Style doesn’t have to be sacrificed by space limitations

Recently I was asked to stage several model apartments for a nonprofit organization and it became one of the more challenging projects to date. The building featured one-bedroom, two-bedroom and studio apartments. I was asked to stage one of each.

They were all quite small, the one-bedroom unit was about 400 square feet and the two-bedroom was around 600. When we originally discussed doing the project, it was suggested that I find small furniture to make the space seem larger. I don’t necessarily agree with that approach, so while I didn’t do exactly the opposite (which is normal for me), the furnishings were all standard size. And, when the units were completed, the owners were amazed at how large the units appeared.

I wanted bunk beds for the second bedroom and a full-size bed for the other room, but the furniture pieces were rented and furniture rental companies do not rent bunk beds or standard or full-size beds. So, being unable to rent those pieces, I used a twin in one room and, just imagine, a queen in the other. Amazingly, the rooms seemed so much larger when the furniture was installed.

The most challenging of the spaces was the studio apartment, which came in at less than 200 square feet. The main room held the kitchen wall, with the fridge, stove, sink and cabinets. This area had linoleum flooring and the remainder of the room was carpeted. There was a closet on the wall opposite of the kitchen wall and a window. The bath was on the short hallway from the entry door, so it didn’t interfere with the main room.

After walking the space and taking precise measurements, a space plan was prepared, and, after juggling different furnishings around on a drawing, the finished plan told us exactly what would fit into the room. Basically, we brought in five pieces: a sofa bed, a console and a small dining table with two chairs.

Because the space was so small, we didn’t have to buy that many accessories, but for sure, one was a mirror. Any small space will benefit from a mirror to reflect light and double the visual space.

The benefits of staging a space for potential renters or buyers are obvious when you see it done well. When a space is as small as this, placing furniture and accessories "proved" to those interested that they can live here and, in fact, be very comfortable. The owner was very pleased with the results and the apartment hunters have been amazed at what can be done with the small spaces.

Take a look at the photos and see how beautiful and comfortable a small space can be. Space is indeed a luxury, but now we’re seeing more and more folks downsize to smaller homes and apartments. These were particularly small, but any small space can be arranged to fit your needs. It may take a little more thought, but this unit is proof that it will work.

For information on these units, contact Help USA’s Las Vegas housing corps at 646-7800.

Carolyn Muse Grant is a founder and president of the Architectural & Decorative Arts Society, as well as an interior design consultant/stylist specializing in home staging. Her Inside Spaces column appears weekly in the Home section of the Review-Journal. Send questions to creativemuse@cox.net.