Guest Blogger: Keith Lichtman on Spatially Challenged Spaces (Part 1 of 2)

Guest Blogger and New York-based interior designer Keith Lichtman of KL Interiors has returned to share his advice on the challenges of living in the small spaces that New York City often provides us. Here's what Keith shared with us on his designing dilemma in his own New York City apartment and how to best tackle the perils of small spaces.

By Keith Lichtman

Having all the architectural bones already in place in my apartment, the decisions for the decoration--including all of the icing that goes with the best-baked cake--were next to address. Considering the apartment totals 775 square feet, I had to cleverly work the magic in a relatively small space. My theory: small space = grand gestures! My goal was always to incorporate fewer, larger scaled pieces rather than more cluttered smaller-scaled ones. I used larger pieces to 'work' each elevation, to create a stronger dynamic and presence to each part of each room.

After having sung the praises of my new home, I had to next address the actual design challenges that even the best of apartments often present.

My vintage sideboard was a perfect way to fill a larger space, for example. The dining-room piece fills its designated wall perfectly from side to side while still allowing breathing space on each end. It still also looks as though it belongs in a grand-scaled dining room. Another tip is to use artwork to 'work' the magic as well. I chose artwork sized to 'work' the wall and relate to the sideboard below.

To tackle ceiling space or lack there of, using floor to ceiling pieces in moderation can be helpful. I installed an over-sized, five-foot-high dining mirror reaching up close to my ceilings. The mirror also opens up the room by reflecting light and creating additional depth with its reflection. I then hung my curtain rods within inches of my 9.5-foot ceilings for the tallest, most dramatic effect. Scaling pieces up, rather than down, creates strength and can make a room feel more important than perhaps it might otherwise appear.

Stay tuned for Keith's solution to spacially-challenged spaces.