12 Ideas for Living in a Small Apartment: Life Hacks from New York

In this studio in New York, a family couple named Renata and Roman lives. The couple decided to show their home to the world in order to demonstrate how they managed to live comfortably in a small space.

Do Not Do a Full Renovation

To expand the space, Roman demolished the wall between the kitchen and living room. The couple also updated the flooring and whitewashed the walls. They did not change the kitchen cabinets, just replaced the doors with new ones. Fast, simple and budget-friendly.

Make Space Multi-functional

"Our kitchen-dining room is a place for work, rest and entertainment," says Roman. And indeed: when there are few rooms in the apartment, one has to adapt the dining table for work and plan everything down to the smallest detail.

Create Your Own Kitchen Storage System

You can take an existing system as a basis, but still customize the space to your needs. For example, Renata finds it convenient to store cups and plates by stacking them into each other. All spices are kept in small tin containers.

Buy a Round Dining Table

A round table won't take up much space and visually will not stand out in the interior. Also, it allows more guests to sit around: compact stools were prepared in the corner of the room.

Add Artistic Items

This is the easiest way to liven up the interior and not clutter the small space. Imagine how boring it would have been without paintings in this apartment.

By the way, they don't have to be expensive. Most of the canvases were created by the owners themselves.

Use Empty Walls

Hang everything you can on the walls. For example, this folding chair takes up no space and also serves as a mirror for Renata.

And the Space Under the Bed

Under the queen size bed, there was enough space for storage. To keep things dust-free, they packed them into boxes with handles — easy to access.

Another life hack: a stack of books next to the bed replaces a nightstand for the couple.

Find Extra Storage Spaces

Since the apartment has high ceilings, the couple decided to use the space above the ceiling. A spacious shelf was organized there for storing bedding and seasonal clothing. The shelf is not noticeable in the interior: it is covered by a roll-down curtain.

Keep a Small Ladder at Home

When you need to reach the attic or get books from a top shelf, a small wheeled ladder comes in handy.

Organize Open Storage Systems

In the small bathroom, there was no room for cabinets, so Roman and Renata used the door: they hung hooks on it for towels. Many shelves appeared on the wall.

Plan Storage Under the Sink

The couple found this cabinet in a vintage store and adapted it for use under the sink. But you can simply buy a regular sideboard and keep household chemicals in it.

Use Glass Boxes

Renata works in a store, so the role of glass boxes at home is played by display cases. She stores her jewelry in them. Convenient: everything is visible but also protected from dust.

Photographer: Kate Sirs