water. Note this will only work if your plant was potted up in a pot with drainage holes.

8. Flaming Katy Kalanchoe

Kalanchoe plants are a cheerful indoor companion, destined to brighten up any part of the even the smallest room with an abundance of colorful flowers. Plus, they don't require intense maintenance.

Calvin Li of PAFE Plants says, 'The kalanchoe is ok with almost any lighting, from full sun to partial shade—but plenty of bright indirect light is best for encouraging it to bloom. With good care, this plant can bloom all year around as well.'

It's recommended to water your kalanchoe plant every three to four weeks, sticking to the longer duration between watering during winter months.

'At full maturity, a Flaming Katy Kalanchoe plant rarely goes past 6” or 12” in each direction,' says Calvin. 'But other kalanchoes are bigger. Stay away from velvet-leaf kalanchoe if you're working with a small space as it grows up to 6 feet tall.'

Now you know what plants are best to give as gifts or to fill even the tiniest of spaces, it's a great time to learn how to display them. Many tiny plants look amazing if you know how to hang them from the ceiling.

Andy Cohen may be seen most often in the Watch What Happens Live! lounge, where he interviews celebrities and discusses all things Bravo reality TV, but up until recently, he called a West Village apartment home.

The host and producer's former abode was just listed for sale for $14,000,000, and it's a gem worth peeking at.

Built as a pre-war unit in the coveted New York City neighborhood and renovated by interior designer Eric Hughes and architect Gordon Kahn, the apartment features three bedrooms. 4.5 bathrooms, and not one but two wood-burning fireplaces. The best part? There are 25 windows, giving panoramic views of the city and plenty of natural light to the two-floor, 3,500 sq. ft. apartment.

The living room is arugably the centerpiece of the home. Plush, green carpet contrasts opposing blue and striped sofas, while a gold-rimmed coffee table keeps the room feeling sophisticated. Meanwhile, some pop art (a staple in the apartment) adds some froth.

Every entertainer needs ample dining space, and Cohen's fits the bill. The beautiful and unique, striped chandelier, hangs delicately over the dining table accompanied by both benches and seats, with a perfect view of the New York City skyline from the windows.

The powder room is hard to miss thanks to its fire engine red paint job and gallery wall of more pop art. We love how vibrant this space is, with textured red features, such as a velvet seat and lacquered vanity adding dimension to the space.

The bedroom features a gray backdrop and colorful details, including a plush, purple carpet, a green, tartan bed frame, and a blue bedside table. The gold wall lamps and quirky Snoopy sculpture combine luxury and humour – a recurring theme in the apartment.

Meanwhile, the bathroom continues the industrial gray theme, with vivid pops of blue on the shower tiling. A wood tub once again brings some of the natural world into the urban space.

The spacious kitchen taps into subtle metallic accents via gold handles on cabinetry, while the cabinets themselves are covered in a rich, blue hue. The floral wallpaper contrasts the urban, city background, visible from multiple windows in the area.

Step into Andy Cohen's office: warm woods offer a handsome demeanor, while a striped, rainbow carpet and black and white, patterned seats make the area feel inviting. We particularly love the open shelving unit in the space, with plenty of room for books and decor.

The nursery space is bright thanks to double windows, along with a sunset pattern on one of the walls.

The stunning staircase, designed by Gordon Kahn, divides the two floors and is a masterwork in material combination, comprising of glass, walnut, and steel.

Andy Cohen's apartment is listed with Ryan Serhant and Donna Strugatz at Serhant.

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For fans of Gwyneth Paltrow and her lifestyle empire, Goop, it's likely felt like a long six years since their first collaboration with CB2. However, at last, the wait to upgrade our homes the Paltrow way has come to an end.

CB2 has launched its second collection with Paltrow's modern tastemaker brand – a natural collaboration considering the success of its aforementioned debut collaboration in 2018.

The new collection, aptly named 'Part Two,' pushes the boundaries of design, offering pieces that blend vintage references with bold, new aesthetics. This chapter features new pieces inspired by modern Parisian apartments and mid-century Italian modernist furniture, as Paltrow herself explains.

'At goop, we bring beauty into all aspects of our consumers' lives. In our view, beauty comes from individuality and refinement, and that's what we infused into every detail of this collection,' she says.

'Little touches, like the brass caps and marble legs on our Nadine chair, add an element of high design and will patina over time. These are heirloom pieces to treasure, inspired by modern Parisian apartments and mid-century Italian modernist furniture. We leaned into complex materiality – plaster, shearling, lacquer – for a collection that is as elegant and grown up as it is daring.'

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Alongside sofas and the stand-out accent chair, dining furniture, dinnerware, and stemware take center stage in the latest iteration, meaning there's something for every type of room (and every type of home). Shop our top picks below.

Designing a studio apartment is notoriously difficult. With little space (and limited separation) to offer, they even pose a challenge to the most skilled and seasoned pros. But there's no overlooking these snug spaces – a big-city staple, studio apartments aren't going anywhere.

Despite the limitations of a one-room home, sleek style and a comfortable feel are still within reach. To hear more about designing around space constraints and delivering on a compact look (that still screams chic), H&G spoke with designers who have mastered the craft, making open-plan apartments feel cohesive. Here are four studio apartment projects to inspire, and what went into making them shine.

A 'feminine, classic, and inspiring' studio on the Upper East Side

What went into designing this space?

'Editing was a huge piece of designing this space!' says Nicole Arruda, founder and principal of Toronto-based Nicole Alexandra Design Studio. 'Because of its size, I wanted to ensure I was intentional with everything I put in it. Months leading up to when I officially moved in, I gathered vintage finds and materials I knew I wanted to introduce.'

'My personal style is a merge of old and new so I had a blast finding that perfect balance in my own apartment. I love a challenge so making the most out of a studio apartment was right up my alley! My goal was to create a space that felt feminine, classic, and inspiring. I kept the color palette neutral with layers of contrast and warm textures.'

How did you create different zones within the space?

'This was the most important part! It’s crucial to understand how you want to utilize every inch, no matter the size of your home. Maximizing space comes down to a clear plan of how you will live in it.'

'Space planning can often be centered around the TV. When I thought more about this I realized this wasn’t a priority for me. Not only would it change the overall flow of my space but I wouldn’t utilize it enough for it to make it worthwhile. Alternatively, I have a pretty large desktop computer which I often use in place of a TV. This brings me to my next point, multi-functioning pieces! Instead of filling your space with tons of furniture, opt for larger pieces that offer you more than one use. My vintage console triples as a nightstand, dresser, and catch-all zone.'

'I love working in natural light so my desk needed to be beside a window which fit perfectly beside the fireplace and across my bed. I created a dining nook across from the kitchen which made sense, it also doubles as additional counter space!'

Did you have to compromise on style or space at any point?

'Living in a small space certainly comes with compromises. The biggest one in my apartment was forgoing a sofa. Although it was something I would have loved, it got nixed when I really thought about how I would be using the space daily. Inheriting a fireplace was high on my wish list but I didn’t get so lucky in that department so I created my own! Sure, it’s not original but it gave me the focal point and charm I was looking for.'

'Most of the furniture and accessories are vintage, this helped keep costs down without forfeiting my personal style. I love decorating with vintage so it was a no-brainer for me to include one-of-a-kind pieces throughout my space. As we know, storage is always a dilemma in New York City, especially in a studio apartment. I’ve since added a clothing rack to help with that! It wasn’t my first choice but again, compromises!'

What are your biggest tips for making the most of a small space?

'The biggest takeaway is before you start getting excited and purchasing furniture for your space, think about the layout and how it will maximize functionality. Be intentional with everything you buy and ensure it serves a purpose! You don’t have the luxury of tons of rooms so edit down and prioritize what matters most to you. Once you have that down pat you can focus on the overall style and feel of your studio knowing exactly what you’re looking for!'

'Be excited! No matter the size of your home, you can always make it your own.'

An apartment renovation that proves 'bigger is not always better'

What went into designing this space?

'The project started out as a "refresh" of the existing apartment design with only a full renovation of the bathroom,' says Aaron Korntreger, founder and principal of New York-based Aaron Korntreger Design.

'As more time was spent in the space with the client, it became clear that drawing and framing the southern light through the (long and relatively narrow) apartment was the key design imperative, which was not correctly addressed in the existing plan. After pointing this out to my client, rather than put good money after bad, the project blossomed into a more comprehensive renovation.'

How did you create different zones within the space?

This studio apartment has an open-plan without proper walls that delineate the required spaces, exclusive of the full bathroom. Instead, different architectural devices were utilized to break up the three main spaces and uses.

'The bedroom area was placed closest to the window, with a partial height white-oak screen hiding some of the messier components of a bedroom. The screen also told visitors that they were not necessarily welcome in this area, even though it is in plain sight.'

'The living area is in the middle of the apartment on a lengthened platform raised one step above the adjacent spaces. This raised platform was required for some of the plumbing details in the bathroom, but also minimized the visual impact aforementioned bedroom screen. A row of full-height cabinets hug one side of the platform, and were placed between the two exposed structural columns.'

'The open kitchen (with additional seating counter) is towards the front of the apartment right after the entry hall. Like the bedroom area, a white-oak screen was used to hide the bulk of the lower kitchen cabinets. An expressive marble slab is used for the eating area, countering the subdued palette of the adjacent materials.'

Did you have to compromise on style or space at any point?

'The driving factor for all my designs, regardless of budget, style or square footage, is an efficient and legible architectural plan. This occurs through observing the nuances of each space and then working with the client to develop the program (what they need to actually have in the apartment) to complement their lifestyle. Once you have a good plan, you develop (and style) a cohesive material palette, add some furniture and art, and then hope the resultant apartment sings.'

What are your biggest tips for making the most of a small space?

'Designing smaller space is a balancing act of where to insert (mostly closed) storage systems and then where to leave other areas clear for loose furniture (sofas, chairs, side tables, beds, etc.) and art. You want your apartment to feel like a home, not a cabinet showroom. It is a fine and sometimes finicky balance.'

'Unless you buy the apartment next door, the studio apartment is never going to be a one or two bedroom, so be honest about that during the design process. Bigger is not always better, or even correct, and "small" is not a dirty word. Millwork, furniture items, plumbing products, and kitchen appliances come in an array of sizes – sometimes it can be as simple as choosing the right size for your space.'

In this Manhattan studio, 'compromise is a great friend'

What went into designing this space?

'This apartment is a special one, and dates back to 2016. I designed it for Krissy and myself while we were dating. It’s a space I found because I liked the building and asked around for the management contact. It ended up being a great deal for the location on Lafayette Street in SoHo,' says Nick Poe, founder of New York City-based 31 ARCH.

'The apartment was originally laid out as a one bedroom, which was quite dark since the bedroom held the main windows. I thought it best to completely open up the entire space, no walls aside from a toilet closet. The goal was to make the 400-square-foot-or-so space as bright and loft-like as possible, and continue a direct line of sight from the from to the back.'

'The other requirement was a king size bed and a bathtub. This meant that all the storage would be a combination of wall mounted shelving and cupboards. I exposed the bathtub right in the center, next to the kitchenette. It’s a great experience to bath with a view, a shame so many baths are hidden away in small bathrooms really. Having just returned from a rather inspiring work trip in Marfa, we built all the shelving in Juddian fashion, with readily available from the local lumber yard.'

How did you create different zones within the space?

'Well, there were a few things established. Mainly, the existing plumbing lines restricted the kitchen, bath and toilet closet to the front area. It seemed fitting for the tub to be in front of the rear window, (which I textured for privacy). The kitchen items, materials and style of millwork designated the kitchen area, but with the tiling continuing on into the bathtub. I also stepped the tub up, partly for plumbing reasons, but also to give the tub a perch and the apartment some levels.'

'Most of the rest was achieved with furniture really. I designed a table repurposing scrap wood, as I found beautiful old-growth lumber inside of some of the walls we tore down. It was important the table was the perfect size given the limited space, so it made sense for that to be custom- especially as the table doubled as a cooking, dining and working surface, so got a lot of use and was central to the apartment.'

'I always found it sort of beautiful and poetic that the table was made from the apartment itself. The sleeping area was designated by, well, the bed. We placed mirrors near the windows to open up the space and bounce more light. I added a wall safe with a hinged painting in front, for valuables to be hidden in plain sight.'

Did you have to compromise on style at any point?

'I suppose with design, in some ways, it’s all compromise, right? Compromise is a great friend. For this apartment, with the goal of general openness and light, one compromise was the size of the toilet closet, which was rather tight. But given the (hopefully) limited hours in the loo, it seemed a worthy place to scale back. One necessary compromise was countertop space, but so be it.'

What are your biggest tips for making the most of a small space?

'I think natural light and openness is key, and a sense that you live well, despite limitations. Using mirrors near windows can really help to open spaces and bounce light. And if possible, strip everything back and only add what’s necessary. And keep height in mind, although the floor area may be small, there is quite a bit of volume – so verticality can be helpful. Use of the space directly above the doorway for cupboard storage can be helpful, as it’s not something you’d ever really notice as you pass through the door.'

'Something to keep in mind are the little things. Like where the wifi router goes. In this apartment, we mounted the wifi in a nook high up, something you’d rarely ever see or think about, and the blinking lights tucked away.'

The refrain 'don't fear big art!' influenced this studio's design scheme

What went into designing this space?

'Whenever we design studio apartments we really try to focus on the higher impact living room elements – not the bed,' says Porter and Hollister Hovey of Hovey Design. 'Of course, a bed will take up a large footprint in a one-room space, but we never want it to be the key feature, so we try to tuck it away as much as possible.'

'This apartment at Chelsea Canvas, a new luxury rental building in the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan that just opened, features a galley kitchen with a relatively large space for a credenza and small dining table along that entry hallway. It then wraps around along a large window to unveil the living and sleeping space.'

'We incorporated a very large painting over the credenza in the kitchen hallway to make that space interesting and functional. The art becomes a stand-in for a television that could be seen from the kitchen, dining table and sofa once the tenant moves in. After turning right from the hallway, the eye directly falls onto the view and the living room space where we incorporated a rich mauve velvet sofa, a black marble coffee table and another large painting (48x48”) in complementary peach and seafoam hues. We wanted the materials and pieces to feel grown up and sophisticated.'

How did you create different zones within the space?

'The art really helps delineate the various zones of the apartment and draws the eye to the entertaining areas. The queen bed got tucked into the back corner, a cozy place to sleep, but almost out of focus when entertaining (which is actually possible in this space).'

Did you have to compromise on style or space at any point?

'Because of their size, studios actually offer a great opportunity to invest in a couple of really high impact pieces that you can keep with you for the rest of your life. You don’t necessarily have to worry about buying in pairs; one side table or lounge chair is probably enough.'

'Materiality is really important. Here, at Chelsea Canvas, we used velvet and marble. Smaller spaces can be incredibly cozy and we wanted to lean into that in a very elegant way. It’s a similar principle to powder rooms; they’re often the smallest space in a home but look and feel best with moody wallpaper and rich materials.'

What are your biggest tips for making the most of a small space?

'Don’t fear big art! It can distract from other less attractive features and will make the space feel bigger. While we didn’t do it at Chelsea Canvas, we also love going dark with small spaces. Lean into the cozy!'

Designing a small space will always mean compromise, but these spaces prove that style doesn't have to go out the window when your floorplan is less-than-large. By making careful decisions and planning out every inch, you'll carve out a gorgeous home in any space you choose.

For one New York City family, a fifth-floor, full-size basketball court sealed the deal. A brownstone on the Upper West Side had served as a lovely home for the family of five for years. But as their offices, schools, and friends were all centered on the Upper East Side, they began to crave a change. With three boys 17 and under and the high school years quickly slipping away, the family wanted to move, and soon.

That's when they stumbled upon this gorgeous seven-floor 1888 townhouse, clad in neoclassical-style limestone. 'We were working around the clock and I engaged my most trusted builder from the Hamptons to come to Manhattan to make it happen,' says Christin Farrar, founder and principal of C. Farrar Design, who was called in to help. 'Knowing that he and his team could deliver was the saving grace.'

Keeping in mind the father's obsession with '90s hip hop and the family's sprawling art collection (including everything from Damien Hirst to commissioned Martin Whatson), Christin injected this home with elegance and poise. Blending calming colors with bold, expressive accents, she ensured each detail was ready to support the family's busy lifestyle. To hear more about the space, H&G spoke with Christin Farrar. Here's all she had to say about the expansive family home.

Take a tour of the Upper East Side getaway

'Family-centric values' informed many of Christin and the team's decisions about this space. With plenty of space for the busy family to gather with friends and areas to display an impressive collection of characterful art, this home is bespoke and personally tailored. It's an expressive oasis within New York City's non-stop hustle, both high-end and homey.

'The majority of decisions were made with family and friends in mind, and the design reflects it,' she says. 'Additionally, the clients are passionate art collectors who delight in discovering emerging artists while also sourcing pieces from beloved artists they have followed and collected for years. I knew that art would play a significant role in the design, adding depth and personality to their home.'

Larger-than-life lighting graces nearly every room of this home, from the industrial-inspired pendants hanging above the kitchen island to the ring-shaped sculpture defining the living room space. Blending classic charm with modern sophistication, each and every piece is a conversation starter, fitting perfectly within its surroundings. Christin shares that the jumping-off point was a gold, cage-like fixture that she knew would fit perfectly in the home's entryway.

'The decorative lighting throughout the home is one of its most commented-on features,' she says. 'I knew I would start with Lindsey Adelman, whose work I've adored and sourced since discovering her in 2008. I envisioned her Cherry Bomb chandelier above a round table in the far foyer from the moment I first saw the home. The previous owners had left a pretty silk drum light, but I knew we needed a bigger statement, and luckily, my clients were on board.'

'My client's fearless selections of artwork in this home reveal their vibrant personality,' says Christin. 'Their excitement over discovering new emerging artists, commissioning sculptures that bring them joy and remind them of their children, or hosting artists at their home is a testament to their true appreciation for art.'

The family's art collection is featured center stage throughout the home, and ranges from sleek and elegant to exciting and surprising. In this bedroom, pictured above, everything from a basketball jersey to skateboards assemble to form an eye-catching gallery wall. Each piece conveys loads about the family, telling a story in every room of the house. Christin shares that the collection helped to guide her during the design process.

'The clients' art collection served as a significant inspiration during the design process. I often compared the silhouettes of tables and sofas to the art that would inhabit each room to ensure harmony. My goal was to create a space that is both sophisticated and approachable, blending the elegance of bespoke pieces with the inviting comfort of a family home,' she says.

In nearly every room of this home, wallpaper plays a starring role, 'adding layers of texture and pattern to create cozy, inviting spaces despite the grand scale,' says Christin. In the foyer, for example, de Gournay wallcovering in an eye-catching design makes quite the statement – and she shares that the pattern very nearly didn't make the cut.

'I envisioned a dramatic contrast with a darker entry opening to lighter, glossy lacquered walls in the far foyer, where the ceiling opens up to reveal the staircase winding up seven floors,' she says. 'My clients were initially hesitant, concerned about light and preferring more lacquer. I assured them that the de Gournay wallpaper would only enhance the lacquered walls, creating a warmer and more dynamic transition between the two foyers. In the end, they approved it at the last minute, and my team was thrilled.'

The primary bedroom, pictured above, also adopted a bold wallpaper, but with very different results. Here, a delicate floral design melds beautifully with Aux Abris silk panels, a combination that 'transforms the space into a romantic retreat.' In a nearby guest bedroom, too, Lori Weitzner wallcovering 'introduces a touch of femininity, balancing the predominantly male household.'

'The French brand Elitis, along with Aesthetics and Carlisle & Co., provided exceptional vinyl options for the boys’ lounges, the lower-level rec room, and the elevator,' Christin continues. 'For the home office, I chose a charcoal wool felt windowpane from Phillip Jeffries that evokes the sophistication of a men's haberdashery. This choice contrasts beautifully with the striking oak built-ins, offering a modern twist on a classic pairing.'

A cohesive color scheme is everything when working with a large space, and Christin was up to the task. She started with 'soothing neutrals' to counteract the bold impact of the clients' artwork, and introduced textures like wool, felt, mohair, leather, shearling, boucle, natural stone, and oak for a lush, luxurious final look.

'While the home exudes glamour, I aimed for a luxuriously organic feel,' she says. 'Knowing the art would be large-scale and vibrant, I used restraint in the overall color palette to maintain personality without overwhelming the spaces.'

With 'bold and moody elements like the foyer's de Gournay wallpaper and a 'seven-story ombre custom runner in blues and grays' for the staircase, Christin carved out room for statements in the most unexpected places. 'These choices quickly became key color moments, weaving a cohesive thread throughout the home as we moved into each new space and floor,' she says.

