How an Interior Designer Maximizes Her 650 Square Foot NYC Apartment | Architectural Digest

[@samantharuiz6481]

Finally! AD is showcasing small, and still creative, spaces. Would love more of this content 😍😍😍

[@laura-mi9gc]

I'd recmmand the youtube channel : NEVER TOO SMALL.

[@heyrobin]

Indeed! It's way more relatable.

[@giovanamonteiro832]

Indeed!

[@redraiderash]

Apartment Therapy also has a great playlist of small, fantastic spaces. I watched a ton of it when I was designing my own studio apartment.

[@marycollins1631]

Great use of space. My only recommendation is perhaps using a small floating table next to the bed.

[@LeCrenn]

"Making it smaller actually made it a bit more functional." Thank you for that.

[@NoOneHere2Day]

You're welcome.

[@Stephen24]

That's what I always say to women

[@MariaLuckyxo]

@@Stephen24 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 Thank you for the laugh Stephen. 💖

[@goodgrief888]

My 1 bedroom condo (apartment that you own, for those not on the west coast) is 676 square feet and it has an actual bedroom. In fact, I’ve designed a layout where I could turn this, easily, into a 3 bedroom place. I don’t really understand why they weren’t able to put up actual walls and make it a 1 bedroom instead of a studio.

[@AFAskygoddess]

There is nothing functional about living in a tiny apartment. I lived in one this size in Chicago for seven years. Storage was a nightmare and entertaining was near impossible. But I guess this works if you're an acetic hermit it works well.

[@hansanaik3835]

I like her style of interior design. She has everything that she needs in a small space - sofa, bed, dining table, storage cabinets etc. Also, she does not have to fold or pull out furniture after she has used it.

[@jhutch1681]

and no clutter, just pretty displays!

[@nancycy9039]

I guess there are only a few dishes, utensils and cooking pans. Where is there room?? It is lovely for sure!

[@M_SC]

There’s no where to put your glasses, phone and water beside the bed. But perhaps she doesn’t need those

[@63artemisia63]

Is it “we” or is it “I”?

[@BoNissy]

So many decorators and architects say they designed with practicality and functionality in mind but they don't deliver. This woman's space IS functional (cut out in kitchen island for stool-workspace, taking advantage of wide hallway and carving a dining area aaaand dbl downing on more function by adding even more upper storage in that dining nook). I don't see any wasted space! Despite her functional layout, she didn't sacrifice on charm. Her space is so pretty without being cloyingly precious. Brilliant.

[@LoriDunbar-on9nl]

It's a lovely apt😊

[@mundesley2348]

Totally agree, this is one of the best studio apartments I have seen in many years!

[@mitterpe]

Small spaces are so underrated. She designed a very clever floor plan and made use of every nook and cranny which is why it feels so cozy. So well done. I could totally live there!! Love her color choices too!

[@marycollins1631]

True! I find a big house especially those with white interiors can have a hollow lonely feeling. Small spaces with designated areas feels more cozy. Because there are no unfurnished empty space.

[@noodleppoodle]

60 metres square for 2 people is not small at all. When I converted this into metric I wondered how come the could not fit a bedroom and why is it so cramped

[@ElianaGaristo]

Agree! I dont consider a 650 Square Foot /60 square meter a small apt. Mainly in NYC. I have lived in one 33 Square Meter in São Paulo, Brazil and it was perfect for me when I was 24 yo. Architects and Interior Designers can really maximizes spaces. Thx.

[@MsChitterchat]

It’s not actually that small. It’s just that the bedroom and living share the same space. Typically the bedroom would be where the kitchen is, and the kitchen and living could be in the same space. This said, I like this arrangement and I assume they couldn’t take down the kitchen wall to make it big enough for a bedroom.

[@MsChitterchat]

@@noodleppoodleGuessing they couldn’t alter the kitchen position / wall?

[@privateuser3859]

My favorite studio I've ever seen. Beautifully alive but not overpowering. What a talented designer Ms. Ward is.

[@aoxcvi]

Agreed! Perfection.

