Small Space Decor Ideas – Apartment Therapy’s Small/Cool NYC

“To maximize your furniture’s potential, choose flexible furnishings and double-duty pieces — like a combo air fryer/toaster oven, a coffee table that provides storage, or a chair that can swivel,” says Drew Barrymore, who designed a lovely kitchen-meets-studio space for the “Sunny Style” trend. 

“Maximize storage by incorporating cabinets with smaller footprints,” says designer Nate Berkus on behalf of NATE HOME by Nate Berkus, which is manufactured by mDesign and available on Amazon. “They add additional shelves for storage and decor, plus add a sense of height to your space. Within your cabinets, select storage solutions that bring texture and visual interest, such as natural woven trays and perforated metal bins.”

His last bit of advice for nailing a “traditional with a twist” look in a bathroom like his from Small/Cool NYC? “Crisp white towels make any room feel like a luxurious retreat,” says Berkus, and you can buy his NATE HOME by Nate Berkus sets on Amazon.

“Architectural interest can be hard to come by in cookie-cutter rooms, but that doesn’t mean you can’t introduce charm into the design equation,” says Danielle Blundell, Apartment Therapy’s executive home director, who designed the “Wild Instincts” trend room in partnership with Spoonflower. “Shop for a mantel like this one. You can’t light up logs here, but it’ll provide a focal point that you can deck out with accessories like candles, artwork, and books. It’s a rental-friendly find you can bring to your next place, too.” 

“Small-space storage is all about taking advantage of vertical square footage,” says Megan Baker Detloff, Apartment Therapy’s home projects director who took on the “A DIY-BUY Paradise” trend. “If you don’t have a spare wall (or your landlord is strict about holes), a freestanding magnetic board outfitted with magnetic containers can help you maximize vertical storage.”

“Yes, you can use wallpaper in a dorm room, and no, not just for your walls,” says Blair Donovan, shopping editor at Apartment Therapy. “Personalize small appliances, pencil holders, and more with removable peel-and-stick coverings. The bolder the print, the better!”

“When your space doesn’t have a window, the silhouette of a mirror helps create the illusion of one,” says designer DuVäl Reynolds, who created this charming lounge for the “Make It Fashion!” trend. “Enhance the effect by dressing the wall with fabric.” That’s exactly what he did, by bringing in curtains that match his plaid Spoonflower wallpaper. 

“Artfully blend high-end luxury items with thoughtfully curated and budget-friendly pieces,” says designer Bailey Li, the “All About Artistry” trend curator. “Invest in a selection of key luxurious statement pieces — such as a designer sofa, an eye-catching chandelier, or a premium area rug — to serve as the foundation for the room’s style and atmosphere.”

“From side tables to stair steps, you can add the opulence and charm of real brass to just about anything without the typical hefty cost by using brass shim stock,” says designer Miles Willis McDermott, who put his signature black, white, and gold stamp on the “Grand Entrance” trend. “This ultra-thin and versatile material is still solid brass, but can be folded by hand, cut with scissors, and tacked with decorative nails without having to drill any holes.”

“Elevate your non-functional fireplace surround with peel and stick wallpaper,” says designer Carmen René Smith of Aquilo Interiors, who riffed on French design for the “Parisian Pastiche” trend. “Choose a bold and colorful pattern that complements your decor style. Apply the wallpaper to the fireplace surround, making sure to carefully align the patterns for a cohesive and eye-catching look that instantly transforms your space.”

“Think about repurposing your furniture for more than one use,” says designer Kim White, who curated the amazing “House of Hacks” trend. “Imagine turning a coffee table into a dining spot, giving you flexibility without taking up extra space.” That’s exactly what White did by pairing a motorized base from Amazon with a tabletop she scored on Facebook Marketplace — it goes from coffee table height to dining height with the touch of a button on a remote.

“Elevate the ordinary to artistic utility,” says designer Dala Al-Fuwaires of House of Form, who put her spin, literally, on the “Soulful Space” trend. “Transform your everyday objects into functional art, showcasing the elements that ignite your passion, seamlessly woven into your surroundings.”

“Maximize space with storage solutions,” says content creator Maitri Mody of @honeyidressedthepug, who put together this colorful cook space for the “Creative Cabinetry” trend. “Shelf risers and wall hooks are great ways to make the most of limited space in a small kitchen.”

“Monochrome palettes can help expand a small space, offering a cohesive look that unifies the room and its furnishings,” says designer Kevin Francis O’Gara, who put together the “Restful Retreat” trend in partnership with Serta. “Embrace your favorite hue and explore a tonal color palette to create a restful retreat — perfect for a bedroom design.”

“If you’re short on wall space but have lots of pieces to display, let one statement wall be busy,” says Charli Penn, executive lifestyle director at Apartment Therapy, who tackled the “Hang Time!” trend. “Hang photos, art, textiles, sconces, and mirrors together to form a gorgeous gallery wall filled with all of your favorite pieces.”

“Bunk beds are a classic strategy for a small space, and this option invites a more creative interpretation that allows it to really grow and change with children,” says Maxwell Ryan, founder and CEO of Apartment Therapy, who curated the “Room to Grow” trend. “You can even turn the lower bunk into a secret hideaway.”

“Even the most petite space can feel big with the right design choices,” says designer Anita Yokota, who designed the “Off-Beat and Beautiful” trend room in partnership with Tuft & Needle. “Use every moment you can to create storage: Baskets at the end of the bed look great and keep the space organized, while a pegboard wall featuring shelves and baskets blends seamlessly into the wallpaper.”

“A large floor mirror is worth the splurge,” says designer Natalie Wong, who created this “Suite Dreams” bedroom setup in partnership with Beautyrest, “The optical illusion reflects both light and space to make a small room appear bigger.”