'The formal center hall foyer was divided into two distinct vignettes. In the far foyer, I placed a stunning round marble-top table from Italy, serving as a focal point as you enter the home, centered directly beneath the seven-story stairwell winding above,' Christin shares of the above space.

'In contrast, the darker blue mudroom, most often used as the main entryway for the family, offers an elegant take on the casual mudrooms you often see,' she continues. 'We installed a beautiful black marble floor and a custom bench upholstered with leather and mohair. Custom casework cabinetry houses all of the boys' sports equipment, shoes, and coats. While these two spaces are connected, each serves its own unique purpose.'

Because the family loves to host, making space for all sorts of gatherings was key. That's why Christin decided to include not one, but two home bars, one off the formal living room and dining room, and another in a top-floor game room. Each has its own character, but ties in with the overall elegance of the home.

'Both bars are elegant and serve their respective spaces, catering to a family that loves to host and entertain,' she says. 'They needed spaces versatile enough to accommodate everything from formal dinner parties to Notre Dame football viewing parties. The game room, in particular, served as a relaxed, informal space for friends and family gatherings.'

With plenty of room for play, this home also needed a designated workspace, so Christin designed a dark, moody, and oh-so-cozy home office for her clients who work 'almost non-stop' and travel internationally nearly monthly. Her goal was to carve out a space that felt 'handsome and smart while remaining comfortable,' and the final reveal fits the bill.

'The oak custom casework with tambour detailing aligns with the other casework throughout the home, and the windowpane felt wallcovering evokes the sophistication of a men's haberdashery,' she says. 'Wool felt, a fabric I chose several times in the home for upholstery and custom pillows, seamlessly integrates into this space as wallpaper. I also appreciate creating contrasts within a home, and darker rooms can be especially cozy and warm.'

With seven floors, six bedrooms, and 10,000 square feet to work with, transforming this New York City home was no easy task. But by leaning into her clients' personalities and creating space for both fun and functionality, she crafted a true oasis on the Upper East Side.

Interior design is at its best when it tells a story. Combining color, texture, pattern, and considered placement, a home should have personality, and take visitors on an unforgettable journey.

While there's nothing like home (or the completely bespoke story you've curated there), hotel rooms present an opportunity to step out of your shell and experience something entirely new.

Each of the Collector's Suites at Pulitzer Amsterdam is a masterclass in narrative design in its own right. From flowers to books, and antiques to art, the curated suites showcase collectors' prized possessions at every turn. And the Porcelain Collector's Suite, an ode to the Netherlands' porcelain-heavy history, is a triumph.

Jacu Strauss, creative director of the Lore Group and the mind behind Pulitzer Amsterdam's design, recently sat down with H&G to explore the ins and outs of this collector's haven. Here, he shares how he and the team sourced and decorated with antiques for the space, what went into choosing its soothing color scheme, and how he finds a tasteful blend of old and new in all of his designs.

'This suite is located in one of the 25 golden age canal houses that forms part of the Pulitzer hotel, on the grand Keizergracht Canal,' says Jacu. 'Situated on the ground floor with direct access to the canalside, it is in more of a discreet building, which gives this suite a more of a secluded feel.'

Including the Porcelain Collector's Suite, the Flower Collector's Suite, the Book Collector's Suite, the Antique Collector's Suite, and the Art Collector's Suite, this group of getaways packs design expertise and easy access to Amsterdam's iconic canals. The porcelain suite in particular feels high-end and elegant, hosting a wide array of characterful antiques. With a relatively small square footage, it feels both cozy and expansive at once.

'The Netherlands has a very rich history of porcelain, both locally and internationally, which is still celebrated to this day, so it felt natural to design the interior around this theme,' Jacu explains. 'It also allowed my team and I to go porcelain hunting. We hand-picked all the pieces from various places, which was a delight.'

Each room of the hotel suite packs plenty of porcelain, plus complementary design details. While the lounge area features blue and white porcelain vases, marble figurines across an accent wall, and a matching rug and throw pillows, porcelain plates, and fabrics make their way through the rest of the space. Jacu says he wanted the space to feel warm and inviting, too – a hotel room shouldn't feel like a museum, after all.

'The result feels like a proper collection for our fantasy porcelain collecting resident who might have collected it all on their travels,' he continues. 'Rather than it feeling like a showroom or exhibition, the suite feels like a home. Most of the pieces you see are antique, but some are modern interpretations and examples of something that existed. It creates a cohesiveness throughout the themes of all the other collector’s suites too.'

'It is a bit like playing cupid with matchmaking, sometimes you just know when something will work together,' says Jacu. 'With a strong initial theme, it is then easy to judge if something will complement the story or not. What helps me is being openminded and always making sure there is enough charm and character, and sometimes a bit of a sense of humor.'

An all-porcelain suite wouldn't work without a bit of quirkiness and fun to go along with it, and this mindset can be seen throughout the space. A yellow rotary phone by the bedside, a bright purple desk chair, and dog-shaped sculptures watching over the bedroom ensure the overall look isn't stuffy or exclusive. It's high-end with a human twist.

'The approach to design should never be too serious and if you have fun selecting items that you feel a connection to, you will create a collection of pieces that have personal meaning. Personality is key in this instance,' Jacu says.

The Porcelain Suite's color scheme is soft and soothing, a welcome partner for the sleek, elegant material that inspired its name. With a barely-there blue in the lounge and a light pink base for the bedroom, the space feels calm and considered despite being packed to the brim with unique finds. Jacu says the suite's theme led naturally to this whimsical scheme.

'Our Collector’s suites are a curated collection in themselves, so I carefully considered how their color schemes would look together,' says Jacu. 'I usually choose a base palette and then an accent palette, but being bold with single tones makes it easier to find complementary items. This approach provides structure and discipline when it comes to styling and selecting furniture.'

'For the porcelain suite we opted for almost powdery tones in light blue and light pinks,' he continues. 'This choice allowed for the porcelain items on display to stand out but be complemented by the base palettes too. The collections on display become the heroes in the rooms.'

Sourcing vintage pieces and styling antique furniture isn't always straightforward, and tends to take some time. But Jacu says the story of this space helped the process run a bit more smoothly. By blending statement-making focal points with pared-back staples, the team landed on a coordinated scheme.

'Since this is a one-off suite, I was able to find unique pieces to work with the theme,' he says. 'It takes a bit of practice, but once we agreed the story and general aesthetic, most of the sourcing became logical.'

'Some of the initial challenges were working with the spatial constraints of the rooms. Traditionally, the ground floor of these Golden Age Amsterdam Canal Buildings have incredibly tall ceilings, but the buildings themselves are quite narrow,' he says. 'For this reason, we focused on filling the wall space in a variety of ways. For example, the Statues on Corbels in the living room and the plate racks with willow plates in the bedroom'

By drawing the eye upward and embracing the suite's height, Jacu found more space for characterful antiques and created a design scheme that truly fits the space. Each detail is carefully considered, threading the space's theme into every nook and cranny. 'Above the bed, we have three woven tapestries with traditional Dutch delft themes,' he says. 'Tapestries are a bit of an unsung hero in interiors, but I love using them as artworks that can add instant softness to an interior.'

Making countless antique pieces feel fresh and exciting is no easy feat, but this suite puts Amsterdam's rich history on full display. Even with the city's stunning canals just outside, it's hard to picture rushing out of this well-designed oasis.

If you've ever wondered, 'What does Blake Lively's home smell like?' you're in luck. In recent Instagram posts of her foyer, Lively has revealed her home fragrance of choice: Le Labo's Santal 26.

The actress's Manhattan entryway idea features a massive Santal 26 Large Concrete Candle in the middle of her bright blue credenza. It's Le Labo's largest candle, with a burn time of over 150+ hours. Its handcrafted concrete vessel transforms it from just a fragrance into a striking decor item that grounds her space.

Further, the size of Lively's candle and its placement at the forefront of her home indicate that its smell hits visitors right as they enter the apartment. Thus, it becomes her home's signature scent. The warm, woody fragrance has base notes of sandalwood and cedarwood, heart notes of iris and ambroix, and top notes of violet and cardamom. It elevates the entryway to become a sensory experience.

'We've seen an increase in emphasis on home fragrance as an element of interior design over the past few years,' states Megan Slack, design expert and Head of Celebrity Style at Homes & Gardens. ''From more design brands releasing an element of fragrance to an increase in celebrity home brands that carry fragrances, candles, diffusers, and room sprays have become a huge part of how we experience our homes.'

Lively's choice of candle from Le Labo is perfect for use as her home's signature scent because it is an especially welcoming fragrance. Carlin van Noppen, fragrance and design expert at Fig Linens and Home states: 'Santal 26 is a warm, woody fragrance with a grounding feel. It's the slightly sweeter version of the brand's incredibly popular perfume, Santal 33. Its energy is inherently inviting and calming, making it ideal for use in the home.'

Shop Blake Lively's Candles

Whether your goal is to make your home smell expensive, or just to add a more sensory element to your design, Le Labo's Santal 26 candles are a great place to start. We tracked down the fragrance in the exact large size seen in Lively's entryway, and a smaller size with a more accessible price.

To emulate how Lively scents her home, we recommend placing your house's signature scent, perhaps in the form of one of the best candles of 2024, in the entryway. That way, when guests and family members walk through the door, they are immediately struck by the fragrance. For residents, it is a signal to the brain that they have arrived home. This practice also helps guests feel welcome, for the layered sense that the homeowners have done everything possible to make the space inviting and cozy.

Using her signature fragrance won't instantly transform your home into Blake Lively's home, but it can't hurt.

When envisioning the house design of a new project, Lucinda Sanford doesn’t follow an equation to find its simplest answer. Instead, she pushes boundaries, questioning how to use the space best.

Take bedrooms, for example; ‘I often suggest small bedrooms because it’s nice to have somewhere used for the sole purpose of sleeping,’ Lucinda says. ‘Whereas a larger room can be used as a boudoir. It’s an old-fashioned word, but by that I mean a space used for dressing and working where you’re likely to spend more of your time awake.’

It's thinking like this that characterizes Lucinda's style. Responding to a premium on space and the need for a work-from-home setup in this Clapham project, the large former bedroom at the front of the house is now an office-turn-dressing room with a daybed for occasional guests. Next door is the owner’s much smaller yet cozier bedroom.

The homeowner had found Lucinda’s firm on Instagram and been drawn to her use of color. ‘She had been living in her two-bedroom garden flat for a few years, but decided she wanted to invest in it as a longer-term home.'

'It was a little sad, and slightly falling apart with a leaky roof, but we felt we could transform it into a really special place for her,’ Lucinda explains. She continues, ‘She had a good budget but was time-poor. She also had a creative outlook and wanted us to use plenty of imagination in the process.’

A large component of the work happened towards the rear of the flat where the previously central kitchen was shifted back to look out over the courtyard garden. ‘She loves both cooking and being in the garden, so it made sense to put these two side by side,’ Lucinda says.

A restrictive column was taken out and larger supporting steels were put in. ‘I don’t like the look of boxed-in down stands and we were working with low ceilings, so we decided to make the steel more of a feature.

Lucinda continues, 'We thought we’d paint the steel support in white or green, but seeing it in the burgundy red it was supplied in made me realize this color would work. It was a happy accident.’

A pair of glass screens provide zoning between these two interconnected rooms. ‘They give a bit of separation on a decorative level, softening the join of the rooms. It made more sense to put the sitting room in the darker part of the house because if you are relaxing there, it’s likely to be in the evening anyway.’

The kitchen windows in a muted green offer a gentle framing of the courtyard garden with its bare brick wall. ‘It wasn’t in the initial plan as we hadn’t wanted to change the back elevation but once we got going everything was so exciting we just went for it.’

Perhaps the most visually arresting area of the house is the hallway, which Lucinda describes as formerly ‘dark and sad’. Ignoring the common choice of painting a small dark hallway white, Lucinda took an opposing position. ‘Sometimes I think you just have to embrace the darkness and make it so amazing in another way that people don’t think about whether it’s light or dark.’

She achieved this with a striking combination of illustrative tree wallpaper, bobbin detailing, and saturated blue ceilings. It’s a showpiece that performs as soon as the front door is opened. So, one thing’s for sure, no guest will ever leave this flat remembering its sad and gloomy hallway.

Meet the designer

Lucinda Sanford shares her style inspiration

What part of the project do you consider the most successful?

The reinvention of the space at the rear of the flat.

What element did you splurge on?

The Crittall windows at the back.

Describe your style in three words.

Modern. Classic. Usable.

What one small change had the greatest impact?

Moving the door in the bedroom.

Do you have a go-to color?

Burgundy - it’s a dark classic.

Any design heroes?

Veere Grenney. He’s a genius.

What is your favorite building?

The Victoria and Albert Museum.

Can you reveal a secret address?

It’s not a secret, but you can create something bespoke by getting Sofa.com to upholster one of its products with fabric you’ve sourced.

What podcast are you listening to at the moment?

The Morning Meeting by Air Mail.

Multi-hyphenate Suki Waterhouse is known for her wide-ranging artistic interests, from her start in fashion design to her work as an actor in Daisy Jones & the Six, in which she showed off her musical chops. It makes sense, then, that her home reflects her creative life and unique style. In fact, we spoke to the designer behind the eclectic Notting Hill apartment to find out how it all came together.

'She wanted someone to just come in and decorate it and add some character, add to the comfort levels,' says Izzy Hamilton-Fairley, London-based designer and owner of IHF Interiors. 'Suki was so fun to work for because she has amazing style anyway. I don't think she really knew what she wanted or what she was expecting, but she was great because she's so open to adding color and texture.'

Though the apartment was designed during the pandemic, the space feels as fresh and exciting today as it did upon completion. With a mix of vintage and modern furnishings, colorful accents, and plenty of patterns, the home evokes a sophisticated version of dopamine decor before it was even known as such.

Hamilton-Fairley explains that when she took on the job, the apartment was 'livable but not decorated.' She says that to kick off the design process, they looked to the ground for inspiration.

'The main living area, which is open plan living-dining-kitchen, she had this rug that I absolutely love. It's orange and purple and brown – that was pretty much one of the only things she already had, so that was our springboard for colors in that main room.'

From there, she mixed mid-century modern pieces in wood finishes, glass tableware, and metallic accents with pops of orange, red, and pink throughout the home. It's a delightful blend of unexpected hues and textures around every corner.

'I absolutely love that look when people walk into a room and they think none of this should work together, but it all does,' Hamilton-Fairley explains. 'It's bold prints and different scales and different portions and different colors, but actually, when it all goes together, it just works.'

She also built around found items, for example, some cow-print armchairs that Waterhouse discovered.

Hamilton-Fairley says that both her and Waterhouse delighted in the hunt for vintage and antique pieces, with a mix of online and in-person shopping.

'We did a lot [of sourcing] from Vinterior and 1stDibs,' she says. 'It was just after COVID, but we couldn't physically go shopping at the beginning. As the project progressed, she's in Notting Hill, so it's like the dream area for antique shopping. Suki loved and had a massive interest in so she did a bit herself too which was quite fun and then she'd send me stuff.'

She loves the bathtub, which Waterhouse had prior to her stepping in to decorate, but her personal favorite finds are some opulent chandeliers, which bring an air of femininity to the space.

'The chandeliers in both the dressing room and the master bedroom were both 1stDibs, and they were kind of a risk because obviously when you're buying things like that online, you don't 100% know what's coming. But I love them in the room and it just adds such a sense of glamour and sort of boudoir... Suki really wanted her bedroom and bathroom to be quite boudoir-esque, to be very feminine and glamorous, and I think the chandeliers really helped add that element.'

Shop the Suki Waterhouse-inspired edit

Lastly, Hamilton-Fairley's tip for sourcing great vintage pieces? Go in with a vague idea of desired items, then search accordingly.

'No one has the days, the weeks, the months to scroll through all these sites because they're just too big,' she says. 'I think you have to know roughly the type of thing you want, and then you can search for it because otherwise it's literally a bottomless pit.' We're taking these tips to our favorite antique emporium and shopping the Waterhouse way.

Bringing personality to the design of a bland, dated 1990s apartment in the center of Singapore was quite the challenge for interior designer Elizabeth Hay. ‘The clients bought this apartment wanting to create a home for them and their three children,’ says Elizabeth.

The project was a full renovation as the apartment hadn’t been touched since the block was built. Opening the space up and injecting light into the kitchen was a prerequisite in the houses design.

‘Sometimes with these apartments, the kitchen feels like an afterthought – it was a small kitchen laid out in a galley-style, in the middle of the house with no windows, so making it more functional was a priority,’ says Elizabeth, who concentrated on reconfiguring the layout.

‘We gutted the apartment and removed walls, opening up smaller, darker rooms to make spaces more usable and increase natural light.’ Sliding glazed doors between the sitting room and kitchen, and glazed doors between the back laundry and kitchen, coax through an abundance of light.

Elizabeth’s signature use of bold color and pattern came into its own. This apartment exudes curated color and showcases a wealth of custom pieces.

The clients required certain areas, such as the open-plan sitting and dining room and the main bedroom, to be serene and relaxing, while a fun and joyful aesthetic was key in the family room and children’s rooms.

Speaking of the children's bedrooms, Elizabeth explains ‘the children are very artistic and were keen to be involved in their rooms; their son specifically wanted a paint splatter wallpaper and they craved color'.

In the sitting and dining space, interest is created using pattern and texture. The soft green space features Venetian plaster walls. ‘It’s such a large area that I felt plain walls would seem boring. I love the Venetian plaster finish - it makes the room feel much cozier and is visually interesting without being too overbearing.’

The clients have a collection of Asian art and one of the pieces was chosen early on for the room because it worked well with the colors. Elizabeth played with materials for texture, introducing brass, glass, natural fibers, and bobble lamps.

‘If you’re doing a neutral palette, you need to have lots of texture and interest,’ she says. The pattern was brought in with the fabrics. ‘They all tone very well so it doesn’t feel overpowering.’

Because it’s an open-plan sitting and dining space, Elizabeth teased the soft green color tones through to the dining area, drawing the eye to the table by upholstering the backs of the chairs with a statement damask design.

One of Elizabeth’s inspired touches is a secret home bar – when the doors are closed, it’s camouflaged behind the Venetian plaster. ‘My client’s husband loved the idea of having a secret bar you could reveal when guests visit.’

Stronger colors prevail in the family room, which Elizabeth describes as ‘joyful, cheerful and fun. We wanted to keep it light, fresh and uplifting.’

The tongue-and-groove treatment on the ceiling draws the eye up, while color was introduced with pinky peach carpentry and an ikat sofa so the room feels light and happy.

Elizabeth also experimented with perforated brass cabinetry doors to team with the brass lights. The powder room and the husband’s home office showcase additional depth of color. A statement red elephant wallpaper is teamed with a green vanity, while the study celebrates dark hues such as chocolate and deep blue.

‘There’s a lot of color and pattern and it’s very layered,’ says Elizabeth, ‘but the overriding feeling is fresh and light – just what the clients wanted.

Meet the designer

Elizabeth Hay shares her style inspiration

What part of the project were you happiest with?

The reaction of my clients when they first saw the apartment.

Which element was the greatest indulgence?

The de Gournay wallpaper in her study.

What one small change has the biggest impact?

Adding the custom moulded cornice throughout the apartment to make it feel slightly more classic.

Which decorative detail is your go-to?

Contrast piping on all upholstery.

Describe your style in three words.

Multicultural, layered and colourful.

How do you stay inspired?

Travel. My travels around Asia have enriched my design to a huge degree.

Who is your design hero?

Robert Kime.

Finish the sentence, I know I'm a creative because...

I constantly want to create and try new things.

How should home make you feel?

Safe, happy and at peace.

Can you reveal a shop we should know about?

Granby Workshop for really original handmade tiles.

There's no competing with a sixth-floor outlook of the Thames, but Ben Hawkswell – senior design consultant at Roundhouse – knew that this kitchen 'had to be a showstopper.' Awash with natural light, the London penthouse called for a design scheme that would accompany its 'amazing wide-angle views' and 'fabulous terrace.' And with characterful blue-green stone and sleek, near-invisible storage, it's safe to say the final product fits the bill.

Proving that modern kitchens can be simultaneously streamlined and expressive, this space pairs lively, colorful stone countertops with classic white cabinetry. The space is earthy, airy, and, above all, welcoming. To hear more about the stunning kitchen, we spoke with Ben – here's what he had to say about designing the space, using natural materials, and working with an eye-catching view.

According to Ben, the brief for this kitchen was 'clean lines and a functional, luxurious simplicity.' And the open-plan space, which now features a large waterfall countertop and floor-to-ceiling cabinets, gave Roundhouse quite a bit of room to work with. With the bespoke, luxury kitchen brand's clever storage tricks, every detail is elegant.

'The linear Urbo handleless detail, combined with our hand-finished antique brass, met this brief wonderfully,' Ben tells H&G. 'For vertical doors, our recess angled cutout with solid brass backplate inserts gave a distinct but correlating feature. The overall aesthetic is of amazing luxurious materials, but still understated.'