[@moonbeeps]

It's not a studio, studios don't have separate kitchen and those corridors.

[@deividchg]

Need to see more small spaces like this one. It can actually help normal people get inspiration and ideas.

[@IAm-Jupi]

You would still need to invest a lot in rebuilding to make it functional this way. How are other larger space made for "abnormal" people? I would say living in a studio with 2+ people is abnormal.

[@Underhills]

Preach!

[@laurab9867]

Thank you for featuring a small apartment - not everyone 'owns a house' in the suburbs. In the big cities, many singles and (childless) couples live in apartments. This apartment is so cozy and the use of space is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G.

[@morgan.greene]

Agreed!

[@whilebeingjezebel]

I most especially love the thoughtfulness around tiny touches, like taking the sharp edge off a very narrow vanity to soften its presence, and putting the fridge in the cupboard so the space feels less full. Seems aesthetic, but is ultra-practical!

[@whilebeingjezebel]

(Although I would have used more fold-away tables/surfaces, and possibly a murphy bed and, in so doing, double the actual space available for other activities, instead of concentrating the activity on the most-cramped passage in the apartment (the dining table) because there aren't sufficient large surfaces elsewhere)

[@daytonmorehead7330]

I love that she does the tour barefoot. Might seem silly but it makes it seem even more cozy, less of a tour and more of just a visit.

[@chloeuntrau4588]

Yes but logic: you don't wear shoes in a house....

[@StevenMP1993]

I didn't notice that until reading this. I agree.

[@fernandobarajas7794]

It’s in NYC/a big city, you don’t wear shoes inside your house. Way too gross haha

[@user-oz7nw9sq7y]

I love this apartment. The only thing I would add is full length sheer drapes around the bedroom space for privacy and softness.

[@Master144.]

Yes I thought the same. Also one could be on the kitchen door and draped back

[@fionariches3694]

thissss, I can’t believe it’s just plain glass !

[@Froggen88]

agree - bad fung shui to lie in bed facing a corridor!

[@joes.4149]

I see what you mean but it dwarfs the apartment. Turns it into a third world country room trust me 😂

[@debrahayes3778]

Sheers would be nice. I agree!

[@laurend9337]

this is so beautifully done, some of these "interior designer" living spaces end up feeling so staged and fake, but his one actually feels like you could comfortably live in it

[@joel.saucedo]

I love the mix of colors and textiles, it gives it a kind of english cottage vibes, very warm and inviting.

[@hintex487]

It seems beauty

[@Shmancyfancy536]

I actually thought that was the worst part. Personal preference though.

[@sandranorth8362]

This is one of the best designed small spaces I've seen. So practical AND so beautiful! Really creative.

[@bonitak8483]

As a native New Yorker I know small apartments can be a challenge especially if you have a family. This is a cozy and functional apartment and I love the view of nature. I had a classroom where all four windows faced the trees and sky. It was so calming.

[@madhu0905]

Love that AD is showing more relatable living spaces. The floor plan is very clever. And the colors and patterns go so well together 😍

[@lukestoolbox]

Absolutely LOVE when you show us some spaces we could possibly actually afford!✌🏼

[@GradietPanda12345]

New York? Affordable?

[@annjohnson8437]

Yes! ❤

[@hintex487]

I am too)

[@brightgreenleaves]

This studio is probably $1 million including the renovation, not exactly affordable for most ppl but it appears to be affordable at least

[@SR-mv2mf]

This would cost 3000$ in NYC

[@detroitmi4770]

This space is amazing! I have a 720 sq ft house (2bd 1 bath) and this apartment feels WAY bigger with MUCH MORE storage! This is why she is a professional. Well done!!

[@thecountessp]

60.4m² so you don't have to Google or do maths.

[@sunstarpunk]

For 2 people,60m2 in EU is lux. In USA,any city,still a lux.

[@muellmanni1678]

Thank you!

[@SilviaAntonelli-w1g]

60 m2 sono tanti per non avere neanche una camera da letto, era sufficiente spostare gli attacchi dell' acqua e gas nel soggiorno ed avere una camera in quella che ora è la cucina

[@Kirbanu]

Thank you!!!

