Small...The New Big

Make room for style and function! Get ideas from other homeowners with innovative approaches to utilizing and defining the small space they call home. Visit a 1920s Spanish-style apartment in Los Angeles, a garage revamped into a cozy apartment, an eclectic art student studio and a Manhattan loft design studio/home.

Big Apple Style in a Tiny L.A. Hacienda
Art deco-era character and architectural details are abundant in this 1920s Spanish style apartment; however, space is not. Homeowners Antonio DeMotta and Robert Ketterman dress up that style with classy furnishings and creative elements. Extra seating is housed in the sofa: the arms are actually fully sprung pullout chair frames, and the side cushions become seat cushions. Closet space is limited, so vertical storage systems were added. The second bedroom serves as a guest room, a TV room and a painting studio. The eclectic mix of space-saving, convertible furniture and vintage furniture blends antique charm with a modern flair. The result is an elegant 980-square-foot house that exudes the essence of spaciousness.

Lack of wall space and an abundant art collection? Mount artwork in frames of varying sizes and colors. The eye more readily follows along to each picture and focuses on its individual beauty.