Natural materials play a large role in the finished space, and this was a priority for the clients all throughout the design process. Ben was told the stone kitchen countertops and backsplash in particular 'should have movement and bags of color.' Paired with large, understated white cabinetry and a matching shade on the ceiling, they play a starring role in the overall design scheme.

'With the neutral cabinet color, we were pretty flexible with exactly what to use, but a "fusion" type stone would fit the bill well. Fusion quartzites can be seen in many base colors, this one being Fusion Blue. It's an amazing type of stone to use – robust, practical and each batch completely and distinctly unique, with a very strong veining to it that appears to be almost moving,' says Ben.

Finding the perfect fit wasn't simple, though. Ben shares that it took quite a bit of time and 'A few false starts' before the team landed on the 'amazing natural quartzite' pick at a stone distributor nearby. With a nature-inspired color palette and plenty of energy, the final selection is luxurious and captivating.

After finding the perfect material, the Roundhouse team made a few adjustments to ensure it fit perfectly within the design scheme. Ben says that 'the clients had a preference for a leathered finish, which transforms the material into something you want to touch and feel and gives the veining a shallow 3D quality.' By applying a leather finish to the stone's surface, they added extra depth and dimension to the space.

One of the kitchen's most notable moments is the sculptural, aerial glassware storage hanging above the island. Adding symmetry and a complementary gold finish to the space, the shelving is high-end and a piece of art in its own right.

'Aerial shelving can be a helpful storage complement – holding either frequently used items around an island or creating a part display for objects or cookbook storage. In this example, we created the shelving for glassware and combined the design with one of my favorite ideas, the solid brass wine glass rails,' says Ben.

'As the shelving was taking the place of a traditional pendant, lighting was to be considered and was included into the base of the unit – two full-length LED profiles offer a warm work light. The shelving was finished off in the same antique hand finishing as the other brasswork,' he continues.

A hidden-away coffee station is nestled in the kitchen's corner, concealed behind the space's white bi-fold doors. Complete with a gorgeous silver espresso machine and shelves upon shelves of storage, it's a beautiful take on the at-home coffee bar trend that's taking off in 2024.

'The bi-fold door dresser is a neat solution to a worktop corner space. It helps complete the lines of the full bank of units of the tall appliance run. The unit can be made open to the worktop, with lighting, and power – highly practical for all manner of small appliances,' says Ben.

Because the kitchen is open-plan, opening up to a small dining area, the Roundhouse team decided to pull the design style through and keep the entire space cohesive. With the same stone as the countertops and backsplash, the team crafted a bespoke table with 'a lazy Susan disc [in the center] for added practicality,' says Ben. The natural wood details and white upholstered chairs blend in beautifully with the overall earthy look.

Get the look

It's clear that a contemporary kitchen doesn't have to be boring, or all white and gray. Roundhouse's sixth-floor penthouse packs character and charm into a streamlined design scheme with great success.

The heart of New York City's financial district doesn't typically evoke feelings of coziness and warmth. But 60 floors above the bustling sidewalks, you'll find a 'Castle in the Clouds' – a sleek, sophisticated apartment that still feels just like home.

Interior designer Brittaney Elise is the principal, founder, and CEO of BE. by Brittaney Elise – a high-end design firm based on the West Coast. Having designed for business leaders, companies, and celebrities across the country, she most recently crafted this city-center project for a high-profile beauty executive.

'Truly, when you walk into that space, it feels like a home. It doesn't feel like you're in the hustle and bustle of New York City. It doesn't feel like you're in this small space,' Brittaney tells H&G. 'I don't have a better way to describe it other than it gives you that comfort and that feeling of home. This project is really special to me. I love it. I love it, I love it, I love it so much.'

After Brittaney came across the perfect set of chairs for the living room early on, the design scheme took off – and the final result is the perfect blend of chic and cocooning. Here's a look inside this sanctuary-like home in the sky.

Step inside Brittaney's 'Castle in the Clouds'

The apartment is largely open-plan, with the kitchen, dining room, and living room spaces blending seamlessly. Its design scheme is defined by a warm, inviting color palette, lush texture, 360-degree city views, and plenty of natural light. Brittaney says the space is a 'great representation' of her personal style, which she describes as 'warm, elevated, and clean, with a touch of eclecticism.'

'This [project] in particular has such a special place in my heart because the client really trusted my vision, and really allowed me to get creative. And I did incorporate a lot of personal style and taste, which has really grown on the client. This space reflects that warmth. It's definitely elevated, it's clean, and it's contemporary, but there's some unique bits and a little bit of eclectic,' she tells H&G.

The apartment building's architecture lent Brittaney a hand during the design process, boasting expansive arched windows that span the whole open-plan space. Brittaney says 'they're even more gorgeous in person,' explaining that when walked into the space for the first time, she immediately knew she'd be featuring them front and center in the design scheme.

'Incorporating natural light into any space is super important and high up on our priority list when working on a design. We went with floor-to-ceiling draperies in this space, and we did a double rod,' she says.

Because the home is surrounded by city lights, Brittaney also gave her client the option to close the space off with blackout shades. But as she notes, the 'linen privacy panels' she installed 'are never closed' – even at night, the family would much rather enjoy the views of New York City nightlife. 'It's mostly decorative, to be honest, to have the panels on each side,' she says. 'They just fill in and warm up the space.'

Successful design schemes often start with a single idea, whether its a color scheme, interior design style, or piece of furniture that sets off the process. And in this case, a stunning set of vintage armchairs, upholstered by The Row, made the rest of the plan clear to Brittaney.

'I texted the client, “I found these chairs, you need them – we need to put them into the space.” And they were like, “Yes, I love them. Absolutely. Let's do it.” So I had to work the entire design around these chairs,' says Brittaney.

From there, it was all about creating separation within the open-plan space. By using the window treatments, and by incorporating a few other clever design tricks, Brittaney made the kitchen, dining room, and living room feel like separate, discrete spaces. The curtains allow the homeowners to control the atmosphere in each space – the curtains can be drawn in the living room for a cozy movie night, but left open in the kitchen for a classy entertaining space, all at the same time.

Aside from the window treatments, Brittaney said one other design feature helps loads to divide the three living spaces from one another – the seating.

'What we did is we incorporated different seating heights. So, at the kitchen island, you can see that there are two different heights of a counter stool and a bar stool happening. That was intentional, to get a different height and feel,' says Brittaney.

The bar stool height allows for easy entertaining, and laid-back conversation over a morning coffee. Meanwhile, the counter-height stools are perfect for a makeshift office space – a designated space for replying to morning emails and multitasking. In the living room, a lower seating arrangement (including a very low coffee table) signals a cozier, more serene environment to gather and relax with loved ones.

'And then the dining table – that’s not your standard dining table height. It's an oval shape, which creates something different, rather than your typical round or rectangle or square,' says Brittaney.

'[That's] at a bar height, so you're at an elevated, taller height in the dining area. You kind of oversee what's happening in the living room area at a lower height ... That was very intentional, and that's my probably best suggestion with zoning and creating a different feel and a different space where each base will kind of flow together,' she continues.

A cohesive color scheme also plays a starring role in this space, but each living area still takes on a palette of its own. 'We wanted to go for a rich warmth in this space. It is such a contemporary baseline and a contemporary canvas, so we wanted to bring in that low-exposure feeling while still embodying the feeling of cozy, comfort, and soft curves,' says Brittaney.

The team started with a 'base color' of cognac, and built from there, integrating mustard, coffee, taupe, and a bit of burgundy. A light, airy look in the living room is grounded by the armchairs and a statement area rug, and the black kitchen brings a bold, moody accent to the space.

Brought back to earth with warm, welcoming colors and plush yet chic furniture, this 'Castle in the Clouds' brings contemporary living to the next level. This project proves that natural lighting, transitional design, and classic furniture makes any space, even one surrounded by the city, feel like home.

American retail businesswoman, writer, and television personality Martha Stewart and her daughter, Alexis Stewart, have recently purchased an iconic six-bedroom duplex in the Upper West Side building – one of the world's best homes – made famous in the hit Hulu TV Only Murders in the Building.

The pair recently closed on an exceptional and sought-after unit in the Belnord, a block-long luxury residential building used for exterior shots of the Arconia apartments in the comedy-mystery series.

Crain’s New York Business reported that Stewart and her daughter paid $13.3 million for the coveted address despite the original asking price of $18 million and the last listed price of $13.2 million. The star-studded cast, led by Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez, has been instrumental in increasing the desirability of the Belnord. 

The reimagined Robert A.M. Stern building sits at approximately 4,600-square-foot – an impressive footage for central New York City. The unit offers views of the Belnord’s courtyard – as seen in the show – and 87th Street through oversized windows.

Entering the Belnord is an experience in itself. Perhaps most known for its handsome entrance, the Belnord greets guests and visitors to its doors through a gilded wrought-iron gate that leads to a vaulted porte cochère decorated with frescoes and arabesques. Walk a few steps further, and an expansive courtyard, where an impressive fountain awaits you. Renowned landscape architect Edmund Hollander has redesigned The Belnord's interior courtyard, the largest in the world when the building first opened.

Onwards, a lobby is equipped with a 24-hour concierge. With six distinct residential lobbies, each offers three means of entrance to each residence, – a private elevator, a grand, open staircase, and a private freight lift – the Belnord is a private haven amid its vibrant, lively Upper West Side neighborhood.

Inside, the Robert A.M. Stern Architects-designed Molteni kitchens are generously sized, expertly equipped with only the most technologically efficient Gaggenau appliances, and available in two color palettes – cerused oak and white lacquer. The Calacatta gold marble backsplash and kitchen countertops are a true sight to behold, and the refrigerator holds 45 bottles of wine. 

All main bathrooms are finished with Siberian White marble slabs and platinum finish Dornbracht fittings and hardware. They are as opulent as The Belnord itself. Designed by Anna Karlin and Rafael de Cárdenas, the Belnord is a place to marvel at. 

While we can't say for sure whether the new purchase will function as a full-time residence for the mother or daughter, we are certain that no expense has been spared in the iconic design of the Belnord, and we imagine they will be very happy in this pied-à-terre.

Jessica Chastain has listed her apartment in Manhattan's iconic Osborne building for $7.45 million – and after spending more time than we care to share swooning over the listing photos – one room stands out as our favorite.

The living room, where Chastain has color-drenched one corner in a soothing sage green, reminds us that, though this paint technique is risky, it makes an unrivaled statement in the right environment.

Though the Molly's Game actress has not painted the entire space sage (as is typical practice when color drenching), she has flirted with the technique in a bite-size way. The sage walls and sofa tap into the look, but Chastain has preserved the room's traditional wooden features – merging historic charm with a contemporary color trend seamlessly.

After roughly nine years of ownership, Chastain is selling the apartment, located in the prestigious structure designed by James Edward Ware in the early 1880s. The unit is said to overlook Carnegie Hall – a fitting view considering former residents included celebrated conductor and composer Leonard Bernstein. He lived in the unit in the 1950s alongside his family. 

According to the Wall Street Journal, Chastain purchased the property from composer Adam Guettel – the grandson of composer Richard Rodgers (best known for his Tony Award-winning musical The Light in the Piazza) for $5.1 million for the property in 2015.

Accessed through the turn-of-the-century detail-filled lobby, Chastain's apartment is a continued celebration of the city's past – with modern, quirky design features, such as the aforementioned color drenching technique.

Designed by Carrier and Company, the interiors are curated to complement the home's architectural assets – including five woodburning fireplaces, custom Ralph Lauren wall coverings, and restored plantation shutters. There's also a bay window with Tiffany Studio-created led glass transoms – the perfect spot to overlook the buzz of visitors on their way to Carnegie Hall.

In the kitchen, the blend of traditional decorating features and modern color palettes come to life once more. The space includes a rolling ladder to access the higher cabinets alongside a power blue kitchen island and tiled backsplash.

The four bedrooms are scattered throughout the L-shaped floor plan, accessible through a vibrantly wallpapered entryway and landing. Chastain currently uses one (in the northern wing) as a library. The primary bedroom features a luxe bathtub in the main sleeping area and leads to an ensuite with dual sinks. 

Ellen Kapit and Cathy Taub of Sotheby’s International Realty currently hold the $7.45 million listing.

Chlöe Bailey's Los Angeles living room is a masterclass in decorating with neutrals. The multi-hyphenate, who forms one half of the musical duo known as Chloe x Halle with her sister Halle Bailey, has a keen eye for design, and it's reflected in every aspect of her first apartment.

Bailey worked with the popular furniture company West Elm to decorate her first apartment. The whole space is gorgeous, but her living room is especially stunning. It brings together a sumptuous gray velvet sofa with gray linen chairs and a textured wool-style rug. Mid-century modern details like black matte vases and a rounded, three-bulb lamp add a touch of metallic flair. In the center of the room, a starburst-shaped coffee table with a glass top brings fun and style to the space. Floor-to-ceiling windows fill the room with natural light. West Elm and Chlöe both know exactly what they are doing.

While we individually love each piece of furniture in Bailey's neutral living room, it's the grounding color scheme that brings the whole look together. Jennifer Ebert, color expert and digital editor at Homes & Gardens states: 'While we don't always see gray and cream together, it's a classic color scheme that confers an instant feeling of hotel-level luxury.'

She continues, 'In Chlöe Bailey's gray living room the color scheme takes on an especially elegant feeling. The way she has paired her gray sofa with cream decorative pillows juxtaposes the colors, causing an eye-catching contrast. Her strong use of natural light brings a bright, airy feel to the color combination while the smaller black vases add depth to the space.'

We explore what colors go with a gray couch in our dedicated feature.

Shop the Look

The exact pieces used in Bailey's living room are still available at West Elm so you can easily recreate her ultra-stylish look. Pair the avant-garde starburst coffee table with a mid-century modern lamp and grounding matte vases to perfectly emulate Bailey.

'Furthermore,' says Ebert, 'The warmth of the textures in this room diminish the coolness that can sometimes accompany a gray color scheme. They endow the quiet luxury living room with an exceptionally cozy feel. From the sumptuous velvet sofa that invites guests to come in an have a seat to the rounded mustard-colored armchair, every part of the room screams cozy comfort.'

A gray and cream color scheme is at once traditional and modern. The inviting, luxe look is the perfect choice for a living room, where company will immediately feel the embrace of the cozy, opulent style. Just look at Chlöe Bailey's space for proof.

With so much space and so little separation, knowing where to place furniture within an open-plan apartment can prove tricky. Whether you already have furniture and aren't sure how to arrange it or you're shopping to fill a new space, decision paralysis can come on quite quickly. If you're in need of a little direction to get you and your furniture on the right track, you're certainly not alone.

To get their tried-and-true furniture placement rules for open-plan apartments, we spoke with interior designers. They shared so many useful tips for making the most of your apartment layout without creating clutter – here's all you need to know.

How to place furniture in an open-plan apartment

One of the most challenging parts of designing in an open-plan space is knowing what to do with the vast, blank canvas before you. Empty space presents so many distinct design possibilities, and knowing how to fill it isn't always obvious. Audrey Scheck, interior designer and founder of Audrey Scheck Design, says that manually breaking an open-plan room up (and then designing accordingly) is a surefire route to a welcoming space.

'In an open-floor plan apartment, it’s essential to define distinct zones for different functions while maintaining a sense of cohesion and flow. Start by arranging furniture to create natural pathways and delineate areas for living and dining,' says Audrey.

She suggests using 'area rugs, furniture groupings or architectural features to visually separate the spaces without blocking sightlines.' Pick a few functions you'd like to fulfill in the space, and design each grouping as a standalone room – just make sure the design style is cohesive, and there's a natural flow between the different areas. Cheri Etchelecu Martin, principal designer of Dallas-based Cheri Etchelecu Interior Design, suggests using a tonal color palette to achieve this seamless separation within your space.

'The style of furniture and fabric choices play a significant role in defining the ambiance of a space, whether it be casual or formal. Furthermore, playing with shades within a cohesive color palette is a great way to delineate different areas while maintaining visual harmony, ultimately adding depth and interest to the overall design,' says Cheri.

'When designing an open-plan space, the goal is to create more intimate spaces within the larger so you don't feel lost. There should be a hierarchy and obvious use to each area. However, an aesthetic needs to be maintained so the entire space feels cohesive, and not disjointed. Area rugs are a great way to distinguish different areas within one space. Similarly, a statement light fixture can draw your attention to one area of the room, without physically separating the room,' says Cara Velten, partner of New York City-based Gale Sitomer Designs.

Cara adds that multi-use furniture is an easy solution to a seemingly unmanageable open-plan layout. Opt for built-in storage or functional furniture that's also used to separate the space – not only will you be making the most of the floor plan you're given, but you'll be creating a multifunctional space that's fit for the whole family.

'We also love to use pieces that are multi-use. For example, a console behind a sofa both camouflages the back of the sofa and protects it from getting dirty from people walking past, but could also serve as a buffet for an adjacent eating area.  We also keep the window treatments consistent throughout the space to ensure a cohesion within the room,' says Cara.

Eugenia Triandos, principal designer of Montreal-based Hibou Design & Co., adds that the room's entryways and passageways must be kept clear and easily accessible, even within an open-plan space. While you'll have to carve them out yourself with intelligent design, these walkways are an essential part of a successful design scheme.

'Instead of blocking them with sofa backs, opt for armchairs or ottomans instead –they maintain an airy feel and promote better flow in the layout. When it comes to placement, also make sure you're defining different areas with large rugs, they help create divisions without making the space feel cramped. And don't forget about ceiling treatments like bulkheads, they can really help in giving each zone its own identity within the open layout!' says Eugenia.

If you're tasked with designing a studio apartment or are otherwise trying to fit a bedroom, living room and more into a single open-plan space, Marie Flanigan – interior designer and founder of Marie Flanigan Interiors – suggests 'prioritizing the placement of the bed as the focal point.'

'This sets the tone for the entire space and helps dictate the flow of movement. From there, arrange additional furniture such as seating areas and dining spaces to maximize flow and a functional layout,' says Marie.

'Get creative! Murphy beds are often wonderful option for tight spaces and even opting for apartment-sized furniture can be a great space saver,' she continues.

Mistakes to avoid when creating the layout

Just as in any space, there are certain often-seen layout mistakes that interior designers suggest you avoid when curating your open-plan apartment. Audrey notes that sightlines – views that help you to visually connect different areas of your space – should not be blocked by furniture or decor.

'When arranging furniture in an open-plan apartment, it’s important to avoid blocking sightlines, as tall or bulky items can disrupt visual flow between zones. Maintaining clear sightlines enhances the apartment’s sense of openness,' she says.

Audrey also recommends paying close attention to the way you'll move throughout your space, and to the comparative size and shape of the furniture you take home: 'Be mindful of traffic flow and ensure furniture placement doesn’t hinder movement throughout the space. Lastly, pay attention to scale and proportion to maintain balance and choose furniture that complements the overall size and layout of the open-plan area,' she says.

When faced with a wide-open space, it's easy to get excited and bring home loads of furniture to fill it. But Eugenia says it may be best to pare back your selection just a bit: 'Having too many furniture pieces can make the space feel cramped, so it's essential to leave certain areas more open to provide breathing space,' she says.

Unsure which pieces to include and which to do away with or move elsewhere? Cheri says keeping functionality in mind makes these decisions quick and easy – and makes your space clutter-free and elevated.

'The biggest mistake I would avoid is selecting furniture without a purpose. Open-plan apartments allow you to design around your lifestyle, but choosing pieces that do not coincide with your needs can make the space feel cluttered,' says Cheri.

How to find the balance between practical and aesthetically pleasing

'Achieving a functional yet aesthetically pleasing layout in an open-plan space involves careful consideration of both practical needs and design elements,' says Audrey.

When designing an open-plan apartment, you'll want to pay due attention to how conducive the space is to your daily life and family needs. But creating a space that's lovely to look at is just as important – make sure to design a space that'll make you happy, too!

'To strike a balance between functionality and aesthetic in an open plan space, consider incorporating sofa chairs that swivel. Placing them between the living and dining areas adds versatility – they're perfect for both casual conversations in the living room and joining discussions at the dining table,' says Eugenia.

Open-plan apartments don't need to be a source of anxiety. Carve out zones within your space, keep function and design in mind, and curate a cohesive aesthetic for a space that serves each and every one of your needs.

'For so many years our home design has been subject to spilled drinks, popcorn in the sofa, and various dogs,’ Jill Lasersohn explains. ‘But now the kids have left the nest and my husband Jack and I bought this Manhattan apartment, we can finally live like grown-up adults’. 

Jill arrived in New York City from the Midwest some 30 years ago and met her husband Jack not long after. They made their full-time home in the Hamptons, but with their two daughters now grown up and living in the city, the couple decided it was time to invest in a pied-à-terre. 