[@PERQ1S]

Since when is it small space 💀💀💀

[@Channel-ld9ip]

Beautiful and clearly designed with a curated eye. I'm a bit surprised no floating shelves on either side of bed (maybe neither yet needs glasses? or a hit of water in middle of night?), but appreciate overall design and functionality of the space. Likewise, efforts to honor the era of the building. Thanks for featuring, and, being willing to be featured. ;)

[@pamelafox7677]

I love this apartment. And the colors and the artwork. But mainly there is breathing room on the walls and around the furniture. So beautiful.

[@deniseferron3397]

One of the best designs for a tiny space that I’ve seen. Love the built in clothing storage, the dining nook, the kitchen. Heck, I even like the bedroom, though I couldn’t sleep in a room with so much light in the morning. There’s room for everything!!

[@soupnfresh]

It's a terrible design.

[@carlaogden]

The natural lighting and proximity to the parks is a dream! Well done and very inspiring space 🩵🤍

[@siamcharm7904]

agree. if its manhattan, wonder what part of the city.

[@officialnicholas1]

She is a great designer, even with a small space there is so much there but you don't feel overwhelmed or claustrophobic. She knew just how to optimize the space. I think her taste is also impeccable so the objects that are there feel harmonious. I wish she could come help me design my apartment lol!

[@Ivvyandvine]

I really adore how she explains all the thought not just in the design but in the stories and usage of her design her enthusiasm for her space is evident and I am genuinely glad she got to explain her process

[@maureenwelton]

I am OBSESSED! I have never wanted to live in a space more than this. Thank you, AD and Christie!!

[@jazzylyn5857]

You'd want to live somewhere where the bed is stuck in the corner of your living room??? Why?! That's fine for students and 20 year olds, but grown-ups, surely not. Aim higher.

[@teenytinytoons]

@@jazzylyn5857no one is trying to live in bumfuck Alabama.

[@rinavarughese]

This space is so cute! I love seeing a regular person's house instead of a mansion. Please more AD!

[@barbarakyle9869]

This is one of the prettiest studios I have seen. The color scheme is soft and beautiful. Your dishes and the artwork are gorgeous. Lovely 😍 bathroom tiles. Wow!

[@fc4660]

I can see that she has that Soho House asthetic. It is charming and well planned, cosy and welcoming.

[@bizzwriter]

This is cool -- amazing what you can do with a 650 square foot STUDIO! Beautiful place and fun AD series!

[@yan3562]

650 square for a studio is wild tho. Its at least a one bedroom appartement

[@bngr_bngr]

@@yan3562it’s a studio apartment. It doesn’t have a bedroom.

[@fazdoll]

That's the bloody point. You could EASILY fit 1 bedroom into 650 sq ft. In fact, you can fit TWO bedrooms and 1.5 baths into 650 square feet. (I worked it out). That's enough for a family of four.

[@dianaf2820]

The apartment is so beautiful! I love the lovely blue color that is so calming and clean. I would add some fabric to the bedroom space by putting a curtain divider between bed and dining area. It would add coziness when closed and color and interest when opened. I would also go for a more structured couch. I like piping on my cushions. It’s a lovely space, and everyone has done a spectacular job in designing and construction. Oh, I also love those rounded corners!

[@sharonkaysnowton]

Christie Ward, I love your 659 sq ft apartment. It is decorated beautifully. Thank you for sharing it.

[@haleyherrinton]

Thank you for showing the apartment during construction! It's so easy to look at a beautiful space and miss all the realities of making it happen.

[@jenmovies]

The dining nook in the hallway is one of the most unique solutions I have seen on any design site, blog, or channel. It is so clever and something I won't forget when designing my own space someday. Bravo!

[@mcdibbern9919]

She painted the room white to make it look bigger. Who knew?

[@teenytinytoons]

@@mcdibbern9919found the hater

[@mcc271]

650 sq foot is already quite a living space for many people in HK, the small, dynamic and crowded city. She really designed it nicely. It looks very cozy and practical as the same time. That speaks the importance of interior design.

