Living large in a small space

You can make your studio apartment, or your dorm room, or your bedroom at home feel serene and spacious.

My first apartment was a studio walkup in the Beacon Hill neighborhood of Boston. The entire apartment consisted of one modest-sized room with a creaky radiator. A stove, a refrigerator, and a sink huddled in the corner. I was immensely proud of my new home. That one room would serve as my bedroom and living room. My challenge was to find ways to make the small space interesting. I also wanted it to feel soothing and comfortable and not confining. Every inch of that space counted, and there was no room for clutter.

So rather than fill the space with a lot of things, my instinct was to create depth and drama by using a variety of textures and finishes and to create a homey, comforting feel by choosing furniture in natural materials. The hardwood floor set the stage, and I invested in two solid walnut side tables, a walnut coffee table, and a wicker armchair and etagere. I went for what I now recognize as a Zen feel and hung a round white paper pendant lamp from the ceiling. I chose a comfortable sofa with a low back so as not to overwhelm the small space, and the large sofa cushions provided extra seating on the floor when my friends came over.

The colors I chose for the sofa and artwork were gray and taupe—soothing neutrals--punctuated by a dusty pink. I also chose furniture and objects that I hoped to keep forever, which meant I had to save up for some of the things I wanted. I still have the side tables and the coffee table and the wicker shelving in my house today. We recently refinished one of the walnut side tables—rather, we sanded it lightly and applied some wood oil. The table is as beautiful today as it was the day it came to live with me on Charles Street.