3. Nick Olsen, interior designer, Miles Redd LLC

On…
Audiovisual entertainment systems
Jumbo wall-mounted flat screens should be avoided. A freestanding 6" x 15" easily picked up at BestBuy is far better, proportionately.

Beds
Sadly, there is no mystery with a small apartment; yet an element of trickery can be introduced by picking a bed with a high headboard. Pull the bed out and use the headboard as a divider within the room and make it feature by hanging pictures from it. As an absolute last resort, you could always loft your bed to create space for a desk beneath it.

Sofas
Sectional sofas are not necessarily small, but the interchangeable fragments are versatile and can be moved around to fit the contours of your apartment. Chaises and love seats double up on the seating, or fold out into beds; some come complete with bolsters, saving even more space on pillow storage. CB2, West Elm and Brocade Home have great ranges on all of the above.

Tables
Tables with drop leaves provide extra utility surfaces when needed. Folding or stack-away chairs are another way to save space—a plethora are on display at the many restaurant-supply stores on the Bowery (between Houston and Delancey). Ikea or, if you have a bit more cash to play with, the Conran Shop has some fabulous examples too.

Space-saving tips/mistakes we make
• Paint: One brightly painted wall will do nothing for your small apartment. Instead paint all of your walls one color and extend this to the ceiling and the floor. Getting rid of the lines creates a seamless and crisp look giving the illusion of space; eyes will be drawn to the furniture or the art on the walls. • Lighting: Unscrew the 100-watt bulbs; opt for subtle tones. Pink works well in a petite pad.• Kitchenettes: Eliminate the Formica! Make the kitchenette blend into the room by covering the surfaces with contact paper, wallpaper or a coat of paint. Even electrical tape can jazz up the drab. Change the doors if you must—considering their size, a trip to the Home Depot need not be expensive.

Miles Redd's studio is at 77 Bleecker St at Broadway, Suite 77, (212)674-0902.