[@anna-tn8mg]

650 sq foot is a very decent space for most people in Europe.

[@albertine2169]

The first place I have seen I felt I could live in. Very nice.

[@Oratual_]

I would transform the kitchen in the bedroom for some privacy and ventilation and put the new kitchen in that wide corridor so you can also have a living an dining area all together

[@DS-wo5hd]

Green outside of the windows is sooooo important. I love looking out and seeing trees (then ideally ocean and mountains beyond the greenery!)

[@RockDove5212]

I love it! Smaller spaces are by far my favourite. They feel cosier, snug and less wasteful.

[@tamaragorman7421]

Fabulous job! Love the creativity of people living in small spaces, and she has great aesthetics.

[@acsma97]

i personally would have put the living area beside the dining area so when you have guests over everyone can chill in the same space :) loved everything else!

[@Sarah-xw2ff]

She did a really fantastic job and I love the folk art and color! The dining area is my favorite and those cabinets are genius. Can't wait to decorate my own condo like that some day with custom cabinets.

[@fionamortimore1704]

What a beautiful apartment! Very well designed indeed. My only comment would be I would add a screen or maybe a curtain at the foot of the bed, just to screen it if people were visiting or over for dinner, something that could easily be tucked away when not needed. Just my preference. ❤

[@TheSwissChalet]

So crisp and clean, yet lived-in looking…that’s hard to achieve, but she did it!

[@edmundpotrzeba6094]

Im 75 and have loved design all my life and can i say youv definitely got a gift for it , goes straight to my feelings ❤️👍

[@SD-hs2pk]

The kitchen is brilliant, I think cute floating shelves on either side of the beds would be perfect

[@denverdubois5835]

Yes! I can't do without a nightstand. Tried, and it's a nope.

[@fxdaly]

Very nice, cozy and functional. Well done for your excellent use of the space

[@katbar6066]

That is the absolute best (none) studio apartment I have seen. Really great use of space and beautifully done renovation. I wouldn't have changed a thing.

[@veronicaverdesoto]

Congratulations! The studio is cozy, warm and it is very well designed and functional 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@blueustick]

This studio is huge. Most nyc studios arent this big so would love to see a more commonly-sized studio be featured too

[@faridehvaez2596]

You are so lucky to have a green scene over the window and considerable light👍🍀

[@idalarsson4729]

The apartment renovation is beautifully done! It absolutely could feel more open, it’s too cluttered for my liking BUT I’m not living there. It’s really nice to see a smaller space like this! 💕

[@kathyklarfeld2971]

A studio that looks like a 1 bedroom! Fantastic layout. Doesn't feel cramped. I just love it.

[@jinusrafezadeh2494]

My apartment is 650 square foot with two bed rooms , open concept kitchen and I find it to be the perfect size . I dread large homes , grew up in a four story house and never felt cozy and intimate . I have fire place and waterfall in every room . All is white and stone . I play around with accessories for color in various seasons . My pretty little safe heaven on the 5th floor and every one who visits , doesn’t want to leave ( I am not sure if That is a plus 😂) ! Great show BTW!❤

[@asianshell]

I probably would have liked small bedside tables to put a glass of water, my phone, glasses, etc on to. It's funny how she said she wanted a divider for the bed area to create privacy, but there really isn't any actual privacy since it's clear glass.

[@ambers.]

Exactly. I'm a restless sleeper, roll over and take sips all through the night, wouldn't get much rest walking to the table every 30mins for water.

[@suehart919]

I agree about at least 1 bedside table. And facing the bed that way instead of turning it, doesn't seem to leave that much room on either side.

[@mgalvez8219]

Very clever use of space!

[@5ky801]

I have this sorta kinda sense of privacy with screens like that but this is such a small space, it doesnt offer that illusion. Sitting in a chair on a screened in patio is different than sitting in a chair on the lawn, ykwim?

[@c0ronariu5]

I like the clear glass for light, but I would add a curtain that could be drawn back or closed off for both privacy and light when you need either. And floating shelves instead of a bedside table.

