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 live. The couple decided to show their home to the world to demonstrate how they managed to live comfortably in a small space.

Do Not Do a Full Renovation

To increase the space, Roman demolished the wall between the kitchen and living room. They also updated the floor covering and whitewashed the walls. They didn't change the kitchen cabinets, just replaced the doors with new ones. Fast, simple, and budget-friendly.

Make the Space Multifunctional

"Our kitchen-dining area 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 think about 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 conveniently stores cups and plates by stacking them inside each other. All spices are kept in small tin jars.

Buy a Round Dining Table

A round table won't take up much space and will be less noticeable in the interior visually. Moreover, it allows more guests to sit around it: compact stools were prepared in the corner of the room for them.

Add Artistic Elements

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

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

Use Empty Walls

Hang everything you can on the walls. For example, this foldable stool 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 prevent items from getting dusty, they packed them in boxes with handles — easy to retrieve.

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

Find Additional Storage Spaces

Since the apartment has high ceilings, the couple decided to use the space above the ceiling. Here they set up a spacious shelf for storing bedding and off-season clothes. The shelf is not noticeable in the interior: it was covered with a roller blind.

Keep a Small Ladder at Home

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

Organize Open Storage Systems

There wasn't enough space in the small bathroom for cabinets, so Roman and Renata used the door: they hung hooks for towels on it. 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 store 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 protected from dust.

Photographer: Kate Siers