My husband and I purchased our very first home a few years ago, settling for what I considered a lovely fixer-upper on the east side of Los Angeles. The small two-bedroom home, perched upon a hilltop among other micro-sized homes, is just shy of 900 square feet in total - it felt palatial to us, given that we spent 15 years of living exclusively in cramped New York City apartments.
Thornton says that the secret to making a small space feel expansive is to think vertically. As the eye goes up, there's an illusion of higher ceilings and a larger space. "Anything that draws attention upward instantly adds a sense of height and breathing room," he told me. But how do you actually implement these tactics IRL? Ahead, the pro shares tips for how to make the most of every square inch in your own home.
Bergen's former "weird corner" sat within the large, open room in her 1920s Edwardian San Francisco apartment that serves as both her dining and living areas. "What I didn't like was how impractical it felt; it was wasted space," she says. "What I did like was the potential - the corner was tucked, naturally cozy, and I could imagine it becoming a perfect little nook with the right design ... I wanted to honor [my home's] charm while giving it a modern, folk-inspired twist."
A round bed in the center of this 968-square-foot Milan apartment seems to hang in the air, with only a beam of light as its base. It appears and disappears behind by a metal fabric folding door by Dooor (a company that acclaimed Italian designer Gio Ponti also worked with). Elsewhere in the room, historic design pieces and timeless antiques reflect the homeowner's passion; they run Antichità Moglia, a store specializing in antique doors.
It is this iconic scene that architect Mark Monaghan says springs to mind when he thinks of his own home. "That's always stuck with me," he says. "From the outside, it looks like it should fit into its environment, but once you go inside, there's no reason why you can't have that feeling of space that most Irish houses just don't have."
"I've always believed in the necessity of loving where you are while you are there and building a home that truly feels like home," Gail begins. "When I step through my door, I am welcomed and held by the space that I've created and curated for myself. Here I can fully let go and simply just be. The hope is that my guests, whether it be friends or family (I do love to host) will feel the same way."
While this space has become indispensable in many abodes, it often looks sterile and purely utilitarian. Instead, think of a home office as a great place to show off your personal style in a way that wouldn't be possible in a more corporate setting. Decor is a great place to start. A beautiful vase, layered artworks, or even a fresh coat of paint can breathe new life into your 9-to-5, all without breaking the bank.