‘We were visiting our girls and taking advantage of museums and shows so we wanted a home that felt like a sanctuary we could stay without having to bring a suitcase – a hotel suite in the city. It’s 600 square feet with one bedroom and one bathroom and we refer to it as our little jewel box,’ Jill says. 

Jill Laserohn is the owner of one of the largest private European textile collections in the world and her toiles, in particular, have inspired a collection from Schumacher – and several of the designs are beautifully showcased throughout the Upper East Side apartment. 

‘I began by collecting 18th-century French and English silks and toile de Jouy, getting to know the best dealers in New York, the UK, and France. I’ve gradually worked backward, slipping into the 17th and 16th centuries, and now I’m extremely proud of my 15th-century pieces,’ she elaborates. 

‘Day to day, I have to be a botanist so I can recognize certain flowers. I have to know about the dyes used. If I’m looking at an old master I have to know about the sitter and the painter. Every day I go down this huge and magical Alice in Wonderland research hole and I can’t wait to wake up each morning and do it again,’ Jill enthuses.

‘We bought the apartment from a lovely elderly couple and although it was well-appointed it was in a time warp. What I thought would be a quick, easy cosmetic turnaround became a total gut project – much to Jack’s chagrin,’ Jill says.

‘For the interiors, I worked with Marshall Watson, who I’ve known for over a decade. We felt that decorating with black was a must, against which we layered pops of rich golden ochre and the perfect green (which is not too cool or warm). My three 18th-century chairs were regilded but in good enough condition to use. The custom sofa pulls out into a sleeper and was one of the most expensive purchases of the entire apartment but we love it.’ 

Despite being heavily involved in the redecoration of the apartment Jill says she still has a ‘pinch me now’ moment when she views her surroundings.

‘The wallcovering in the bedroom is called Chariot of Dawn Toile Panel Set and was remastered from my original toile de Nantes from the 18th century, which was itself inspired by Aurora, a fresco painted by Guido Reni in Rome in 1614 (both were eras in which anything neoclassical was the toast of the town).' she explains. 

Jill continues, 'I was thrilled that Schumacher chose this and reimagined it, blown up 13 times. It’s very dramatic. When your eyes pop open in the morning you feel like you’re up in the clouds with these beautiful goddesses.'

'This is very much a “tuxedo” of an apartment and every time I walk in and see my collection decorating it I get goosebumps,’ she says with a smile. 

Meet the owner

Jill Lasersohn shares her style inspiration

Describe your style in three words.

English, neoclassic, traditional. 

What's your favorite building?

Marie Antoinette’s Le Hameau de la Reine at Versailles… for so many reasons. 

Who's your design hero?

Jacques Garcia. On a totally other oeuvre I also have to mention Diamond & Baratta… so much fun!

What are you reading at the moment?

We just returned from a wine tour of Bordeaux and I’m fascinated with Eleanor of Aquitaine and just started reading about her. 

The best give you've ever received?

Besides my daughters, it’s the ability to collect and indulge in textiles, travel, and study. I’m very aware of how fortunate I am to have a passion, the means, and a supporting partner. 

Is there a luxury you'd struggle to live without?

Travel. 

Tell us your words to live by.

‘To know thyself is the beginning of wisdom,’ Socrates.

Sometimes, it can be challenging to find humor in home repairs – particularly ones that are stressful or drawn out. Lucky for us, Saturday Night Live alum Rachel Dratch is bringing some laughter to the world of home improvement. The former "Debbie Downer" has partnered with home warranty company American Home Shield to shed light on home stability, and in true comedic fashion, she has done so through a blissed-out character called Warrantina. 

We recently caught up with Dratch, who has been spending much of her time lately in the studio recording her podcast, Woo Woo, to find out how she maintains her own home and keeps it feeling as serene as possible. As expected, her approach is as practical as it is lighthearted.

Dratch resides in New York City with her family, and she tells us that the hustle and bustle of big city life was the impetus for partnering with American Home Shield. The company founded the home warranty industry in 1971 and has been leading the way ever since, so it makes sense that she turned to them for a stress-free warranty system.

'I aspire to be the person who has the dinner party and has the perfect home, but I'm really not [naturally] that person,' she explains. 'So this appeals to me, a service that can make us zen out. I feel like I live like whack-a-mole, trying to control my environment.'

In a city where square footage is a hot commodity, Dratch says that clutter is inevitable, but embracing it à la clustering can help mitigate the anxiety around cleaning.

'I've joked to my friends, that sometimes it looks like an art director came in and made it really messy,' she says. 'Like, 'Let's put a sock on the kitchen counter.' Sometimes it feels very art-directed in the wrong way, so I'm always trying to master my chaos.'

When asked about a standout piece in her home that brings a sense of joy and humor to her space, she shouts out a close friend and former colleague from her SNL days, who gifted her an item now hanging in her living room.

'Amy Poehler gave me a tea towel sort of thing,' she tells us. 'It says "How to speak Spanish." It's really old and has these cute little drawings on it, and that's framed. I love that little piece because it's kind of whimsical – I like some whimsy thrown in.'

Though she loves color in large and more remote spaces, Dratch also suggests that those living in noisy or metropolitan areas embrace minimalist decor ideas and decorating with neutrals.

'I feel like in New York, you have so many stimuli happening, that I like to go in and have things kind of chill in New York – I wouldn't want that [much] color and in my New York apartment,' she says. 

Listen to Woo Woo with Rachel Dratch on all major podcast streaming platforms, and discover more about American Home Shield's services here.

When you're searching for interior design inspiration, you'll almost always come across European apartments. With their tall ceilings, ornate plasterwork, and oversized windows that allow plenty of natural light into the space, they have everything you could want in a home.

From traditional designs to more modern spaces, European apartments are an ideal base for almost any interior design style. And while we appreciate that Europe covers *a lot* of countries, modern European style is proven to work in all styles and sizes of spaces, it's simply a case of working with your home's fabric.

Whether you're searching for inspiration for your own home on the continent or simply want to feel inspired by these stunning spaces, these five European apartments are sure to inspire your next home project.

5 European apartments to inspire a chic refresh

It doesn't matter if your interior design style leans more minimalist or maximalist, traditional or contemporary, there are plenty of design cues to take from European apartments. Colorful decor, chic characterful yet minimalist style, and laid-back luxury, just to name a few. There are plenty of ideas here to give your home a European-inspired update.

1. A collected apartment in Copenhagen

Copenhagen is a leader when it comes to setting interior design trends, whether it be fashion or interiors. Filled with apartments featuring tall ceilings, large windows, and decorative architectural details, there's plenty of inspiration to take from the European apartments.

'We moved into this apartment about two and a half years ago, and we immediately fell in love with the four-room en suite and all the original moldings, french doors, and stucco ceilings that lead back to the1900s,' says interior stylist Helene Houe Sørensen.

In the living room of her apartment, everything has been kept neutral, from the white sofa and rug to the muted color on the walls. The bookshelf on the back wall is filled with books and decor – they aren't overly curated, which gives a more eclectic, lived-in appeal to the space.

'As an interior stylist, I always want to help others to be bold and try to imagine their dreams and plans for the different rooms they live in. For example, when we moved in, I wanted to create a cozy, relaxing place where our family could breathe out, and evoke feelings we got from our vacations to Spain, Scotland, and Paris,' she explains.

'I love to decorate with organic shapes, sculptural lamps, soft white fabrics, and textiles with colored ceilings as a fun twist. Most importantly, I always go with what I dream of! I can't live in a place where everything feels like a ‘safe choice’. If I want a white sofa, then that's what I buy. It gives me so much peace and joy in a sometimes crazy everyday life with jobs, kids, cleaning, feeding, and so on,' she adds.

2. A grande Parisian apartment

Parisian architecture is admired around the world, and for good reason. Characterized by tall ceilings, ornate plasterwork, and elegant paneling, this unique style works just as well today as it did 100 years ago. 

This Paris apartment is evidence of this, where interior designer Betsy Kasha, founding partner of Kasha Paris, was tasked with honoring the apartment's history while making it fit for family life.

'This is a grand and stately apartment which we transformed into a comfortable family home. We preserved the incredible ceiling height and restored and replaced the original moldings, but rethought the layout for modern family life,' Betsy explains.

'The history of the building always informs our design choices. Architecturally, we like to maintain the aesthetic integrity of the space by restoring and adding elements that are appropriate to the era of the building,' she adds.

'The kitchen, which was once shunted to the back of the apartment, is now the heart of the home,' says Betsy. Now, the kitchen is light and airy – a sink has been placed in front of the huge windows to make the most of the views, while black and white chequerboard floor tiles ground the room and add a touch of visual interest.

3. A colorful apartment in Warsaw

Countries around Europe are home to beautiful, historic architecture, and this apartment in Warsaw, Poland is further proof. Built in the late 1800s, this space has seen a lot of tenants and uses, and the homeowners were keen to honor this in their design.

'The clients came to us with the project wanting it to be made in accordance with historical assumptions but supplemented with more modern elements. We recreated the original stucco, the entrance door, coffered parquet which formed the basis and the furniture, arrangement of stones and colors are very contemporary,' explains Marta Chrapka, founder of Colombe.

When designing the apartment, Marta introduced a lot more color, pattern, and areas of interest. 'The main kitchen decoration is panoramic wallpaper and a walnut illuminated display case. The whole is complemented by kitchen cabinets finished with full gloss paint and an island upholstered in washable silk,' she says.

The living room features a curated selection of furniture, including a blue curved sofa and a statement cabinet. 'The living room is connected to the dining room, and is decorated with a beautiful Murano glass cabinet from the 1970s, transformed into a cabinet with a television and arched sofas. The table, designed in our studio of stone and walnut, was combined with svenskt teen chairs and decorated with a copper chandelier by MM Lampadari,' she explains.

The bedroom is the most colorful room of the apartment, and is the area where Marta introduced more modern design elements. The bed is surrounded by built-in wardrobes painted in a pale blue color with yellow accents. While much of the design has a more modern, playful feel to it, a nod to the building's heritage has been introduced through the vintage-style light fixtures.

'Everywhere in the apartment we tried to put as much art as possible, the purchase of which was entrusted to us by investors. We managed to get a very interesting collection of Matisse lithographs, which perfectly fit into the graphic and colorful character of the interior,' Marta adds.

The end result is a colorful space that seamlessly blends the period charm of the apartment with modern decor, proving vibrant color and playful designs can work beautifully in period properties.

4. A contemporary apartment in Paris

Haussmannian apartments are renowned for their refined elegance, and while this apartment embodies that style, it has a more contemporary finish to keep things fresh and modern.

'This is a gem of a Haussmannian apartment. Our work here was to blend the Haussmannian structure and design elements with contemporary furniture, bathrooms, and kitchen. Essentially bringing Haussmann into the 21st century,' explains Betsy.

In the kitchen, wooden lower cabinets with a dark finish have been used, while the upper cabinets have been painted white to make the space feel more open. Paired with the marble on the kitchen counters and the walls, the result is a luxurious but paired-back space.

There is a common, almost minimalist scheme carried throughout the apartment – warm white hues and natural wood tones creating a clean, sleek aesthetic. Hints of color have been introduced through decor, and a bookshelf decorated with books and collected treasures creates a more personal touch.

5. Quiet luxury interiors in a European apartment

The elegance of Parisian apartments means you can really lean into traditional style without it feeling dated. Think Shaker cabinets and a classic range cooker in a kitchen, chequerboard tiles on a bathroom floor, and antique chandeliers in every room.

In this apartment, interior design studio Kasha Paris designed the space to honor how it likely looked when it was first built, celebrating the original features and architecture.

'When we bought it, this apartment had already seen many changes to its layout. It was a fun challenge to reimagine what the apartment might have looked like at its inception, and develop a design vision from there,' says Betsy.

'For example, we took down a late-addition mezzanine in what is now an elegant, high-ceilinged library, and incorporated artisanal architectural details, a renovated parquet Versailles floor, and an antique chimney,' she adds.

The whole project focused on embracing the apartment's history, but making changes and modernizing rooms where it felt necessary. 'It's about respecting history without being a slave to it. I always think of the Pyramid of the Louvre as the perfect example,' she explains. 

'Not being afraid to live in a historical space, but rather enjoying it, not treating it as a museum. Mixing the old and the new seamlessly without letting the latest trends run your taste,' she adds.

European apartments prove that traditional architecture and modern style can work in harmony. As long as original features are preserved and celebrated and you work with the quirks of your home, you can create a scheme that showcases your personality. European apartments are the epitome of old-meets-new style, and these spaces are further proof.

Next month, I'm moving from one rented apartment to another. The definition of a blank canvas, my new apartment features white walls throughout, and I'm already anticipating how I'll be adding color – without painting any of the walls.

Luckily, I'm a fan of a neutral base when it comes to the color of the walls – I love the calming, light, and airy feel they create. However, I'm equally aware that an all-white color scheme can soon appear bland if color isn't introduced in other ways. 

One thing I've learned since living in rentals is that when you are restricted to keeping the walls neutral, it allows you to make the most of your decor. When you can't channel the latest color trends through wall decor, smaller furnishings become the standout pieces that add personality to a room. It can take a bit more creativity but I'm convinced white walls don't have to result in a bland space. 

Below, I've rounded up the five apartment decor ideas I'm turning to to ensure my neutral apartment layers plenty of color in creative ways, all of which are rental-friendly.

1. Add interest underfoot with rugs

When painting the walls is off the cards, there's all the more reason to get creative with flooring ideas. Channeling color through rugs is a simple way to offset the neutrals and add interest underfoot, as well as more practically helping to zone different areas. 

I recently purchased this IKEA TESAMMANS multicolored rug, which couldn't be any more colorful. While something so bold could quickly overwhelm a space with many competing colors, it can handle an otherwise understated interior scheme. I'm anticipating this brightening up my home office against its neutral palette. 

2. Decorate with artwork

Decorating with art is one of the easiest and most effective ways to add color to a neutral room. When contrasted against white walls, colorful artwork stands out and provides a break from all of the neutrals. 

I've fully embraced this in my current apartment and it'll be top of my decorating to-do list in my new home. I like to choose artwork with bright colors such as yellow or blue, as this really stands out against white walls.

Art doesn't have to be costly, either. Posters from galleries often feature playful graphical designs and once framed, they can add maximum impact to pared-back spaces. With more walls to fill this time round, I'm already on the lookout for new colorful pieces of artwork to display in my apartment.

3. Create statement lighting moments

A neutral space is the perfect opportunity to create statement lighting moments with colorful lamps that add warmth and design interest to a room. Just like this red lamp that contrasts against the white walls and neutral sofa (perfectly demonstrating the unexpected red theory), I'll be incorporating colorful lamps throughout my home.

From the entryway to even the kitchen, I'm of the opinion that lamps can work in any room of the home, and the more colorful their design, the better. 

4. Offset neutrals with colorful seating

With additional square footage to work with in my new living room, I'm on the hunt for a new sofa. While previously I would have most likely played it safe by opting for a neutral color, I'm more tempted this time to see this additional piece of furniture as an opportunity to layer even more color into the room.

Admittedly, I won't be going for anything as bright as this yellow one, but I'm currently favoring a deep shade of green or rich terracotta to bring more warmth and vibrancy to the space than a neutral-colored sofa would. 

5. Embrace color through soft furnishings

Lastly, I've learned to never underestimate the importance of soft furnishings in a neutral home. Whether that's bedding, pillows, or throws, these smaller additions are an easy yet hugely effective way to balance neutral tones and layer more color into a space.

I'll be avoiding white bedding since the walls in my new bedroom are white, and instead reaching for a more colorful style – such as the striped bedding below which is high on my wishlist. 

With these decorating ideas, I'm certain that my next neutral apartment won't be lacking in color. If you're also taking on the challenge of creatively adding color to a neutral space, consider these ideas to do so in a subtle and liveable way. 

When I first moved into my apartment, the first thing I did was unpack a roller and paintbrush and paint over the only non-white wall in the space. It was was dark green feature wall around the fireplace, and even from when I first viewed the place, I knew it had to go. And I don't regret that decision. 

However, after living in my home for almost 3 years I am starting to reconsider my choice to paint every single wall with Brilliant White paint. Not even a warm white, or an off-white, nothing nuanced, just a bog standard pure white. My thought process behind it was twofold – I like my decor to be the focus of any room, I add character through a lot of books, crockery, and patterned fabrics. So having white walls as a backdrop to all this did make sense. The apartment also isn't huge and we all know interior design 101 is lighter paint ideas make small spaces look bigger.

But, I am now getting a feeling it's time for a change. 

Admittedly this change is led by color trends I am seeing for 2024. White is hardly on trend anymore, it was replaced by plaster pinks, beiges, and soft creams a while ago. But, 2024 is seeing us be even braver with color, everything is a neutral nowadays – reds, greens, blues. So I am inspired to try something bolder, that will make my small apartment feel more cozy, more characterful. These are the colors and paints I am considering to replace my boring white walls.

1. Terracotta

Let's start with the safest option. I have had swatches of various plaster-toned paints on my bedroom walls for the best part of this year and each time a guest catches them they always ask what am I waiting for?

My bedroom isn't huge, hence why my go-to was to keep everything light and white. But the longer I spend in the space, the more I feel like I want to embrace the room's smaller proportions and make the room feel more cozy and welcoming. The great thing about plaster tones is that they do just this without straying too far from the white walls I know so well.

That being said, I do want the change to feel like a change. And the plaster hues I am most drawn to are darker than just a wispy muted pink tone. The color that's at the top of the list is Farrow & Ball Faded Terracotta which is closer to an orange than a pink and would work wonderfully taken over the ceiling too to create a really warm, soft space. 

2. Red

I'm sure a lot of you have now heard of the unexpected red theory, and even if you haven't I bet you've seen it in action. It's the concept that you can elevate a neutral scheme by adding a pop of red, and rather than it becoming a really bold, very obvious accent color, it gives the scheme a focus but it's not jarring. 

I do pride myself on not jumping on interior design trends as soon as they arise, but this is one I have tried and tested in my wardrobe many a time, and I'm keen to bring it into my interiors. I love the idea of painting my kitchen window frames a really deep, rust red to add some depth and interest to the white walls and cabinetry. 

3. Yellow

This is a trend I have seen emerging over the last few months, instead of very muted neutrals like beige and cream, there's an increased use of more yellow, buttery tones. Sure, it's a very spring trend but I think there's longevity in it. Yellow neutrals are making a slow and steady comeback, and they are such joyful hues to decorate with. 

I may not be blessed with lots of square footage, but I am lucky that my apartment has high ceilings and lots of light. A pale yellow needs lots of light in order to look sunny and bright, it can turn into quite a different, much darker shade when used in a darker room. It looks wonderful paired with a crisp white, which keeps it feeling fresh and darker woods to ground it. 

4. Green

No surprises here, if you want to be more colorful in your interiors but not go overboard, a soft green paint is the perfect choice. Designers keep telling me a sage or pale olive green really does act like a neutral, so I am all for trying it instead of the white walls in my living room. 

The shade I have my eye on at the moment is Benjamin Moore's Dill Weed. It's soft and muted but there's still a vividness to it that stops it becoming too muddy. I tried swatches in my darkest room (the bedroom) and lightest room (the living room) and it's such a chameleon shade, but definitely looks best under plenty of light.

So bye-bye (some) white walls and hello color. I like to remind myself that paint is one of the funest, easiest most low maintenance ways to switch up a home. It's the perfect way to experiment without committing to something permanent, so I should be bolder and try new shades, worst comes to worst I always have an emergency pot of Brilliant White paint in my attic. 

The Queen Mother's private apartment, located in Walmer Castle, has opened its doors to the public for the first time in history, and with it comes a look at her surprisingly understated design choices. 

The Queen Mother, consequently King Charles' grandmother (who was the only woman to hold the title of Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports), enjoyed a private apartment in the royal residence, cared for by English Heritage. The late royal often traveled to Kent with her corgis – where she enjoyed her apartment and the Renaissance castle gardens overlooking the English Channel. 

As of March 23rd, royal enthusiasts have been able to enjoy a 'rare glimpse' of what life was like for the Queen Mother during her stay on the coast – some of which might not be what we expect, according to the castle’s curator, Kathryn Bedford.

‘I think visitors might be surprised by the simplicity of how modern Lord Wardens, including the Queen Mother, have lived in the castle with their families and staff,' Bedford shared with The Telegraph. 

In opening the apartment, which was previously hidden behind a 'secret door,' Bedford hopes that people will grow to appreciate the beauty and peace surrounding this lesser-known residence. She also expects visitors will understand why the castle as a whole has attracted politicians, aristocrats, and royalty since its roots in the 1500s.

