"Avoid bulky items that are heavy at the base," advises the designer, when quizzed about designing for smaller spaces. "Sometimes this is inevitable — as you need storage in a dresser or media console. However, vary the furniture bases and ensure that several items have legs so the furnishings don’t feel too dense. Lower profile sofas tend to help keep the space feeling more open. I prefer to pair the sofa with a coffee table that has legs — rather than something more bulky or dense at the bottom. Whenever possible, situate the furnishings to take advantage of natural light."
Step inside this layered and laidback apartment living space, and Stein's trained eye proves worthwhile. A low profile leather sofa by Article decorates the primary living area, paired with a cream rug by Armadillo & Co. and a cozy CB2 bouclé armchair. The designer draws on current trends, blending timeless materials like french cane, leather, and linen to bring a fresh livability to a space that could otherwise be deemed too "safe."
"Because of the small footprint of this space, I wanted to keep the surfaces particularly light and uncluttered," Stein explains. "As is sometimes the case with a new construction, everything felt very crisp. Incorporating earthier textural elements — like vintage pottery — and a variety of natural finishes are one of my favorite ways to make an austere space feel more inviting, while adding a little imperfection to the mix."
Article Sofa; Custom Drapes; Zak + Fox Throw Pillows; CB2 Armchair; Armadillo & Co. Rug;
Blu Dot Coffee Table; CB2 Accent Table; Four Hands Side Table; Kelly Wearstler for Circa Lighting Table Lamp; France & Son Media Console; Enrique Badulescu Artwork; Vintage Vase; West Elm Decorative Bowl.
"The open plan living and dining area are rather long and narrow," explains Stein. "We arranged furnishings so that there was a distinct dining area and unobstructed path to the patio, while still allowing for a conversational seating arrangement and comfy spot to curl up and watch television meant precisely thinking through the scale and purpose of each item."
Stein utilized key pieces — like the Armadillo & Co. area rug — to better anchor the space and create natural divisions.
"Finding the perfect rug to delineate the dining room was perhaps the trickiest element," the designer admits. "However once that was finalized, everything else fell into place."
Scout & Nimble Bar Table; Burke Decor Dining Chairs.
A plush CB2 armchair in french bouclé brings a cozy element to the narrow living space. Stein completes the scene with a CB2 side table and graphic print.
Vintage Assorted Vases.
"The initial brief was a minimal-yet-inviting space," the designer begins. "Accents could be muted or earthy and the client really wanted a leather sofa. They were open to a few feminine touches — but nothing that would be characterized as girly."
To complete the dining nook — conveniently neighboring the compact kitchen — Stein opts for a pair of Jeanneret-style dining chairs and a small marble tulip table, echoing the materials throughout the surrounding living space. A design-forward mirror by Four Hands offers a unique point of difference.
Scout & Nimble Bar Table; Burke Decor Dining Chairs.
In the compact kitchen, Stein opts for silent oak cabinetry in a raw finish, to keep the space natural and earthy. A subtle white marble backsplash and stainless steel appliances complete the ultimately efficient space.
Vintage Bowls; Turkish Kitchen Towels.
"My favorite design feature is definitely the bedroom wallpaper," explains Stein, of the mid-century inspired room. "I love that it is simultaneously impactful yet subtle. It makes a statement without overpowering the other elements in the space and provides the perfect backdrop for neutral layers and textural elements."