[@vivio2852]

I love her use of color in the living room, and her statement about making a space smaller to be more functional is very wise. The coffee table is the only piece that felt obtuse. The dining area is brilliant as well as the storage area with the rounded corners. The bathroom tiles is so pretty.

[@sarahb3606]

So functional and stylish, and so much packed in without it looking cramped. Love it.

[@dziewczynaa]

I gave smaller apartment ,oh I love yours ❤❤❤ I could watch this over and over : ) beautifly done

[@spiritreadings7779]

Beautiful Christie💖I Love small living spaces. You did a brilliant job.

[@saallday294]

Lovely Apartment! I built a perfect guest house with 675 sq ft. full kitchen with small eat-in area, separate laundry room, two full baths, two bedrooms with closets, doors and windows, and a living room with a double wide closet for storage and two walls of 5X5 windows. It is perfect! It is possible with a great architect!

[@joane24]

So 60m2, it's not small at all, quite spacious actually. As a kid I lived - a family of 4 - on 49m2. My last apartment was 47m2. In 60m2 you can comfortably have 2-3 rooms, a kitchen and a bathroom.

[@renee72]

Amazingly well done. I love that she has bold and calm mixed together. It creates such a welcoming atmosphere.

[@gretchenburton7184]

Every inch is lovely. Intelligent, functional, so creative. Adore her talent❤

[@hartsdesignbuild]

Love the functionality in all the designs! She really thought out every single little detail. Love it!!

[@barbarawillis4275]

I love the blue color shades throughout. I love the bathroom tiles that are wonky looking.

[@TheCerealluvr]

Wow what a gorgeous space. She really knows what she’s doing. Happy for her.

[@mcdc9086]

This is so nice! If I'm the one living here I would just add a curtain in the bedroom for some privacy and that feeling of security because me lying down would be the focal point when someone enters the place. Also curtain on the side won't hurt for migraine days. (This is just my personal preference.)

[@Ortholocks]

I love that you didn't sacrifice on the size of the couch. Where you likely spend alot of time in the evening. Also love the dark floors in the kitchen with light and open cabinetry. The black tile grounds the space and actually makes it feel larger and taller with the light colors floating above it.

[@Julia-ww9pg]

This just made me smile. Crazy how an apartment can give off positive vibes.

[@stek9499]

As living in a small condo in Korea, this video is very useful and helpful. Thanks for sharing your beautiful and still functional interior design!

[@Jen-jo5qu]

Beautiful place. So peaceful and decorated in a lovely way. Bravo.

[@SusannahPerri]

This is one of my favorite videos to watch; for the clever and efficient design innovation, the beautiful finishes and the vibe.❤😊

[@shadowess1961]

Gorgeous space! In love with that living room hanging light.

[@alexandrailnyckyj6059]

Wonderful design. I prefer seeing these approachable living spaces rather than the celebrity homes. You can really tell the difference when a person designed their own space versus a celebrity “worked with a designer”. I prefer the former.

[@NEESHiMinaj]

More of these please. This was great to watch!

[@gisamunizreal]

Beautiful place! I would throw some linen curtains to separate the bedroom nook and put some bedside tables for the telefone, alarm, reading glasses, books etc.

[@forwardforty7057]

So chic and thoughtful. One of the best small spaces I’ve seen

[@4wayStopEnforcement]

Wonderful! I live in an apartment that’s the same size and has some similar challenges so this was very helpful and fun! She did an excellent job, and I wholeheartedly agree that sometimes smaller spaces do better when they aren’t open-concept. I wish mine was less open, in fact.

[@GingerPeacenik]

Nice to see colorful are and decorative items. I'll be so, SO relieved when the soul deadening black/ white/ gray trend *finally* dies. Who decides that that's all we get for over a decade?

[@idancealways4ever440]

Flippers

[@sosexymagazinerobinwatkins8467]

I wholeheartedly agree! I get depressed when I see all of that

[@mgb5170]

I love this style and all the ways the owner thought about her space. Wonderful!

[@MariaPetrovaNYC]

LOVE everything about this apartment - thanks for featuring it!

