Apartment Magic

• Living in a smaller scale environment doesn't have to be a negative thing. Though it can be a challenge...it can actually lead you to be more creative with what you have.

• You can create the illusion of more space and still have something that looks great for everyday living.

• Here's an example of a renovation project I did for a client that was living in a smaller scale city apartment. The "before shots" at the top and below speak for themselves.

• When they first bought this place, the kitchen was pretty dated and didn't offer up too many style options that said "welcome home" at the end of the day.

• I wanted to change the L-shape kitchen into a U-shape kitchen by adding a doorway. By doing this...I separated the kitchen into its own space and created a separate area for eating and entertaining. You would think it would have made the rooms seem smaller...but it actually created the illusion of more space.

• In the new U-shape kitchen I kept the cabinets white and the countertops a warm wood tone.

• There were no windows in this area...so this is where lighting worked like magic. I had small halogen spots installed to direct light into areas that needed it. The whole mood changed with the lighting.

• Note, we saved on the design budget by not buying and installing too many upper cabinets. By installing open shelving instead for everyday dishes...the room gets a more European feel and money could be spent on other things.

• At the end of the day, small space living can be a place you come home to and truly make the most of...

• A great example of design that can change your life.