As mentioned, the Queen Mother remains the only female who held the Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports title. It has since become a fully ceremonial role but was also previously held by the likes of Sir Winston Churchill and the Duke of Wellington. Alongside being the only female, the Queen Mother was the longest-serving Lord Warden in history, occupying the role from 1978 to 2002.

Alongside the private apartment, visitors can enjoy the Queen Mother’s Garden, created by renowned garden designer Penelope Hobhouse to celebrate the Queen Mother’s 95th Birthday. ‘I have been given many flowers before, but never a garden,' the Queen Mother shared on the occasion. Designed along classical lines reflecting Hobhouse's interest in Islamic gardens, the space is a tranquil combination of still water, rich planting, and cool shades.

We can reserve tickets to Walmer Castle via English Heritage now. The apartment will remain open to guests throughout 2024. 

It's no secret we can't stop looking at Jenna Lyon's apartment. The uber-fashionable loft is among the most noteworthy in Manhattan – defined by an eclectic combination of quietly luxurious neutrals and quirky designer furniture. Until now, her pink sofa has recurringly caught our attention as the ultimate it-girl piece, but now, its crown is under threat – and it's all because of Anne Hathaway. 

The cross-over we never knew we needed occurred this week when Lyons shared a snap of her new sofa, designed by Sarah Ellison and modeled by The Idea of You actress. 'Isn’t she pretty?' Lyons asks, and we're included to agree. 'And Anne Hathaway, you’re cute too.' Hathaway is pictured on the third slide of the photo carousel, looking as content as we would with the opportunity to rest on our new favorite statement furnishing. 

The living room sofa, named FLOAT, is perhaps the only piece worthy enough to replace Lyons' iconic pink piece. 'With a generously deep seat and horizontal puffy channeling, FLOAT is confident and striking in either sofa or modular configurations,' the description reads. It's a 'conversation piece for every home,' but of course, Lyons's is the natural starting point.

Of course, Hathaway's endorsement makes Lyon's new sofa all the more enviable – but this specific piece taps into a wider design trend that's shaping how we furnish our homes this 2024. The trend in question? Brown – the hue that's emerging as the year's most versatile neutral. 

‘Dark colors are a rising trend in interior design. Dark colors are bold and dramatic. They can have within them so many different nuances, tones, and tactilities that give them different characters. They can be basic or sophisticated, daring or elegant, industrial or classic, traditional or modern,' comments Mor Krisher, Head of Design at Caesarstone.

Opting for a subtle brown sofa (whether it's shaped like FLOAT or offers a more traditional aesthetic) is a failsafe way to flirt with the trend without over-committing to the color scheme. We love the look of brown paint, especially in a large living room like Lyons', but this soft piece is an accessible way to incorporate the look without feeling too daring.

‘There is a warm intimacy that comes with the dark; a sense of quiet and calm that cossets and cocoons,' Krisher adds. 'A different mood descends. Taste, touch, scent, and sound, all elevated.'

Shop H&G's brown sofa edit

Of course, we want FLOAT. However, we found some alternatives that will elevate living rooms of all sizes. Here are our favorites. 

I’ve lived in apartments throughout most of my adult life, yet my collection of houseplants started slowly. It wasn’t until I began paying proper attention to them that I realized how rewarding indoor gardening can be.

I’ve now lost count of how many of the best indoor plants and herbs I have. I spend about five minutes most mornings checking and watering soil and inspecting for pests and new leaves. It’s a slow, simple, and uplifting start to the day which I highly recommend. 

Of course, there have been a few failures. I’ve dealt with droopy peace lilies, spider plants with brown tips, and more. But, after a good few years caring for my leafy friends, I’ve learned a thing or two.

My top tips for apartment gardening

These are my recommended tips for a happy and healthy indoor garden.

1. Watering houseplants properly is key

As Juan Palacio from BloomsyBox says, ‘It’s better to underwater and monitor the plant’s response than to overdo it.’ 

I nearly killed a peace lily by regularly dousing it without checking the soil first. It suffered from root rot, but two years on, in a new pot and fresh soil, it’s thankfully back to full health. Overwatering also encourages fungus gnats, which are particularly annoying in a small space. 

Pots with proper drainage are a must. Anna Hackman of The Naked Botanical says you want at least three holes in the bottom of your container, depending on the size of the plant ('larger plants need more holes'). She waters her plants in the sink, letting the water seep through the drainage holes, before putting the pots back into their saucers.

I'd also recommend watering globes, available from Amazon. These kept all of my houseplants sufficiently watered while I was on vacation. 

2. Don’t forget to repot

It’s taken me a while to realize the value of repotting. But, done at the right time (usually spring), the results are nothing short of amazing. 

Removing plants with stunted growth and unhappy demeanors often reveals tightly wound, dried-out root balls. Loosening up these tangled messes and repotting them in fresh, nutrient-rich soil provides a new lease of life and kick-starts new growth.

3. Bright light is usually best

Juan highlights how displaying indoor plants offers an opportunity to get creative. 'Use shelves, hanging planters, or create a living wall to not only save space but also to add a decorative touch to your apartment,' he recommends. 'This can also help in positioning your plants at different heights to maximize their exposure to light.'

While some plants tolerate low light, my healthiest ones are in bright spots. I have a ladder-style shelf by a large window that is prime real estate for them. If one is struggling elsewhere in the apartment, I move it here for a holiday. 

Stunted growth, leggy stems, and damp soil for long periods between waterings are telltale signs that your plant could probably benefit from a bit more sunshine. 

FAQs

Can you grow edible crops in an apartment?

I do grow herbs indoors, but for me, they don’t always last long. This is definitely due to ruthlessly harvesting the leaves, leaving not enough on the plant for it to survive. 

You’ll need a relatively large pot if you want to grow big enough plants for a worthwhile picking. You can save store-bought herbs, but those bought from a nursery are generally more reliable as they’ve been raised in better conditions.

If you have enough space, you can try growing chilies, tomatoes, or microgreens. Bear in mind that pollinating crops by hand is sometimes required for a successful yield. 

'Most edible plants and herbs require a significant amount of sunlight, ideally six to eight hours per day,' says Juan. 'If your apartment lacks natural light, consider investing in grow lights.'

These LED grow lights from Amazon are a popular pick, and can be clamped onto a desk.

Is it worth propagating plants in an apartment?

I have propagated a few of my houseplants and would definitely recommend it – it’s pretty easy and you get new plants for free. My best results have come from dividing up a snake plant and a spider plant, and taking stem cuttings from a pothos.

What is the easiest houseplant to look after in an apartment?

My easiest houseplants have to be my pothos plants. I have six and they are undemanding and fast-growing, just needing a quick drink when they start looking droopy.

Of course, apartment gardening has its limits. While I love my tropical plants, they don’t scratch that itch of wanting to grow crops on a larger scale, or beds overflowing with annual flowers. An allotment is the city-living solution, which I have recently and excitedly signed up for. Community gardens can be an alternative option, depending on where you live. 

If you have the urge to expand your growing endeavors, why not have a look around your local area to suss out what's available? You could be sowing seeds indoors to plant out on your plot before long – I’ve currently got sweetpeas and cosmos that have just started sprouting.

I have just downsized. It's not a common life choice no, but it's always going to be the way when moving from countryside to city and I am still very happy with my lot. We've been talking a lot at H&G recently about mood-boosting interior design and how your surroundings of course have an effect on your wellbeing, so as I am designing and decorating my small space this has been a key consideration.

There are so many 'rules' when it comes to designing a small space you can feel a bit limited when it comes to colors and layouts and decor. But I am playing fast and loose with those tried and tested concepts and instead trying to think what decisions will ensure I have a happy home that lifts my mood. 

I also asked for the help of interior designers who have plenty of experience when it comes to designing mood-boosting small spaces and here are the best 5 tips we came up with together – all of which I will be implementing in my small apartment.

5 mood-boosting design tips for small spaces

Dopamine decor is just as achievable in a small space, just because square footage might be limited, that needn't mean you can't decorate in a way you love and makes you happy. For decades the go-to in small space design has been all about neutral colors, pale shades, and minimalist – but if those things don't spark joy, don't let lack of floor space make these decisions for you.

1. Lean into smaller proportions

So many small room ideas are about making the room feel bigger and brighter and using tricks to 'expand' the room, but what if you instead leaned into the smaller portions and created rooms that feel cocooning and characterful? As designer Amber Guyton of Blessed Little Bungalow says, 'Smaller spaces can feel more intimate, cozy, safe as a home, and feel less intimidating in creating and curating a space you're proud of, especially for those that are living alone for the first time or are new homeowners.'

'The best way to design a small space so that your health and happiness thrives in it is to lean into the good qualities of a small space, rather than trying to disguise them,' explains designer Kathy Kuo.

'Of course, there are time-tested tricks like a light wall color, adding large wall mirrors, and maximizing natural light, but you can also take advantage of the fact that a small space may just feel better with a cozy cottagecore look than a mid-century modern one. Think of it as a glass-half-full approach to design!"

2. Pick colors that resonate with you (regardless of 'rules')

'When designing a small space that will positively impact your wellbeing, it is crucial to focus on colors and patterns that resonate with your own personal interior design style. Opt for a palette that reflects tranquility and joy; soft blues and greens promote a sense of calm, while cheerful yellows can invigorate and uplift the spirit,' suggests Kati Curtis.

Bethany Adams agrees, 'When you have a small space the best thing you can do to boost your mood is to infuse it with a color that makes you happy.  Blue is soothing, whereas yellows and oranges will brighten your day.  You needn't color drench the space to get the effects – you can keep the paint neutral if that's what you prefer and bring in that color in your furnishings, art, and accessories.'

'Incorporate patterns that you love, whether it’s a geometric print that evokes modernity or floral motifs that bring nature indoors. Use mirrors to create an illusion of space and strategic lighting to highlight your favorite elements. Remember, the key is to design a space that feels open, harmonious, and true to your personal taste, fostering an environment where you can feel at ease and content,' adds Kati.

In this green bedroom design by Dmar Interiors, color drenching the room has ticked both boxes, it's actually blurred the dimensions of the space and made it feel bigger but also created this cozy, calming space that proves smaller rooms can handle bolder colors. 

3. Create spaces to cull the clutter

Clutter-free rooms of any size are far more likely to boost your mood, but in small spaces, where it's more difficult to hide clutter in lesser-used spaces, it is particularly important to create plenty of storage spaces. And have regular declutters to ensure you are only bringing pieces in that give you joy (or are absolute essentials) so your rooms don't start to bring your mood down with unwanted mess and clutter. 

In smaller rooms, you need to be a bit more creative with what you use as storage, but a good tip is to find storage that can double as decor too. Baskets and trays are ideal for corralling clutter in a way that still looks aesthetically pleasing.  'Make sure to incorporate storage (baskets under the coffee table, etc) so you have a place to stash clutter, because nothing kills the mood in a small space like a mess,' suggests Bethany.

4. Pay close attention to the lighting throughout the day

Lighting is one of the key ways in which interior design can affect your wellbeing, and one of the easier ways I found to make my small space feel really calming and serene. I have many light sources at different heights throughout the apartment, all very soft and warm, which once the natural light goes creates the perfect relaxing ambiance. 

'The effective use of lighting plays an essential role in transforming a small area into a serene and productive sanctuary. Aim for a combination of warm white LED bulbs for a cozy ambiance and lamps to concentrate on specific areas without overwhelming the space,' suggests Kati Curtis. 

'And of course, capitalize on natural light as much as possible by keeping windows unobstructed; it not only helps to create a feeling of openness but also circulates fresh air and connects you with the outside world, offering an emotional and spiritual respite.'

5. Don't think small in a small space

A small space doesn't always need small furniture. This was a mistake I first made in my space – small dining table, small couch, small coffee table, small prints. It ended up making the flat feel very cluttered and not very mood boosting. I have since learned, fewer pieces but in bigger sizes fill the space far nicer and create a much more natural flow around the room. 

'It's always important to take your time before making any final decisions to know exactly how you want to live in the space and what you truly need when it comes to things like storage. Also don't only buy "small" pieces because the space is small. That can actually make a space feel tinier and bitsy. Don't be afraid of larger art pieces, an average-sized sofa, a larger rug, etc. I promise it will look more well-designed and intentional,' explains Emily Henderson. 

6. Decorate with things that have meaning

The easiest and most obvious way to boost your mood with interiors? Decorate with things you love and have meaning, make the space feel like you. Rather than following interior design trends overly closely, bring in prints, books, knick-knacks that you have collected and will fill your rooms with character and personality. 

Trends for 2024 are all about more lived-in spaces and designing homes that feel like there's a person behind them. Styles like bookshelf wealth are the perfect example, and while this kind of busy, cluttered look would once have been shied away from in small spaces, now this cozy, happy, joy-inducing look is being celebrated and everyone wants to recreate it. 

Designing a small space that boosts your mood is mostly about just ignoring those 'rules' that have been ingrained and instead just decorate in a way that makes you happy. Use color, use pattern, get out all your well-loved pieces of decor and create spaces that reflect you. 

This elegant Brownstone apartment has one of the world's most coveted addresses. Opposite The Met on 5th Avenue, Upper East Side, NYC, it's part of a block that dates from 1926, with all the classic period detailing you'd expect from such a historic gem. Apartments in this location are highly sought after and following a major redesign of the interiors, this one ranks among the best.  

The owners called on interior designer Joshua Smith to update the house design, keen to preserve the home's charm but conscious there were many areas that required improvement. 

'For inspiration, we looked at the classic NYC Upper East Side,' says the designer. 'We wanted timeless, elevated, and elegant but not stuffy or pretentious. As beautiful as the home is, it’s very livable. Each space is used daily and all maintain harmony and balance, perfect for escaping the bustling city outdoors.'

Take the tour, as designer Joshua Smith explains how his transitional designs, balancing old and new elements, were at the heart of the updated schemes. 

'It was important to consider the architecture and its relationship to the interior design,' explains Joshua Smith, recalling his starting points. 'It's in a prewar building and across from The Met, which is why we chose to mix antiques with comfortable furniture. It was also important that we do it in a way that felt fresh, light and serene.'

This approach is clear in the entryway ideas, where the foyer, pictured above, has a livable and relaxed, yet classic appeal.  

'We wanted to create a sense of arrival,' explains the designer. 'Sometimes in NYC apartments, there isn't much architectural interest. Here we wanted to create an architectural moment with the different ceiling colors. We chose an antique French mirror and the sconces echo the gilt feeling. The lamp is a vintage 1940s brass lamp. We flanked the side with Swedish chairs covered in Fortuny fabric to soften the room. We layered it in a way that felt welcoming and visually interesting.'

'The key with working with prewar NYC apartments,' says Joshua, 'is they have big formal living rooms.' 

Large formal living rooms present many challenges, but the living room ideas here involved creating zones to give each part of the room purpose and visually divide the space. There's a desk area, a first seating area and coffee table, while at the other end of the room is a grand piano. The designer also added contemporary touches to balance the more traditional style elements. The striking lamps, used both to punctuate and unite the spaces, are from Christopher Spitzmilner.

'We used a light sisal rug to add texture and warmth to the formal room,' explains the designer. 'And kept the formality with antiques, then used a barrel back chair and silk velvets from Romo Fabrics. It was important to think about the details, such as adding fringe to pillows in contrasting colors or different welting.'

Kitchen ideas play to the strengths of the original architecture here, with the simple cabinets reflecting the classic Upper East Side paneled ceiling. 'We chose to go very functional in terms of how the clients live,' explains designer Joshua. 'The barstools are custom-made with the same vegan leather as the banquette, with a white contrasting welting and white buttons to give it visual interest. No trends were considered in this design process as it was about classic and timeless.'

This area in the kitchen is the central part of the house. We wanted to have it be soft and transitional in terms of color. As he considered the options for eat-in kitchen ideas, Joshua Smith came up with the idea of a custom banquette in vegan leather with contrasting welt. 'The combo with the mismatched antique chairs made for a beautiful story,' he says. The fabrics were from Kravet and Schumacher, wallpaper by Philip Jefferies.

Dining room ideas double up as home library ideas in this apartment, with space for an inviting seating and reading area on one side of the room.

'The carpet was our starting point. Custom-designed with a green and cream diamond pattern, it’s approachable and formal without being intimidating,' says designer Joshua Smith. 'Starting with a geometric pattern moved the room from period to fresh and young. We chose a 1940s Lucite glass table with a brass base and sides, adding coordinating vintage porcelain lamps with Holland & Sherry wool shades to bring unity. The cameos in gilt frames were sourced from an antique dealer.'

The designer has unfinished business in this room, however. 'The only things I would change in this apartment are the club chairs in the library,' he says. 'If we wanted to be more playful we could have gone with a small-scale pattern. We should have upholstered those in Fortuny.'

Anyone looking for bedroom ideas with an elevated look will find plenty to inspire them in this space.

'The primary bedroom is my favorite. It looks beautiful but when you walk into the room your shoulders drop,' says Joshua. 'It took us 12 tries to get the perfect ethereal softness on the walls. It’s serene and beautiful, and layered with rich textures and fabrics to bring in a modern touch.'

The designer chose a custom-designed bed by Dune. 'I wanted to go with a modern bed to make it fresh and youthful. A Sabina Fay Braxton fabric is used on the headboard as well as the front pillow, and diamond tufting adds visual interest without going heavily patterned. On the nightstand is a Christopher Spitzmilner lamp and custom shade.'

Bedroom layout ideas can become complicated in large-scale rooms. Not so here, as opposite the bed is a seating area with a leather-topped antique desk and leather chair, making perfect use of the space. 'The vintage lamp adds an almost sculptural moment,' says the designer, 'While a gorgeous sofa in a chevron pattern is paired with a modern mid-century table layered with trays.' 

'We opted to go for a more interesting color combo in the guest room, by using lavender blue and aqua, and doing custom paint watercolor stripes on the walls,' says the designer. 

The Romo fabric on the custom bed was the start of this room's bedroom color ideas. Next to the bed is a vintage curved-back 1940s chair in a contemporary purple wool fabric. the nightstand is also custom-made in a white lacquer finish.

'The detailed millwork in the guest room is in keeping with the other millwork throughout the house, with a custom marble floor and baseboards. A vintage bench is upholstered in a Schumacher velvet with white contrasting button tufting on top. 

'The Lucite chair is upholstered in a Kravet velvet and the tufted Greek edge banquet cushion is a Rogers & Goffigon. The Roman shade was Schumacher,' says designer Joshua. 

What is the secret of this successful redesign, to what does it owe its calm, refined elegance? Simply this: 

'No trends were considered in this design process as it was about classic and timeless,' says designer Joshua Smith. 'The clients were very involved in the process and their overall reaction was that it was better than they could have envisioned or imagined. They loved the cohesiveness as you flowed from room to room throughout the entire home.' 

Interior design: Joshua Smith
Photographs: Tim Lenz

Color, pattern and sculptural forms create a feast for the senses in this London pied-à-terre. Home to a French national with an eye for art and textiles, the apartment brims with unexpected style moments. A fine thread gathers those moments together, a fantasia of beautiful objects curated in an exquisite house design. 

It’s the result of a collaboration between an owner who has a penchant for botanical prints and a fearless disregard for conventional interiors, and designer Sophie Ashby of Studio Ashby, who wanted to create ‘a scheme that would be the perfect fit for the client’s character, lifestyle and taste’. 

At 180 square meters, it is a relatively small space. ‘But whether we’re working on a huge sprawling house or a smaller apartment, the clients’ requirements are the same: to have a practical set-up, good storage, moments of calm versus areas for entertaining,’ says Sophie. ‘It’s all about making the best of the space.’

A major steer in the interiors was showcasing the client’s paintings and sculptures, a challenge the designer relished. ‘My client loves color and pattern, as do I,’ says Sophie, ‘but while my instinct is to exercise restraint, more is more for her. That attitude is fun for a designer and it opened my eyes to another world.’

Much to Sophie’s delight, it turned out to be a world where portraits hang nonchalantly on top of de Gournay wallcoverings. ‘People are usually afraid to cover handmade wallpaper,’ says Sophie, ‘but the client was happy to hang paintings and mirrors to make an even more interesting build-up of layers.’

She also convinced Sophie that the two bedrooms should be wrapped wall-to-wall in the papers, whereas the designer had initially specified it only in the main bedroom behind the bed. ‘There were moments,’ says Sophie, ‘when I worried whether it was going to be balanced enough, but I’m so pleased with the result.’ Indeed, the effect is magical, a kind of flowery bower.

In the living room it’s the floor that gets the floral treatment, with a poppy-scattered rug adding a touch of the countryside. ‘I knew the client would appreciate the design as I’d seen her wear similar patterns in her clothing,’ says Sophie of the Rodarte collaboration rug.

