Before I went to London, I had the privilege of  attending LG’s debut of it’s high-end kitchen line, LG Studio appliances. The launch was hosted in a chic, downtown space, and our host was the brand’s newly appointed Artistic Director—renowned interior designer, Nate Berkus. The first thing I noticed when I walked into the the airy loft was the beautifully designed table scape and state of the art kitchen filled with appliances with Nate-approved touches. For instance, the refrigerator has a taller water dispenser space than a standard fridge, so you can fit a flower vase underneath it—brilliant!

To keep the chicness flowing, Nate invited one of my absolute favorite bloggers— entertaining master Athena Calderone of Eye Swoon—to whip up a bountiful spread of herb-covered quiches, seasonal fruit and the most amazing homemade biscuits. After hearing from both of them about how they decorate and entertain in their homes, I left feeling inspired to give my own apartment a revamp. If you live in a small apartment like me, you know how overwhelming it can feel to create a truly beautiful yet livable space. My bed is against the wall for Pete’s sake!

For this reason, I asked Nate to share his 5 tips for elevating a small apartment. Keep scrolling to read them, but beware: they may leave you wanting to throw everything in your apartment onto the street like me!

Nate’s Small Space Tips

Think Big

The number one mistake people make when furnishing a small space is buying small sized furniture. It actually has the opposite effect of making the room feel even smaller. Rather, opt for a full size sofa and then bring in an ottoman that can double as a coffee table or a tray table that can function as a side table, or an additional surface when entertaining.

To the Wall

A small space can really benefit from a large scale mirror or piece of art, propped up on the mantel if you have one. Reach for a vintage mirror option, or black and white print, that will feel important and also be a focal point for the room.

Don’t Be Afraid of Paint

Consider painting the walls, ceiling, and even the floor a bright white to remove visual boundaries. I also love the look of painted doors, and cabinets if you have them. Reach for a high-gloss, chic blue-black or dark gray. It will add just the right amount of drama to your small space.

Let There Be Light

Lighting is probably the most overlooked thing in a room, and that especially applies to a small space. Invest in a vintage light fitting, a floor lamp and a pair of table lamps. No one will notice your living room is tiny, they’ll be so focused on the details and atmosphere.

Edit, Edit, Edit

Be a ruthless editor, and make sure your space is organized. Small spaces in particular mean you have to be vigilant about clutter, and only allow in accessories you really love.