[@saCa7711]

I keep coming back to this video! I love the colour, cohesiveness, layout and minimalist style. I'd be happy to live there.

[@rakhsanar5291]

She has great eye for detail and has created a really beautiful space.

[@jacquil6718]

If I couldn’t have the kitchen sink directly below the window, this is a great compromise. The sink is facing a wall, but because of fact that there’s no cabinetry above the sink and the stove area, it feels less claustrophobic. Well done! 👍🏼

[@drebugsita]

I love kitchen sink under a window. Once rented an apartment where it had a beautiful view over a park. Now its something that I always check for when I look at spaces online

[@mandipkaur9380]

this is absolutely stunning..love, love, love. small spaces are so special

[@callyballybee]

I really love this apartment! the colour scheme is so relaxing and it all is so lovely. I think the only thing I might add would perhaps be a ceiling track curtain so theres an option to close off the bed area a little more but otherwise it is literally perfect. gorgeous!

[@nogedoge]

So impressed by the functionality of the apartment. The only thing I would've done differently is make the bathroom a wet room. You don't have to bother with the shower curtain or sink cabinets that take up so much real estate in such a tiny room.

[@chilli_bean_23]

You’ve done a super job, absolutely gorgeous and your objects are beautiful too. Well done!

[@johnfitzgerald1192]

6:10 You suppose to turn the cups upside down. That way no dust will build up inside the cups that never get used.

[@elisamartini1694]

Thank you Christie. I looked at your apartment several times. I am in admiration. But it gives me hope to do better in our little apartment in Dole France. We are repainting a table to put in our kitchen. It was on the small balcony. Thank you for giving us ideas.

[@thoughts3897]

Wow. This is probably the most clever set-up for a studio space that I have ever seen. It truly does not "read" studio. Love the nook --perfect. And I agree with you on the storage. You have a full-size tub. I LOVE the tile there --where did you get that? I would love to re-do my small bathroom and am also struggling with finding a sink that is small enough for the space and still have some storage underneath.

[@jeanineslife2462]

i agree

[@Chutney1luv]

This apartment is designed very well! I love the way they built the closets out in the hallway; making space in other areas! 😅

[@maurawhelan3530]

She’s got a wonderful demeanor and voice! Love her place…

[@suecox2308]

This is one of the best apartments you've shown--well designed, attractive, and relatable.

[@princessbc9791]

Love what you've done with 650 square feet and I loooovveeee that light fixture!

[@DokterKattenbakvulling]

You should, it's almost a thousand buckaroos.

[@mariannedressler6784]

Beautifully designed. Very functional. Love the blue in the kitchen and bath ❤

[@yupyeahtoo]

what a fantastic tour! everything is so thoughtfully curated for the space with touches of sentimental pieces. this is beyond creative and has soul. great video and editing as well.

[@paulajf4205]

This apartment is as adorable as it is functional, and it's pretty. My only question is, was there consideration to reverse the bedroom and living room? Using the same as current dimensions for both rooms (living room bigger), I would have maybe put the bedroom next to the windows and had the living room on other side. It makes more sense for the LR to be closest to the dining and kitchen, but you'd still get the light cause of the clear divider.

[@anaalves3658]

I think that that is a great idea 👍☺️.

[@Julia-ww9pg]

This makes so much *sense* 😮

[@trekon2023]

I was thinking the same. It's a tough decision because if you put the bed next to the windows you get more fresh air but you also feel all the temp fluctuations because it looks like they have a heater on one of the windows and likely no AC. They could split the room in the other direction putting the headboard against one of the windows and sectioning the bedroom completely off but then the room becomes very narrow. I agree with you that it makes more sense to keep the social rooms together where it goes kitchen to dining to living room. Weird to have friends pass by your bedroom.

[@AmmaLove24]

That could definitely be an option too, I wonder if they tried that at any point.

[@mgb5170]

Very thoughtful, purposeful and I enjoyed learning about the thinking process behind how the colors & items were chosen

[@DS-wo5hd]

4:30 shocked there’s no wall mounted side tables or anything for phones, cups, etc.

[@noodleppoodle]

Yup!