The fireplace wall was going to be mirrored, but plans were changed to incorporate access panels to the heating and cooling system. The volte-face offered an opportunity to display more art. ‘The client embraces intense portraiture of any period,’ says Sophie, and there are portraits from her collection in each alcove, while Studio Ashby sourced the mesmerizing Irreversible by Peggy Kuiper above the fireplace.

The sitting room and bedrooms were a collaboration between client and designer but Studio Ashby led on the more practical decisions. The tile installation in the kitchen is a case in point. ‘The design was based on a Japanese vintage screen,’ says Sophie. ‘I wanted to treat the kitchen walls as art, not another piece of chinoiserie, but a fresher look. A kind of meadowy, floral wrap, as if you’re in a garden.’

So far, so flowery – but where do you go with kitchen furniture against such a rich backdrop? Strong and sculptural was the response: green units, a banquette in toning fabric, and the room’s co-star (alongside those tiles), a table made of London plane wood. 

Exquisitely proportioned with a cone-shaped base, the table is an oasis of calm. Spend a little time there and you’re refreshed and ready to appreciate the color, pattern and florals all over again

Meet the designer

Sophie Ashby shares her style inspiration 

BIGGEST INDULGENCE
The bespoke de Gournay wallcoverings. 

GREATEST SUCCESS
The tile mural in the kitchen, which we commissioned Anna Glover and Balineum to create. 

SMALL CHANGE, BIG IMPACT
The reclaimed timber parquet flooring was hugely successful in bringing character and warmth to the interior. I

INSPIRATION
Art, travel, nature. 

NEXT GAME-CHANGER IN DESIGN
Humbly, I hope United in Design, the charity I co-founded to address the lack of diversity in my industry, will bring lasting and badly needed change. 

YOUR STYLE IN THREE WORDS
Artful, soulful, layered. 

WORDS TO LIVE BY
Don’t sweat the small stuff. 

LAST PODCAST DOWNLOADED
Incredible Women by Net-a-Porter.

It's a long, and frankly boring story, but in a few weeks, I am moving from my spacious two-story rental back to my city apartment. One's a two-bed house with a separate kitchen, dining room, and living space and one is a semi-open plan, just over 430 square feet, apartment. I have loved both. However, downsizing everything I have accumulated for a much larger space is not something I am loving. 

There's a lot of focus when helping to downsize on the stuff, and while that is coming with its challenges, I am facing the more complex question of how to downsize my style. Along with having to get rid of furniture and decor, comes the task of how this will affect the aesthetic of my space – how can I create the same style in a space half the size? Or do I need to switch up my style slightly to work better in a smaller space?

How I am downsizing my interior design style 

Here I share the lessons I have so far learned in downsizing my interior design style plus my furniture and decor to suit a smaller apartment.

1. First consider where key pieces will fit

Decluttering and getting rid of things is not my forte, so I am starting off my downsizing project with the pieces I want to keep. Rather than focus on things I need to get rid of, I am looking at the furniture and decor that I really want to make work in my smaller space.

Take a lot of measurements. I have measured up all the larger pieces I want to bring with me – the couch, the dining table, my bed plus the width of the two bedside tables, and I am getting to work with the masking tape to experiment with different layouts and figure out how and where these pieces can fit. I am doing this before I actually move anything over so if something really isn't going to work, I don't have to deal with it in the space.

And measure the door frames too, will the pieces actually fit into the new space?

2. Think about your lifestyle in a smaller home

To start actually getting rid of things, the easiest way for me is to count up how many of everything I have and then come up with the ideal number I want to get it down to. 

For example, I have around 25 prints, I want to get that number down to 15 – not a huge loss since prints are easy to store, but having this target makes it easier to hold myself accountable. I will be taking the same approach for all the homeware categories – pillows, rugs, photo frames, crockery, bedding, towels, etc. 

In order to decide on these numbers it can be useful to ask yourself how your lifestyle will be in your new, smaller, place. Will you be hosting dinner parties (and therefore might need some extra crockery)?  But perhaps now you won't be able to have as many overnight guests (so you can ditch some guest towels). Do you now just have one bedroom (not as many spare sheets needed)? 

3. Donate anything that's clearly dated

It makes complete sense that in a larger space, I have been more experimental with interior design trends. I have always been of the mindset never to lean too hard into new 'trending' styles with the risk that these can very quickly become dated. And while I still stand by that logic, having more rooms (and more storage space) gave me space to bring in those trendy pieces without them dominating. 

For example, bringing a wavy mirror into my living room was a nice way to delve into that 2023 trend and I could store my old one and switch it out when I wanted. The same goes for the striped rug I bought, and the rattan floor lamp. 

In my apartment, one there's not the luxury of storage space to have more than one of anything, and two, it's a semi-open-plan space so everything is on show, at all angles, all the time.

So I have started my downsizing by donating any decor pieces that I know will look dated when I bring them into a smaller space as they will be more of a focal point. Much smaller, more considered pieces are going to be the way to bring trends into my home now – throw pillows, picture frames, prints. All of these can be switched around with ease and won't take up too much storage space when not in use.

4. Curate the clutter but keep charaterful pieces

You can't downsize without getting rid of things. I am very aware I won't have room for all the smaller decor pieces in my new place so some of them need to go. However, I don't want to get rid of so much that I be compromising on my personal style. What I am keeping in mind when making this cull is timeless, transitional style and that comes with mixing newer pieces with older, more characterful ones. 

Characterful decor, that means something to you, doesn't come around all the time. When downsizing I will be holding on to these items, they will stand the test of time and I know I can easily update and adapt them by adding in newer decor as trends and seasons change. 

When culling your clutter, think about how you will curate it. What pieces are going to work as part of a collection? And then get rid of anything you can't see working in this display – usually these will be the newer, cheaper, more trend-led items. 

5. Be realistic and give yourself time

Downsizing can be a process. While you may want to downsize all the bulkier pieces fairly sharpish, don't feel like you need to get rid of everything in one fell swoop. Set yourself realistic targets for before you move and once you are in you can continue to declutter as you live in the space and have a much clearer idea of how you use it and how your style might change now you have less square footage. 

Downsizing needn't mean you have to compromise on your interior design style. Having a declutter just helps really zone in on what aesthetic you love, what pieces are the most important to your aesthetic, and your lifestyle. Having limited space means you don't have room for items that don't work, so I have found that downsizing has in fact made me really aware of my own style and more conscious of shopping habits too.

A contemporary condo, rented by Tom Brady after his divorce from Gisele Bündchen, is on the market for $15.9 million. 

The former quarterback moved into the three-bedroom unit in the prestigious Fendi Chateau Residences after separating from the supermodel in November 2022. The apartment is among the most exclusive in Florida (and, consequently, one of the world's best homes), spanning 4,103 square feet on the ninth floor of the building. 

Designed by the internationally-renowned architecture firm Arquitectonica with interior design by Fendi in collaboration with Fanny Haim, the entirety of the Fendi Chateau Residences oozes Miami luxury. However, arguably, none epitomize it quite like Tom's former unit, complete with expansive views of the Atlantic Ocean. 

'The Fendi Chateau offers unparalleled privacy and luxury, a haven sought after by celebrities and hedge fund managers alike,' Mendel Fellig, the listing agent with Compass, told the New York Post. 

This value is inevitably exhibited through its luxury amenities, appliances, and modern design aesthetics – starting with the outdoor kitchen designed to transition to the outside space with the contemporary interior seamlessly. 

Leading from the modern- coastal living space (complete with a blue and white palette, naturally), the unit boasts a sleek kitchen with Gaggenau appliances and wall ovens. Other notable design features include a neutral waterfall island, prep sink, wine chiller, and a separate breakfast bar. 

Unsurprisingly, the primary bedroom is just as soothing – comprising a pared-back color scheme and an adjoining marble bathroom with a soaking tub. The primary suite leads to a private terrace with views across Surfside and the oceanfront. 

And, while there is a private spa bathroom in the unit, the entirety of the Fendi Chateau has a focus on emphasizing health and wellness. Residents have access to a fitness center, sauna, steam room, and private massage room, as well as an in-house salon, residents-only restaurant, and kid's club. The apartment is only steps away from Bal Harbour and less than 20 minutes from the famous Miami Beach.

Much like their surroundings, the residences are said to create a 'new paradigm for oceanfront luxury living' with 'an unparalleled degree of elegance and functionality plus the highest caliber of finishes, extraordinary amenities, and 5-star white-glove service.

Homes in the building can reportedly be valued at up to $60,000 per month, while Tom's former apartment holds a $15.9 million price tag.  

Who says that urban and pastoral design trends can’t mix? While sticking to a pure style can be straightforward, we’re taking cues from Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds, who brought rustic flair to their Tribeca apartment via raw materials that are right on trend. 

Blake showed off her spacious yet cozy NYC bedroom (while jokingly referencing her decorating skills) as she posed in a sequined jumpsuit, contrasting her wood ceiling beams and bathroom walls – two natural design features that tap into the ever-popular organic modern design movement. 

'Yes, I low-key moonlight as an interior designer, but please don’t tell [because] I definitely don’t want the world to know that I have a hidden talent which I require external validation on,' she captioned her Instagram post. 

Achieving this organic design trend is a delicate balance of natural and contemporary sensibilities. To make the opposing aesthetics look as seamless as possible, interior decorator and founder of Viv and Tim Home, Vivianne Chow, suggests beginning with a base of neutral colors, such as creams and whites, brown, and greige. 

'Decorating with an organic modern style involves combining the clean lines of modern interior design with natural organic elements to create a warm and inviting home,' she explains.

It’s the perfect trend to try for those who want to soften a cool space or make a rustic one a bit sleeker.

'Stick to modern furniture with clean lines and a minimalist design,' Vivianne advises. 'You can incorporate natural materials such as wood or stone into your coffee table, dining table, or decor selections.'

Blake adds a soft grey bed frame and rug juxtaposed with antique lighting fixtures and brass picture frames adorning the walls. Texture is key for the look; rattan and jute are excellent material options to create a visually pleasing space. 

Organic hues and materials aside, we can buy our way into Blake and Ryan's apartment with these inspired picks below. The bedding comes from the same company as the one seen on the actress's bed, so we can rest easy knowing it's some of the best luxury bedding on the market. 

The rumors are true – the British-style icon Victoria met her New York counterpart, Jenna Lyons, and it was a match made in fashion heaven.

'I really want to see what’s in your bathroom,' Victoria Beckham tells the designer upon entering her Soho apartment. And we're glad she asked. Her bathroom is as opulent as we might have expected – draped in a veined white marble with quietly luxurious gold accents. 

It's no secret that decorating with marble is among the most elegant ways to elevate a bathroom – and pairing it with gold (as Jenna demonstrates) makes it all the more impactful. However, while its good looks are both timeless and undeniable, designers explain there are even more benefits to following Jenna's lead.

'Marble has been associated with luxury and opulence for a long time, and it still remains a popular choice for bathrooms all over the world today,' comments designer Shanade McAllister-Fisher. 

'White and gold marble, in particular, is a mainstay in high-end homes because of its natural beauty and elegance. However, one of the biggest reasons this style is so sought after is not only its beauty but the value it can add to any home.' 

Whether we're looking to sell now or want to add value to our home for the future, the agelessness of white and gold marble will impress potential buyers for many years ahead. 

'Because the design is so timeless, investing in a white and gold marble bathroom can attract a lot of potential buyers and significantly increase the overall value of your property -–which is why it's so popular amongst celebrities [like Jenna] and people who may be buying and selling homes frequently.'

Naturally, investing in marble is the first step to future-proofing a luxury bathroom –but mastering styling is the next step. With this in mind, Shanade recommends considering how we use accent colors in the space.  

'One of the most effective ways to bring out the luxury feel of your white and gold marble bathroom is through the clever use of accent colors. Don't go overboard – just throw in a few rich jewel tones like emerald green or sapphire blue to add a touch of sophistication to the space and create visual interest,' she explains. 

'For something less striking, soft whites, creams, and beige tones can also complement your marble's natural colors.'

Shanade also recommends using natural materials (such as wood and stone) to complement our white marble and gold accent pieces. 'Adding something like a wooden or stone accent wall works wonders to create a layered, multi-dimensional design,' she says.

'Geometric patterns, such as hexagonal or herringbone tiles, also add a contemporary and visually interesting element to your bathroom. These patterns can complement the natural veining of marble to round off a cohesive and dynamic design.'

To flirt with marble's opulence without investing in a whole bathroom renovation, we've handpicked these accessories – set to bring a timeless touch to every space (not only the bathroom).

As an interior design writer, understandably, the decor of my own home is something I take great enjoyment in. I live in a fairly small apartment, around 700 square feet, and so something that's always been central to how I approach its decor is considering how to balance functionality and style. 

I would say that for the most part, I'm more of a minimalist than a maximalist, which no doubt helps when working with a smaller space. That doesn't mean I don't love decorating with color, I just like my home to feel understated with a focus on standout pieces.

I've lived in my apartment for over two years now, so I thought I'd round up what I've learned along the way with decorating small spaces. I've followed these five simple apartment decor ideas which have allowed me to create a home that feels personal and homely while maximizing on space. 

1. Choose furniture that sits off the floor

The type of furniture you choose is arguably the most important decision you'll make when decorating a small apartment. The walls can be changed over time as color trends change, but furniture is costly so it's not something you should switch often. I'm a huge fan of midcentury furniture, and this is reflected in almost every room of my apartment. Not only do I love the understated look of midcentury furniture, but I find that its low profile works incredibly well in small spaces. 

Any furniture that is bulky and boxy can really dominate a space, looking overpowering in a small room and making the space appear even smaller. By comparison, opting for furniture that is lifted off the ground helps make the room appear more spacious. 'Select furniture with legs that are narrow and sit off the floor,' says interior designer Samantha Ashley. 'This helps to maintain a sense of openness.'

2. Add color with artwork

As with many rentals, decorating with paint on the walls is off-limits for me. While I'm lucky that the backdrop colors of my apartment are soft neutrals, the ways of incorporating color can feel limiting. I've found that decorating with art is an effective way of uplifting a space with bold colors, and have hung artwork in most rooms of my home, even the kitchen. 

I've opted for graphical artwork with bright colors to add a point of interest to each room, but you can choose so many different styles depending on the look you want to create. 

3. Avoid clutter

As someone who naturally loves a clutter-free environment, I've definitely seen the benefits of this approach when living in a small space. Storage ideas can often be limited in small apartments, so I find that being as organized as possible and not keeping excess items really helps to keep the whole apartment looking tidy.

This approach also works well for any open shelving. I have open shelves in my kitchen and living room and while they're of course a practical storage solution, keeping items limited means they don't end up looking cluttered and can be stylishly arranged. 

4. Decorate with mirrors

Not only is decorating with mirrors a practicality, but it's also a great way to maximize natural light and make a space feel larger, perfect for smaller spaces. In my apartment, I have a large mirror above the fireplace and find that this acts as a focal point in the room while helping to create the illusion of more space. 'Include mirrors to make the place look bigger and even more bright,' says interior designer Artem Kropovinsky, founder of NYC-based Arsight. 

5. Add pattern through textiles

Lastly, adding different patterned textiles to your small apartment can elevate each room while of course helping to create a cozy feel. I've opted for an oversized rug in my living room with a subtle pattern, and I find it's a great way of adding interest to the space without decorating the walls. Alternatively, choosing patterned and colorful bedding or other smaller furnishings such as cushions allows you to break up the neutrals, and they can easily be swapped out over time if you fancy a change.

While small apartments can be restrictive in some ways, they're also a great opportunity to get creative with finding practical ways of reflecting your style. Consider your apartment as an opportunity to display the decor items that you love most, without worrying so much about interior design trends and you'll no doubt create a cozy and personal space. 

An apartment in an iconic and historic building calls for beautiful and considered interiors. This particular apartment, on the third floor of an award-winning converted vocational school in Charleston, SC, has an interior design scheme that elevates it to another level of luxury. In fact, we're so wowed by the careful placement of antiques and paintings, and the bespoke wallcoverings and finishes, that we've added the penthouse to our list of the world's best homes. 

Its owners turned to Moe Draz, owner and principal of Architrave Interior Design, to redesign the interiors for their top-floor corner penthouse. 'I always think that the architecture of the space should inform the design,' says the designer, 'so I try and start with the building envelope, paying attention to the scale of the rooms, the windows and the natural light in the space.' 

There were quite a few other considerations, however, in the form of the owner's extensive collection of modern art and European antiques, all of which needed to find their perfect placement. The finished results are remarkable. This is a layered and luxurious space, that's at once traditional and unexpected. 

We think there's a lot to be learned from this Charleston apartment about how to place familiar antiques alongside bold and challenging artworks, and the important role pattern and texture play in tying these elements together. 

Designer Moe Draz give us the tour and shares his insights, below, on creating this beautiful transitional style. 

1. Make a strong start with the entry walls

'We wanted to strike a balance between the clients' colorful modern art, the European antiques, and the historic structure that still felt fresh and light,' says designer Moe Draz. 

That intention is strong right from the get-go. His entryway ideas in this transitional space feature a confident and dramatic brown paint for the walls. 'The vestibule was a great place to use the client’s lacquered chinoiserie secretary and gilt wood chandelier, and the dark chocolate paint creates a bold contrast for these fine pieces,' the designer adds. A pair of antique gilt chairs and an Oushak Rug from Mottar Rugs complete the scene. 

2. Soften bold colors with texture

It's the sunroom that benefits from the penthouse's position on the corner of the building. With windows on two sides, it enjoys good daylight and so seemed the natural space to create a relaxing area to enjoy the city and river views, and to play the grand piano. 

The abundance of natural light makes this the ideal space to appreciate the subtle textures of a grass cloth wallcovering, which also brings an element of softness and balances the stronger architectural features of the space, namely the high ceilings, steel framed windows, and glass screen. 

Explaining his sunroom ideas, designer Moe Draz says, 'We used this room as a space for lounging and cultivating house plants. I really love how all the dark elements of the room interact with the chartreuse green grasscloth (by Innovations in Wallcoverings) on the walls.

3. Use built-in bookshelves for color and character

The library is designer Moe Draz's favorite room, and no wonder since this home library epitomizes his approach to the whole apartment. Taking traditional furnishings and placing them in an unexpected way gives the space a fresh look but with a respectful nod to the past. So while the floor-to-ceiling shelves, library steps, molded cabinets and brass wall lights might bring to mind an English country house library, the sleek built-in design (and let's not ignore the wall-mounted TV), custom rug, and another textured wallcovering all give the room a modern twist. 

'After searching for months for a fabric to re-cover the sofa, the client loved a Lewis & Wood printed linen. From there, I selected the tweed-like chevron patterned woven paper from Cowtan & Tout to cover the walls and provide a nice masculine feel to the space,' says the designer. 'We commissioned Sullivan Fine Rugs to make the rug for the room which has a more muted and modern look. We echoed the green in the sofa fabric on a swivel club chair in the room and used leather from Holland & Sherry for the Lee Industries high-back chair.  

4. Let the room's features be a guide

Just as in the sunroom, the high ceilings and huge steel-framed windows in the dining room give the space a strong architectural identity, which designer Moe Draz leaned into as he placed the owner's art and antiques. Strong lines call for an equally strong response from the furnishings: note the symmetrical placing of the artwork and area rugs in the open plan dining-living room. 

Thoughtful design is about so much more than simply matching a room's architecture, however, and Architrave Interior Design add some exquisite softening touches to layer the space. Decorative paint effects specialist Kristen Bunting gave the walls a Venetian plaster finish, the old-Italian styling beautifully complemented by an 18th-century Genoese chandelier and custom-embroidered window treatments by Holland & Sherry. 

5. Keep a thread of color for a harmonious effect

'The client loves greens and yellows so we implemented a citrusy color palette that looked fresh yet not overpowering,' says the designer of his color choices for the apartment as a whole. Picking shades from the same color palette and similar accent colors (in this case, recurring pink and raspberry tones), for each room ties the interiors together in a calm and harmonious way. 

'Here in the living room I wanted to create an elegant soft space for entertaining,' adds Moe Draz. There's ample inspiration here for anyone looking for a new perspective on traditional living room ideas. 

6. Soften the edges of a modern kitchen with artwork

'We decided to go minimalist and modern for our kitchen ideas, with custom cabinets in high gloss finish to maximize the space and light in this interior galley kitchen,' says designer Moe Draz. Yet even in such a sleek workspace, there's scope to bring in another layer of interest and personality to soften the edges. Brass hardware and light fitting, and a small painting over the sink, an antique piece by a Charleston artist, add welcome depth to the space. 

7. Embrace the unexpected

This elegant Charleston apartment is full of surprises, and that's a design lesson we've loved learning from the unusual eat-in kitchen ideas, here in the breakfast room. 

'In this space, rather than placing a table in the center of the room with chairs all around, we decided to use their 19th-century fruitwood farm table more like a console table, with a custom bench and flanked by two chairs,' explains Moe Draz. 'The room had very tall walls that created a great opportunity to use a custom mural by Gracie Studio, showcasing a low country marsh scene with citrus trees, palm trees, and azalea bushes.' 

