3 ways to make a small-space studio feel large

West Elm interior designer Stephanie Heller’s latest project? Packing an entire home’s worth of function into this Manhattan studio’s 400 square feet. Read on for her top takeaways for how to live large in a small space.

1. Stick to a light & airy palette

“Neutrals are anything but boring,” says Stephanie. A monochromatic, shades-of-white palette keeps the L-shaped apartment feeling clean, open and serene.

“Neutral is a perfect canvas that gives you the freedom to experiment with textiles.”

—Stephanie Heller, West Elm Design Crew

2. Mix materials & finishes

To keep a neutral palette from falling flat, Stephanie suggests combining multiple textures. “Variety is key,” she says. “Even though this space is tonal, there’s so much to look at.”

3. Zone it out

Using the sectional as a room divider, Stephanie created dedicated spaces for different activities—reading and sleeping, TV watching, eating and even working out. United by the soothing color palette, the end result proves that you can pack mega function into a small space without stimulation overload.

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