How to Maximize Vertical Space in a Small Apartment

Top things to know about maximizing space in a small apartment:

• When designing a small apartment, take advantage of the height in your room to maximize floor space. You can hang shelving units or artwork to bring the eyes up.
• Designing with plants will improve the quality of your space and provide a cozy feel.
• Use mirrors to reflect light and create an illusion of more space in your home.
• Embrace a lighter, airy color palette in your space will also make it feel larger than it is.

I remember when I was fresh out of college and looking to find a new place to live in New York City. I was a new dog mom then, and my Beagle Luna and I needed to pack our belongings and find a place to call home. So we moved into a beautiful (albeit small) 500 square feet studio overlooking the High Line in NYC. Throughout my time there, I made use of every inch of that space and truly made it feel like home, a place that undeniably felt like you were entering my heart and soul upon walking in. While that apartment sparked creativity within me that I'm still (and forever will continue to be) honing as I grow, there are some tricks I've learned over the years that I'm pretty confident I'll carry with me from space to space.

And now, I have the special opportunity to make these same 500 square feet feel uniquely like my little sister, Shelby, who recently graduated from college and will be living in the same happy studio I once resided in. My biggest advice to her and something I've been adopting more of in my home is: Take advantage of vertical space and cozy up rooms with greenery! Below are four ways to maximize space in your home, no matter how small it may be.

1. When you're designing your small space, think vertically.

I was new to vertical space when I lived in the Chelsea apartment. Now, I can't get enough of it! When you don't have much room to allow for tchotchkes, utilizing shelving and taking advantage of the height of a room makes a huge difference. You can use an otherwise blank canvas for storage and design by looking up. My biggest tip is to furnish upwards with open shelving rather than solely sticking to art. Stacking items like books is also a great way to take advantage of vertical space.

2. Designing with plants will improve the quality of your space.

There's no such thing as too many plants. Not only do plants lower levels of stress and anxiety, improve air quality, and boost creativity, but they're also a beautiful way to liven up a home. I recommend styling with plants throughout a home, whether on a bar cart, shelving, or hanging from the ceiling/wall. No space is off-limits when it comes to showcasing some beautiful blooms! Air plants are an excellent option for city apartments since they only require weekly light misting.

3. Use mirrors to create an illusion of more space in your home.

Say yes to mirrors! Nothing creates the illusion of more space like a mirror. Positioning is critical when decorating with mirrors. Generally, you want to place a mirror opposite natural light to help echo the sunshine and bring the outdoors in. When decorating with mirrors, be strategic about the frame to showcase some personal style. Mirrors can also serve as an art piece and make a beautiful focal point on a gallery wall.

4. Embrace a lighter, airy color palette in your space to tie it all together.

Color makes such an impact on your space. When I lived in my studio apartment, I painted the walls three different colors within the same muted neutral family. I'm helping my sister Shelby choose two options within a similar palette to keep a calm vibe. I recommend using light colors for smaller spaces to allow as much light to bounce around as possible. Before committing to a color, try mocking your room up in Viz, Spoak's design tool, to see what it will look like. Or, if you're old school, you could go to a hardware store and get some small samples based on your preferred color swatches. Playing around with the different color options in your space is crucial for making the right choice.