8. Go bolder in transitional areas

You might be just passing through, but that's no reason to give the hallway any less thought than the rest of the home. Designer Moe Draz thought long and hard about his options for this space and turned a previously dark, narrow passageway into a gallery space for some of the owners' treasured paintings. 

'I had the walls covered in paper-backed silk by Gracie Studio in a sunny yellow tone to brighten the space and provide a nice background for art display,' says the designer. 'I also decided to have the floor hand stenciled by specialist Kristen Bunting to create a classic geometric pattern to break up the narrow linear space.'

9. Display meaningful pieces to give rooms personality

The homeowners had a lifetime collection of art and antiques, explains designer Moe Draz. 'They really wanted us to try to use as many of their pieces as possible and I was excited to do it,' he adds. 'I love incorporating antiques in our work but it's rare that someone comes to us with a huge collection of beautiful antique pieces and all we have to do is fill in the gaps to complete the rooms.'

The focus for this showstopper of a primary bedroom began with the client’s own painted bed, from Alfonso Marina, and a vintage rug from the dining room of their previous home. The designer then carefully sourced additional antique and period-style pieces to complete the curated scheme.

'Playing off the colors of the bed, I found the vintage 1930s chandelier in Italy, with its emerald green crystals,' says the designer. 'I selected a damask-printed wallcovering by Zoffany that is based on historic archived documents. Next, I wanted to bring the scale of the room down a bit and make it feel more comfortable so I designed the bed canopy inspired by one I saw in a French chateau. I used Sarkis Studio to create a custom painted and gilt wood cornice form, which we draped a pink silk by James Hare lined by a small print pattern by Silk Works.' 

10. Experiment with patterned walls in a bathroom

There is another stunning wallcovering in the primary bathroom, a Lewis & Wood large-scale design by UK decorative artist Adam Calkin. 

'It provided this interior bathroom with a garden atmosphere,' says designer Moe Draz, who had to negotiate several obstacles before coming up with an alternative plan to achieve his dream bathroom. The space needed to be fully refurbished; however, the team at Architrave Interior Design were not able to move any of the plumbing lines without having to disturb the ceiling of the unit below. 

'Rather than relocating the tub and water closet to create a larger shower, we designed a fully tiled wet room with ample space for an open shower and tub,' explains Moe Draz. 'The mirrored paneling above the vanity has hidden storage behind the mirrors and I had the woodwork and vanity painted and glazed like old French furniture.'

Interior Design: Architrave Interior Design
Photographs: Katie Charlotte Photography 

They say nothing inspires cleaning like an unexpected guest, and I can relate. But whether or not visitors are imminent, we all deserve a clean and tidy home that we can relax in.

In reality, our homes often end up looking disheveled at the end of the day and mess, dust, and clutter build up through the week. As H&G's Solved section editor, I read about lots of different cleaning tips and tricks to make it feel less endless.

I've explained a few tidying techniques below to inspire you to do some winter cleaning even if you just do five minutes.

4 tidying techniques I actually use

They may not all work for you, but trying one new technique can make us more time-efficient. For example, you might find that employing yourself to clean makes it feel less of a chore, or that changing the time of day that you tidy makes it feel much more appealing.

1. The Pomodoro Technique

I don't know how I would tidy my apartment without the Pomodoro Technique, a time management method I came across at Uni that involves 25-minute stretches of focused work and 5-minute breaks in between. Whether I'm at my desk on a Friday morning or cleaning the kitchen before friends come over, I often set a timer for 25 minutes to give me a boost of productivity.

It’s surprising just how much you can do in 25 minutes, and usually, by the time the alarm goes off, I’m in the zone and happy to finish off putting the dishes away or wiping down the counters. I don't like cleaning and tidying, so knowing there is an endpoint really helps. I'd recommend trying this if you just don’t know where to start. It also helps if you often get distracted, as it feels like you're cheating if you stop to look at your phone.

Whether you do several 25-minute bursts with 5-minute breaks in between, try the 20/10 cleaning method, or just one timed blitz followed by a cup of tea on the couch, it makes cleaning more manageable and spurs you on to whizz through your to-do list. I also like doing a five minute cleaning blitz in three different rooms, setting a timer and breaking down tidying into something really manageable. Because even when I don't want to clean, five minutes is always doable, and turns tidying into a race.

Nothing beats waking up to a sparkling clean kitchen, we can all agree, so a 25-minute closing shift routine is another great way to tidy up before bed.

2. Tidying a room a week

I’ve previously shared how decluttering a room a week helped me to sort out and tidy my apartment – this was especially helpful shortly after I’d moved in when I was finding it hard to get on top of things. It felt like an uphill struggle because I was still finding a dedicated home for all of my belongings, and clearing out a lot of cardboard from purchasing new furniture.

Cleaning can be overwhelming because we think we need to tackle the whole house at once, but slowing down and just focusing on one room can leave us feeling like we have achieved something. Cleaning the bedroom or sprucing up the bathroom instantly makes me feel so much better and restores some order in my space.

3. The early shift

If you're a morning person like me, try cleaning early in the morning so it's out of the way for the rest of the day. With a podcast or music playing and some quiet time before the rest of the house wakes up, tidying early on in the day can be quite therapeutic.

It often feels like we’re simply too busy to clean and we resent spending our free time doing it – a quick tidy on my lunch break or after work is fine, but on the weekend I like to, you know, do stuff. So carving out half an hour one morning a week and even scheduling it into our routines can be a great way to stop the avalanche of mess building through the week. These responsibilities aren't going anywhere, after all.

A quick morning clean can be as simple as sorting, folding and putting away clothes, doing some laundry and giving the bathroom a spritz and wipe down to keep the bathroom smelling great. Although it might be better to leave using the vacuum cleaner until everyone's awake.

4. Keeping a goal in mind

Aside from ‘getting the apartment in a state that’s acceptable for guests’, having a goal in mind helps motivate us to clean and reduces tidying anxiety:

• Providing a safe and hygienic environment for your family
• Feeling uplifted, not stressed, as you walk through the door at the end of the day
• Self care
• Creating a space you can work in and reach professional goals

Similarly, switching ‘I have tos’ to ‘I get tos’ might sound cheesy but changes our perception when it comes to ticking off domestic tasks when we’d rather be doing other things. As with organizing your home or doing some decluttering, think about why you want to maintain a clean home.

FAQ

Whether you're facing a big clean or quick freshen-up, start by writing a list with the priority tasks and add to the list as you go. A final tip is obvious but worth repeating: make cleaning as easy as possible by keeping cleaning products to hand.

I always keep a sponge, at Amazon and a cleaning spray in the bathroom vanity so I can wipe down the bathroom sink and around the bathtub quickly. Having cleaning supplies right where I need them is the difference between keeping the bathroom clean and letting the grime build up. Stumbling into the bathroom in the morning to a sparkling sink and freshly cleaned shower makes me feel like I'm on top of things and makes the bathroom feel fresh, inviting and somewhere to happily linger and prepare for the day ahead.

Next, delve into the transformation that happened when one of our editors tried the Pick Up and Place tidying method.

When working on the design of a new build, the expert's brief is often to try to instill a sense of character. Instead, working on the Roman and Williams-designed Fitzroy in New York, designer Shawn Henderson already had plenty to play with with this house design - from the reclaimed oak parquet floor to the oak surrounding the doors and windows to the copper soaking tub in the bathroom. 

‘It’s so unusual to walk into a newly developed building that has such a high level of detailing to it – it was very bespoke and a dream to work with,’ Shawn explains. 

His own aesthetic, which combines beautifully crafted vintage pieces with modern contemporary, resulting in sophisticated, yet inviting schemes, amalgamated perfectly with the building. It also matched the tastes of the couple who wanted his help to personalize their new family home where they were settling with their two young boys. 

Shawn took his design cues from the wife, who ‘is incredibly fashionably dressed and you can tell just loves to surround herself with beautiful things’. She was involved in the design process from the start. ‘It was such an exciting relationship, sending pictures back and forth and really pushing each other,’ he says. 

One example was the dining room. While the rest of the three-bedroom apartment is painted in calm, chalky paint tones, Shawn wanted to do something different to the walls. ‘I suggested wood paneling or perhaps a lacquer, then we started talking about a wall mural and she found the amazing de Gournay wallpaper called Early Views of India that we ended up choosing. That was how we worked; it was so fun.’ 

Aside from this wallpaper, Shawn tends to work with sumptuous layers of texture, rather than pattern. The sitting room, for example, has a huge custom-made rug that grounds the space, in an off-white color that chimes with a Carl-Axel Acking daybed and the linen blinds. 

Shawn has then layered warm mid-tone vintage wooden pieces, such as a 1950s Josef Frank table, and Ole Wanscher side tables besides a sofa that was designed by Swaine, a furniture company Shawn has with fellow interior designer Mike Rupp, covered in a warm mustard velvet to provide a pop of color.

One obvious omission from the sitting room is a television. ‘That’s a funny story,’ Shawn notes. ‘I was trying to find ways to hide the TV and had found a cabinet maker who could make a beautiful piece that would conceal it, when the wife said she just didn’t want it in there at all. But the husband wanted somewhere to watch TV.’ 

The solution was to turn a spare room into a luxurious but relaxed family den, complete with Pierre Frey-covered upholstery, a lightly textured linen wallcovering and a large television on the wall. ‘To be honest, I think its days are numbered, even in there,’ Shawn laughs.

The family room solution was made possible because the two boys share a room, with cork wallpaper and bespoke bunk beds made from the same mid-tone wood as the rest of the house, ensuring a glamorous retreat. 

Shawn says, ‘They look so slick. I love how they feel really special and are pieces that the boys can continue to grow into.’ Shawn admits that children’s rooms are often his favorite spaces to design. ‘I live vicariously through these kids – I think they bring out my inner child.’

MEET THE DESIGNER 

Shawn Henderson shares his style inspiration 

Finish the sentence, 'I know I'm a creative because...'

...ever since I was a little kid, I’ve been obsessed with space. 

How do you describe your style?

Context is important and I adapt my aesthetic to fit what is appropriate for the clients and architecture. 

Can you share your go-to color for decorating?

Farrow & Ball Slipper Satin. 

What one small change has a massive impact?

Getting proportions right is vital. It has to start at the beginning of a project. 

Who is your ultimate design hero?

British architect John Pawson. 

How do you find inspiration?

When I’m at my most relaxed and surrounded by nature, I get inspired.

What is your favorite museum?

The Clark in western Massachusetts. It has buildings designed by Tadao Ando – it is beautiful and endlessly inspiring. 

Any New Year's resolutions this year?

Sleep more, get more rest – and stop scrolling Instagram. 

Finish the sentence, 'home makes me feel...'

...safe and comfortable. 

In the eyes of Leena Nasser, house design and style should reflect the homeowner's inner ‘creative womb’. As a social scientist, writer, artist and dancer, her imagination is the driver behind many of her undertakings, not least her landmarked Upper West Side apartment built in 1915. ‘There’s a joy had in arriving here after a long walk up the stairs to discover this magical space. It has a charm – and the exposed bricks transport you to an older time,’ she says.

Leena found her interior designer – Molly Torres Portnof of DATE Interiors – through a recommendation and the pair met for the first time just as Leena was closing on the sale. ‘We had a great connection from the beginning,’ says Molly. ‘The apartment looked very different then with lots of builder-grade finishes, but we bonded over our excitement at its great potential with tall ceilings, exposed bricks and a gorgeous terrace.’

Over time, Leena and Molly’s partnership flourished. Leena, who was born in Saudi Arabia and lives between New York, London, Argentina and Saudi Arabia, often sent Molly ideas from her travels. 

‘There was an apartment in Amsterdam that we pored over. We both loved the classic New York look and were both drawn to a Parisienne influence,’ says Molly. In designing for one individual, Molly was able to celebrate everything that makes Leena unique rather than having to moderate for anyone else’s taste.

‘Leena studies the divine feminine and she loves the female form and its strength and power. She is also a dreamer, in every sense of the word. The mural in her bedroom was inspired by a dream she had about a waterfall cascading over a woman, so I wanted to make that scene a reality for her every day. Creatively, we were firing on all cylinders and it made a huge difference to the project as it felt like there was nothing we couldn’t do,’ Molly enthuses.

‘From the moment I walk into my apartment I feel transported into a feminine goddess sanctuary. Each room in my home has its own magic and feels like you’re walking into a jewel,’ Leena adds. Both women were motivated to make the apartment as comfortable and beautiful as possible.

‘There is an inviting softness to it, which of course has feminine associations,’ says Molly. Sheepskin armchairs and plump sofas seduce guests, while the live-edge wood shelving and terrace foliage bring nature into the equation. 

‘In the bathrooms, we used zellige tiles, which are a personal favorite – I love that every piece is unique, bringing a real texture. We’ve captured a spa-like vacation feel of escapism,’ says Molly.

‘I’m someone who’s always thinking about Arab history and the stories of forgotten Arab queens. I love different cultures and fictional worlds, so I felt strongly that there needed to be historical elements throughout the apartment. We constantly talked about our favorite stories, from classics like Beauty and the Beast to more modern tales like the A Court of Thorns and Roses series,’ Leena continues.

Molly maximized this sense of narrative by framing Leena’s collection of fairy tales. ‘We worked with a framer, Ilana Lobet, on the Upper West Side. You cannot underestimate how much fun we had framing more than 75 of Leena’s pieces – each one unique. It makes for a very arresting sight on the exposed brick walls of the dining area,’ says Molly.

‘As Leena’s a dancer it was also important that the furniture in the middle of the room was light enough to push aside when she’s practicing tango – or has the urge to paint a large canvas.’ Having created a city sanctuary for work, rest and play, the by-product of Leena and Molly’s endeavors is a firm friendship.

MEET THE DESIGNER 

Molly Torres Portnof shares her style inspiration 

What part of the finished project makes you the happiest?

The fact that Leena texts me every time she’s in New York to tell me how much she loves the apartment. 

Can you point out a small change that has had a huge impact?

Enlarging the doors onto the terrace – the change has brought so much light and life in. 

What color is your go-to when designing?

A combination of golden mustard with deep purples and greens. 

Who is your design hero?

There are lots of amazing Australian designers inspiring me at the moment. In particular Tali Roth and Flack Studio. 

Can you tell us your favorite building?

I’ve always loved the Empire State Building – I had a view of it from a former apartment and it inspired my company name acronym, Designing A Tiny Empire. 

Any hidden gems that you'd like to lift the lid on?

The Demolition Depot in Harlem. It’s a treasure trove. 

In your home, what would you find most difficult to part with?

My rug collection. I love how a vintage rug tells a story. They are pieces of art on our floors.

Never mix business with pleasure? We think that's a bit of a cop-out and anyway, aren't some rules just asking to be broken? The owners of this New Orleans apartment certainly thought so and wanted the space to function as a comfortable and welcoming pied-a-terre, but also as a workspace. 

The private residence overlooks the Mississippi River and is close to the city's lively French Quarter. It's part of the iconic 34-storey building that now houses the Four Seasons Hotel, once the World Trade Center and recognized on the National Register of Historic Places. That alone puts the apartment among the world's best homes, and since the landmark tower was recently restored and enhanced to become a five-star hotel it's become a very desirable address indeed. 

The owners bought the home in the early stages of the property's redevelopment, with plans to stay here when they're in town. They also needed to work from here so specified enough seating that they could host executive team meetings from the space. It needed all the practicality of a lock-up-and-leave, but the interior design had to bring the warmth and style of a desirable home from home. 

Balancing the apartment's different functions was the challenge for designer Hattie Collins of Hattie Sparks Interiors and her response was to create a stylish and welcoming home, that draws on a modern southern vibe, but with traditional touches and a new sense of comfort. 'The goal was for the space to feel contemporary and warm, with a sprinkling of antiques,' explains the designer, 'all the while ensuring that the interiors felt cohesive with the distinctive style of the building itself.' 

So what does this apartment teach us about balancing work and living space in an open plan? 

1. Make an entrance with wow factor

'The challenge was how to make a model unit in the New Orleans Four Seasons Hotel special and unique to the homeowners,' adds designer Hattie. 'The client purchased the unit as it was being built, and while the standard condo was top of the line and had beautiful bones, the modern high rise lacked a personal touch.' 

The homeowners had requested a few 'wow' moments in the design, and the designer's entryway ideas certainly provide the wow factor and the previously missing personal touch. By adding in the opulent gilded wallcovering (from Gracie Studios), a vintage runner, and a mirror and 19th-century commode from Dop Antiques, topped with a lamp from Visual Comfort, the designer elevated the foyer way beyond the idea of a lock-up-and-leave. This is now a welcoming space with character. 

2. Be bold and creative with space design

Designer Hattie Collins' living room ideas were bold and creative and putting them into practice meant reconfiguring the apartment to achieve the best balance between private and public spaces for this dual-purpose home. Making the best use of available space is essential, even in a part-time home, but it does take a little bravery, as Hattie explains. 

'The unit had amazing views – downtown on one end and the river on the other, but these were originally separated by one of the bedrooms. Given that it’s the client’s pied-a-terre and not their primary residence, we proposed getting rid of the unnecessary third bedroom and creating one impressive great room where both views were visible. The client chose the view and we promptly knocked down the walls,' says the designer. 

In this seating space within the great room, a teal sofa is paired with two cream armchairs, both colors which pick out those in the room's artworks. The great room's upholstered furniture was sourced from James Craig, Atchison Home, and Found Houston, all recovered in a variety of fabrics. The room's artworks include a Hunt Slonem painting and Marjorie Pierson mixed media sourced from Martine Chaisson Gallery. The antique rug is from NOLA Rugs. Case goods are a mixture of vintage and modern, from Jade New Orleans and LAM Bespoke. 

3. Use style and color to unify areas of the home

'We created harmony in the new, expansive great room, which now included two living areas and a dining room, through both thoughtful contrasts and through-lines in the light fixtures, art, color palette and textural fabrics,' says the designer. 'We juxtaposed clean millwork with beautiful antique case goods and traditional and transitional pieces in warm bronze and gold tones.'

Part of the success of this open-plan room, and the way it fits with the rest of the apartment, can be put down to Hattie Collins' approach to the color palette. With a white sectional sofa and teal armchairs, the colors in this seating space are almost a mirror image of the great room's other living area, and it's an excellent example of why designers use whole house color schemes. The lighting also ties the two seating spaces together, with Mouille fixtures above both areas. The other light fittings are from Visual Comfort. 

4. Don't forget the fun elements

The fact that the designer found space for a home bar, albeit in this compact alcove set-up, adds another layer of luxury to the pied-a-terre and helps bring a sense of style and fun both to its entertaining function, and for when the owners are alone or just among family. 

We love the neat arrangement of open shelves, dark tiles, and under-counter drawers and the bar's unobtrusive monochrome scheme. 

5. Choose showstopping paint effects for a luxe look

With a multi-function, open-plan room like this there's always some debate over how to choose paint colors, but by selecting Farrow & Ball's classic Cornforth White for the walls, designer Hattie Collins could be sure the furnishings would be the stars of the show. In a paint effects masterstroke, the ceiling has a luxurious glistening finish, with Fine Paints of Europe lacquer, which reflects light back into the room and ensures the dining/boardroom table gets its share of jazz age glamor. 

6. Check everyone's sitting comfortably

Hattie Collins' dining room ideas for this section of the great room had to double up as home office ideas, since the homeowner sometimes needs to seat 12 colleagues around the Villa Vici dining table for meetings. 

The backdrop is more domestic and traditional, with an antique sideboard from Fireside Antiques. The burned paper piece from Katrine Hildebrant was sourced from the Martine Chaisson Gallery. The chandelier is from Visual Comfort and marks the difference for this more formal section of the great room. 

7. Opt for a minimalist kitchen in multi-function spaces

In an open-plan, multitasking living-kitchen-diner it works well to keep your kitchen ideas pared back and clean-lined, particularly in an apartment like this where there are some highly decorative and wow elements within sightlines. For this kitchen, specified and fitted as part of the developer's initial refurbishment of the building, designer Hattie Collins believes it also made good financial sense to keep it as it was. 

'If I could have changed anything about the completed project,' she says, 'it would be some of the builder selections that were already in place when the client purchased the unit and didn’t make sense to remove. However, they did seem to fade into the background once we applied our design plan to the space.' 

The designer's pragmatic approach saved time and money, and the simple white kitchen still has style but doesn't intrude on the business workspace element of the apartment. 

8. Indulge bedrooms with luxury and personality

The public business areas of the New Orleans pied-à-terre are clear-cut white-walled affairs, brought to life with well-curated furnishings, artworks and vintage pieces. Meanwhile, the home's private spaces have extra personal touches and a more eclectic style. 'The mix was super important to me in this space, and it reinforced for me how powerful a few well-placed antiques and vintage rugs can be in a home,' says designer Hattie Collins. 

