Dana Wolter shows us how to create a small space design––an inviting sanctuary with a small footprint.
Sometimes, life’s best gifts come in small packages. When Dana Wolter’s oldest daughter accepted a new job in New York City, the Alabama-based founder of Dana Wolter Interiors knew she would soon be facing a challenge in creating a small space design for everyday living. In partnership with Gabby and Fabricut, Dana designed her daughter’s dreamy Manhattan apartment with tons of space-saving magic. Here, she guides us through this sophisticated Soho project and shares designer tips for styling small-scale interiors.
Space in the City: Small-Scale Bedroom Design
Explore this sophisticated SoHo transformation with a small footprint.
No matter the size or limitations of your home, Dana believes in making the most of the space you have. In NYC, Dana’s goal was to create a “warm, functional” bedroom and living space for her daughter while “investing in pieces that will act as staples in the years to come.” Working on your own small space makeover? Follow these three design rules:
- Play to your strengths. Focus on the best elements of the space. In this case, Dana chose to accentuate the fabulous natural light that floods the apartment. She used sheer drapery and light textiles throughout the space to highlight the abundance of sunlight.
- Embrace the intimacy. Comfort is key in small spaces. Dana considered New York’s notoriously cold winters during the design process, leading her to create a warm urban retreat with a “cozy feel through lighting, fabrics, rugs, and furnishings.”
- Get smart about storage. Thoughtful storage options can transform the liveability of a small space. From storage-friendly furniture to built-in elements, there are many great ways to blend style and function. Read on for more space-saving tips.
{Check out Gabby’s designer round-up of the best closets, cabinets and storage spaces.}
Designer Dish: New York City Living with Dana Wolter Interiors
Get the scoop on small-scale design from interior designer Dana Wolter.
Are there certain colors or palettes you recommend for small spaces?
The color always depends on the function of the small space and how we want it to feel. For instance, if the room needs to feel light and airy, keep the walls light with a color such as Benjamin Moore White Dove. If it is a small room that you want to feel warm and cozy to draw you in, opt for a darker color such as a navy or charcoal gray on the walls.
What are the best, most durable fabrics for small-scale upholstered furniture?
You want to use the best quality of fabrics and upholstery that your budget allows for aesthetic purposes, durability, and longevity of the piece. We always look at the makeup of each fabric selected and make sure its content is best for how the piece will be used. For example, the fabric on a banquette needs to be more durable than one on a side chair in a living room.
For durability on upholstery, I like to use mohair, velvets, and leather. We also send off quite a few of our fabrics to be commercially treated before they are upholstered for an extra layer of protection.
The beautiful brass details light up this space! Can you share any tips for styling metallic accents?
I love this Gabby lantern for my daughter’s bedroom because the airiness of the piece was perfect for the small space. The metal accent gives a different texture and element to the space in a room filled with so many different types of fabrics such as cotton, velvet and linen. I also love the different texture and natural material the marble lamp gives her dressing table.
Space Savers: 4 of Dana’s Favorite Space-Saving Design Tips
Looking for small-scale storage solutions? Dana says, “There are several tricks to follow when storage is an issue in a small space.”
- Under-Bed Storage. “Think vertically,” Dana advises. By raising the bed frame on risers (hidden behind the dust ruffle), Dana created room for her daughter’s shoe collection. Pro Tip: Don’t raise the top mattress more than 30-inches off the floor.
- Closet System. Is your space lacking a closet? Design your own! Using only drapery panels and an IKEA closet organization system, Dana created a spacious storage area inside her daughter’s closetless bedroom.
- Nightstands: When choosing bedroom furniture, consider the scale. Dana selected Gabby’s petite May Nightstand, which “fits the space like a glove” and provides smart storage at the bedside with a convenient drawer and shelf.
- Ottomans: Dana loves using ottomans with pockets of storage space hidden inside. She says, “we use these quite often in dorms and playrooms.” Storage plus an extra seat? That’s space-saving genius.
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