Anyone looking for unusual bedroom ideas will surely be won over by the primary bedroom's beautifully textured Schumacher grasscloth wallcovering, which cocoons the room, and the 1940s Danish mohair loveseat, which adds a joyful splash of color alongside the antique rug from Nola Rugs.

Other key pieces include the Atchison Home nightstands and chair, Visual Comfort lamps and chandelier, and the Katrine Hildebrandt burned paper pieces, sourced from Martine Chaisson Gallery. The bedding is from Matouk. 

9. Play with pattern to add warmth to guest rooms

We're often asked for tips on how to decorate a guest bedroom and in this much smaller second bedroom, we think designer Hattie Collins has got it spot on. Introducing a soothing pale green textured wallcovering (grasscloth from Schumacher) for the walls, with a darker green for the headboard, the scheme picks an accent color from the living rooms, and takes it a stage further. The patterned bedcover (a Schumacher x Matouk collaboration) ties the whole look together in a more playful way and, along with the vintage rug, adds character and warmth to the overall look. 

Other key pieces include: Coley Home bed, Visual Comfort lamps and chandelier, Atchison Home nightstands, a Clark Derbes wall sculpture. 

10. Add impact to a powder room with a bold wallcovering

Designer Hattie Collins' powder room ideas were designed to pack a stylish punch and make a good impression on visitors. The unexpected moment here comes from the quirky Schumacher wallcovering and is combined with art from Andrew Fisher sourced at the Martine Chaisson Gallery. The scheme demonstrates how effective a striking wallcovering can look in a smaller space. 

Interior design: Hattie Collins at Hattie Sparks Interiors
Photography: Alison Gootee
Styling: Page Mullins 

When I was a student I lived in my fair share of small apartments and ‘cozy’ bedrooms. As a result, I learned to get pretty creative when it came to my storage solutions. 

As it turns out, you can break a few common home organizing rules when it comes to tidying up a space that is lacking in storage– it is about finding a good balance between practical and stylish.

These are the three storage lessons I learned from small-space living, and why I still use them even after moving into a bigger home.

Storage lessons from small-space living

Sometimes when organizing small space storage ideas, especially in a rented place, it is important to put aesthetics to one side and focus on functionality. While this may not exactly result in organizing your home for quiet luxury, it does provide you with a space that makes everyday life run more smoothly. Here is how I made it work. 

1. One storage unit can be used for multiple categories

Usually, shoving everything into one cabinet and combining categories is seen as a home organizing mistake that can make it more difficult to find the things you need when you need them. However, when limited on where you can stow things behind closed doors, I learned it is perfectly okay to combine storage units into a miscellaneous catch-all.

The trick, I discovered, is to break a storage unit down by shelf or drawer, and then further still with dividers if needed, so that everything still has a place. These clear dividers, at Amazon, are ideal for giving lots of smaller items a designated home, and they stop things from moving around when opening and closing drawers.

I once used a three-drawer unit to store our bike tools and hiking accessories in the bottom drawer, and our medicines, bandages, and extra bathroom products like soap in the top drawer. The link isn’t too tenuous – if we hurt ourselves when outside on an adventure we would need the medicine kit, for instance, but it is a good example of combining categories that would usually live in different parts of a house. Just be sure to keep things separate to keep them hygienic.

2. Going vertical with storage is a must

Even when I couldn't drill holes into walls I was finding ways to take my storage up onto the walls and doors, be it with over-door hooks or Command hooks, available at Amazon. 

Using the height of my spaces for storage wasn't something I did right off the bat, but started doing it out of necessity when I couldn't fit any more jackets into my closet. 

What started as a few coats being hung on a door has turned into me affixing hooks to three of the doors in my home to help organize an entryway, and organize a bedroom with too much stuff. I also turned to using wall clasps to hold my mop when organizing my small kitchen – with just a little extra storage perfect for making the space more practical.

3. Living with less can be limiting, but essential

I am someone who loves to be surrounded by stuff, albeit organized stuff. When living in a small space with not much storage, however, I finally had to admit to myself that encouraging minimalism at home was the only option if I didn't want to live with constant clutter. 

For me, this meant trying out some of the decluttering strategies minimalists swear by, and sticking more strictly to my capsule decluttering method to cut back on closet clutter.

Living like this not only made it easier to store the essentials, but it made me appreciate what I had, helping me to break bad spending habits – eventually saving me money at home, too.

It may have felt unnatural, but it was good for me in the long run. 

FAQs

When trying to maximize your home’s limited storage space, remember that there are a few spaces you shouldn't use for storage that might damage your belongings. Even in a pinch, try to avoid these common areas, such as the kitchen counters, to prevent having to replace items further down the line.  

Karl Lagerfeld's legacy in the world of fashion is unrivaled. His highly curated public persona and look have made him one of the most documented and photographed designers of all time. However, as Patrick Mauriès points out in his new book with Marie Kalk, little attention has been paid to Karl's homes, even though he 'changed his decor even more often than his image' (Mauriès 7).

Until now, that is. Karl's home decor will be explored extensively in the highly anticipated retrospective on his homes: Karl Lagerfeld: A Life in Houses by Patrick Mauriès and Marie Kalk, available in January 2024 in the US, and December 7th in the UK. The book dives into the history of each of Lagerfeld's homes, exploring the furniture put together by some of the best interior designers and artists of the time.

One of our absolute favorite homes discussed in the book is Le Roccabella; Lagerfeld's dream-like pied-à-terre in Monaco. According to A Life in Houses, Karl took up residence in an apartment on the 21st floor of the luxury block designed by Gio Ponti in 1918.

There, he began a fascinating collection of art and furniture from the radical Memphis Group, known for their celebration of 'color, geometric forms, and, above all, humor in decoration' (Kalk 76). Lagerfeld instantly fell in love. The eccentric designer bought their entire first collection for his apartment in Monaco. 

He stated: 'This furniture is like nothing else. It is perfect for Monaco,' a place, 'without a past' (76). Andrée Putman, the French interior designer, who worked on the refurbishment of the home described Karl's apartment as a 'palace for a child' while Kalk states that 'the decor is seemingly lifted straight out of a comic strip' (76).

Lagerfeld's candy-colored, postmodern dreamscape certainly lives up to its reputation. The colorful rooms are at once incredibly chic while also feeling otherworldly. They are a masterclass in how interior design can be an art form.

To see inside all 13 of the homes where Karl lived, you're just going to have to wait for the book to come out. In the meantime, our list of interior design trends is a great starting point for interior design inspiration.

I have hosted holiday gatherings for family and friends a fair few times, and each year it gets more enjoyable as I learn by trial and error how to have guests over in a small apartment. 

A lot of the potential stress for me comes not with how I will fit everyone into my space, I manage to make that work fine, but how to cook, serve, and eat in an open plan space that's slightly lacking in square footage. My kitchen is visible to all, which while does make things lovely and socialable there's no escaping my guests. So while I try and do as much prep to get my kitchen ready for hosting as possible before everyone arrives, I do spend the first portion of any event, half in the kitchen cooking and serving and half ensuring everyone's drinks and fresh snacks are available. 

There are some incredibly easy tips I have come to learn and they mostly involve buys that help make things run smoothly, save me time, and save me effort. Luckily, there is still time to stock up on my recommendations now in time for Thanksgiving and the rest of the holiday hosting season, and (again luckily) plenty of my helpful additions have savings on them in the Black Friday sales too. 

5 best buys for hosting in a small space

There's nothing groundbreaking here, I have found the easiest way to host in a small space is to try and make as much of your serve and bakeware double duty so it can go from oven to table (or countertop) and you don't need to dish everything up again to make it aesthetically pleasing. 

Plus, a bar cart is a must. And this is less to do with the size of my space, but I do like my glasses and flatware to match, or at least have a similar theme. My table is a real focus of any event I have as it sits front and center of my apartment, so the tablescaping needs to look as beautiful as possible as it's where guests will spend the majority of time.

1. Aesthetically pleasing baking dishes

A pretty dish always elevates whatever you serve. How it works in my apartment if I am hosting for lots of people is I lay out all the dishes on the kitchen countertops and everyone comes and helps themselves. At Thanksgiving especially, I like this buffet set up to look as lovely as my Thanksgiving table decor, and nice serveware is key to that.

Rather than re-plate everything into more aesthetically pleasing dishes I cook what I can in nice crockery, so I can just pull it from the oven, stick in something to serve with and job done. It's comforting and rustic but pick the right dish and it always looks more considered. 

2. Matching flatware and glassware

As I mentioned, hosting in a small space means I find myself paying even more attention to how the table looks. It's where me and my guests usually spend the entire event as I don't have the option of shuffling everyone into my living room - the dining space is part of the living room. 

So while I do like the rustic look of a bit of mismatched crockery, the basics should all be matching. Flatware should all be the same and glassware should have a considered look, so I usually combine a few types that might be different but have a similar style. So for example, everyone gets the same simple (but chic) tumbler as a water glass, then I mix and match a few different sizes and shapes for wine glasses.

3. Slightly smaller plates

Hear me out here. I have made the mistake before of laying the table for guests, getting the decor looking lovely, squeezing in the right amount of seating, and then when I come to put the plates in each place, there's not enough room. The plates are so crammed together they totally take over the table, plus there's not enough room for everyone to pick up cutlery and move easily while eating. 

So if I am hosting for the maximum number my table can handle, I ever so slightly downsize the plates and go for roomy side or salad plates. Seconds are always an option, and I would rather go smaller with the plates than have them totally overtake the table.

4. Good quality pans

Black Friday is a great time to invest in the best cookware while it's on offer. Anything that makes cooking in front of my guests easier and more seamless is a must for me. An Our Place Always Pan has been on my wish list all year and right now Nordstrom has loads of deals going on across the brand so I am committing and buying one now. It will not be put in a cupboard either, I am proudly using that pan as decor as well as a practical helping hand with my hosting efforts. 

5. A compact, moveable bar cart

A bar cart is like an extra host in my apartment. I strategically place it as far away from the kitchen as possible and keep it well stocked, ice and garnishes included, so everyone can keep themselves happy. I keep an eye on it and stock up on ice when needed, but it does a great job of being my bartender without much of my help. 

In terms of design, I look for something that's compact and on wheels so you can move it around the space easily. I also like to add some battery-powered fairy lights and a simple garland for a festive makeover. 

I hope these Black Friday buys make your life simpler over the holidays. Really it doesn't matter what size space you are working with, updating your serveware and crockery at this time of year is always a good idea, especially when there are so many bargains to be had. Plus some of these pieces would make for great gifts for the home lover or host lover in your life. 

Creating a quieter living space in an apartment often involves addressing noise from above by soundproofing the ceiling. While soundproofing is almost impossible to achieve for a renter, if you own an apartment the expense of soundproofing your ceiling can be a worthwhile long-term solution to noise issues. 

Whether you are trying to reduce noise from above or contain sound within your apartment, soundproofing your ceiling can be achieved with a combination of simple methods.

Our experts have recommended the six best ways to soundproof ceilings in an apartment. 

How to soundproof ceilings in an apartment 

'Before you begin any soundproofing efforts, it is important to identify where the majority of the noise is coming from,' advises Keith Sant, founder & CEO of Kind House Buyers. 'This will help determine which areas of your ceiling need more attention and insulation.'

Assess the type of insulation and soundproofing you may already have and inspect for any issues you should address such as gaps and cracks. Then, it's best to try a combination of the methods below.

1. Seal any gaps and cracks

'Even small gaps or cracks in your ceiling can allow sound to travel through. To ensure maximum soundproofing, it is important to seal these openings with acoustic caulk or weather stripping,' advises Keith Sant. 'This will help create an airtight seal and prevent sound from leaking through.' You can find this Titebond acoustical sound sealant, at Walmart.

Pay attention to areas around light fixtures, vents, or any other openings that could potentially allow noise transmission.

2. Install acoustic insulation

'Acoustic insulation is a key component in soundproofing any space, including ceilings. It helps absorb and dampen sound waves, preventing them from passing through to the other side,' explains Keith Sant.

'When installing acoustic insulation, make sure to use materials with a high noise reduction coefficient (NRC) for maximum effectiveness.'

Opt for high-density fiberglass or mineral wool insulation and ensure that it fills the ceiling cavities completely.

Install the insulation between the joists, ensuring complete coverage. This will help to absorb sound vibrations, preventing them from passing through the ceiling.

4. Add mass to the ceiling

'Consider addressing any voids. If there's an open cavity above the ceiling, filling it up can immensely help reduce the noise,' says Luca Di Matteo, a contractor with specialization in construction and interior soundproofing solutions.

Consider installing a layer of mass-loaded vinyl (MLV) on top of the insulation. 

'This dense and flexible vinyl is put between layers of drywall during construction or remodeling. It's like a shield against noise, stopping sound waves from passing through,' explains Eli Cohen, co-founder of construction company, The ADU Guide.

'By adding this vinyl layer to the ceiling, it absorbs and weakens vibrations that usually travel through regular drywall.'

5. Use acoustic panels

'One of the most effective and cost-effective soundproofing methods are soundproofing panels,' says Luca Di Matteo. 'These can create a barrier to prevent noise transmission through the ceiling,' reducing the echo, and creating a quieter environment.

'These panels can be easily mounted onto the ceiling and absorb sound waves, reducing overall noise levels. They also come in a variety of styles and colors, making them a great option for both functionality and aesthetics,' says Keith Sant. 

You can find a range of acoustic panels at Amazon. 

6. Install resilient channels

'The use of resilient channels – a system that decouples the ceiling from the joists – helps minimize direct transmission of sound between surfaces,' explains Beril Yilmaz, architect, interior designer, and writer for By Design and Andviz. 'This method is particularly useful for tackling impact noise, such as footsteps from an upper floor.'

Install the resilient channels perpendicular to the direction of the ceiling joists. This added layer of separation prevents sound waves from traveling through the structure.

7. Utilize rugs or carpets

'Introducing soft furnishings like rugs or carpets on the floor above serves a dual purpose by both absorbing sound and reducing its transmission,' says Beril Yilmaz. 'Collaborating with a professional interior designer or acoustics consultant proves beneficial in tailoring these solutions to your apartment's unique layout and addressing specific noise concerns effectively.

'By combining these techniques, you can create a more acoustically controlled and serene living environment within the confines of your apartment.'

FAQs

Finally, take care to regularly check the integrity of the soundproofing material to ensure there are no gaps, and ensure any changes you make are up to code.

While there are many positives to living in one of the biggest and most exciting cities in the world, it also means living in one of the most expensive cities in the world. Your money doesn't go very far when it comes to cost per square foot. However, I still feel lucky to have what I have, and despite having to overcome some hurdles, it's been a joy to overhaul my apartment decor, no matter how tiny.

I have found that decorating a small space doesn't have all the limits you might think. Of course, you have to be a bit more considered with the color scheme and the furniture you bring in, but I have found there have been very few times I have not managed to make something work in the space I have. 

Lessons have definitely been learned, however, and I have tried and tested many colors, wallpapers, and layouts. So here I share the key takeaways from decorating a small space, some make sense, and some you just have to trust me on. 

1. Doors can be pointless

When I first saw my apartment, I knew some of the doors had to go. It's a semi-open plan space, with the living room and kitchen being joined by an open arch, so having a door that opened out from the absolutely minuscule apartment entryway into this large-ish and light-filled area just didn't make sense. 

By removing the door, I almost got rid of the entryway, the space just flowed straight into the main living space. It's a tip I would recommend trying if you have adjoining rooms that don't need that solid separation, like a living room and a kitchen or a kitchen and a dining room. By taking away the door you can borrow space from each room, plus I've found it creates a far more sociable apartment layout. 

2. Decorating with darker colors can work

I love decorating with neutrals, and despite knowing that dark colors can have similar space-expanding effects to lighter shades, I never quite believed it. I decided to test it out in the smallest space in the apartment, the entryway, and to my surprise, it really worked. 

If you are tackling a small room that doesn't get too much natural light I would say try this out. I went with a dark wallpaper, rather than paint, just to break up the color, but regardless the dark blue-grey really does trick the eye into making the small room look bigger. For the best effect, take your color over the woodwork and the ceiling too, dark walls contrasting against a light ceiling really highlights the dimensions of the room making it feel smaller. 

3. Minimalism isn't the only option

The paired-back nature of minimalist decor does lend itself well to small apartments. However, the less is more approach isn't your only option and in fact, leaving lots of negative space can make a small space look even smaller as you are really going to notice the dimensions of the room. 

I found a balance worked best, you don't want to crowd the space, but equally, you don't want too much wall or floor space on show. Shelving was ideal for giving my small rooms character, I could keep the majority of decor to that one section of the room and fill them with pattern color, and texture without overwhelming the entire space.

Mixing pattern isn't just reserved for larger spaces either. I was tentative about pairing a (subtly) checkered rug with (again subtly) floral pillows in case the clash was just too much for the room. But I committed, and it worked absolutely fine. Don't let the lack of square footage hold you back in being creative, small rooms can handle more than a minimalist style. 

4. You can (and should) float furniture

The go-to when laying out small rooms is often to push everything against the walls. The more floor you can see the better. I tried this with my living room layout for years, and it wasn't until I had to do a shift around to accommodate some dinner guests (the living room doubles as a dining room) that I realized I was missing a trick not floating more of my furniture. 

Giving your larger pieces of furniture a bit more room to breathe, and pulling them away from the wall can make the room feel larger, these layouts are often far more cozy and sociable. Just make sure you still leave enough room to move freely around the space and you don't break up any natural walkways. 

When floating furniture, especially in the living room, use a rug to ground the furniture. Get a living room rug that's big enough so the majority of the furniture can sit on top. 

5. Don't scale down on everything

This is where the minimalist mindset can come in handy. Rather than scale down all your furniture so you can fit as many pieces in as possible, go for larger pieces and less of them. 

Bringing a large section sofa into a small living room, or a statement headboard in a small bedroom may sound like it will dominate the space, but often filling the space comfortably with furniture makes the most of room and creates the allusion the rooms are larger.  

That being said, you don't want to go so oversized the space is just made up of this one piece of furniture. Before buying my sofa I taped the outline of a few different sizes to the floor so I could get more of an idea of how they would fill the space. I took a bit of a gamble and actually went for the largest option as there was some breathing space, but the planning ahead was certainly useful.

Decorating small spaces needn't be a tricky task. Honestly, apart from a couple of logistical considerations, I found little difference between decorating a small room and any other room. Just let your tastes dictate what you want to achieve even if you have to make small tweaks along the way to accommodate the lack of space.

Esteemed photographer Annie Leibovitz is selling her Upper West Side apartment, described as a 'pinnacle of parkside luxury,' for $8.6 million. 

Annie, among the most famous portrait photographers in history, purchased the unit for $11.25 million in 2014 after being attracted to its proximity to a school for her three daughters. However, now her children have grown up, the photographer is looking to relocate somewhere smaller, according to the New York Times.

The apartment spans the fifth and sixth floors of a 12-story building constructed by architects Schwartz & Gross in 1910. Former building residents include Paul Simon, Robert De Niro, and Lorne Michaels. Its heritage allows for a trove of pre-war architectural assets – including tall, molded ceilings, a winding staircase, and hardwood flooring throughout. 

It's currently among New York's most quintessential listings and one of the world's best homes.

'The apartment is now too big for me,' Annie Leibovitz revealed to the New York Times via an email. 'I live and work downtown [a reference to her West Village apartment], and our house upstate is now our family home.' Her home update is located in Rhinebeck, Dutchess County, around two hours drive from Manhattan. 

Every inch of Annie's Upper West Side apartment radiates traditional New York luxury – from the light-filled entrance gallery, accented with arched doorways, soaring ceilings, and intricate woodwork, to the formal dining room crowned with a statement chandelier. 

The home's centre, the open-plan living room, plays host to bespoke bookshelves, a grand piano, and neutral furnishings flooded with light from the windows and French doors. The space overlooks Central Park from West to South – a timeless backdrop that pays the ultimate homage to its New York City zip code.

The kitchen, which Annie recently renovated, also faces the park and includes custom white cabinets, a dining nook, and an adjacent butler's pantry with additional storage space. 

The main floor also includes a home office, a bedroom with an en-suite bath, and a laundry area.

The primary bedroom suite is situated atop the grand staircase and includes a windowed bathroom, beckoning yet more views of Central Park. There are two further bedrooms on this floor, all of which boast large closet spaces. 

Beyond the apartment itself, the historic building offers multiple desirable amenities, including an attended lobby with a concierge, doorman services, and a gym. Deborah Kern of the Corcoran Group currently holds the $8.6 million listing. 

We're inevitably inspired to revisit some of Annie's sought-after work. This collection, is a natural place to start.