SPACE JAM: KURT ARNOLD, AYA MACEDA, TWO KIDS, AND ONE 660 SQ. FOOT APARTMENT

We recently read an article in the New York Times about how photographer Kurt Arnold and architect Aya Maceda bought and renovated a 660 square-foot apartment in Brooklyn. Well, you might be saying, is that such a big deal? It is if the couple lives and works in the space with their two children!

And while some of the furnishings are custom, some, like the under-stair desk below supported by IKEA Finnvard trestles, aren’t:

Image by Kurt Arnold via The NYT

We got inspired to see what we could find that would help you save space throughout your home in case of a jam.

Inside their entryway, Arnold and Maceda added a two-level nook with a bed on the bottom for guests, and a play area on top.

We love that idea and have recommended this for our clients lots of times. To make this work for you, consider Wayfair’s bunk bed options with play area (or workstation) underneath.

Harriet Bee Kittitas Twin Low Loft Bed $539.99 at Wayfair

In the kitchen, the couple uses a vintage pine table as a prep station and dining surface. We found the Montauk Solid Wood Dining Table for $459.99 that would work great for both purposes.

Table from Wayfair

Seating in Arnold and Maceda’s living room include an Eames Chair and Ottoman, plus a rattan Yoda chair by Kenneth Cobonpue.

It may not be named after him, but we’re pretty sure Yoda would approve of the less expensive Marina Chair from Burke Decor:

Chair $599 from Burke Decor

The Eames Lounge Chair is iconic, and it’s also expensive. So, we found a replica on Amazon for $659.87. It has 8 layers of ply wood (the others have 7) which has a stronger load-bearing capacity, and the leather is hand-inspected for quality.

Chair at Amazon

Lastly, the couple added 80 feet of primary sleeping space above their living room. It you need to maximize yours, why not try the Drake Chair and a Half Twin Sleeper from West Elm? It comes in a ton of fabric and color options and starts at $1,299.

West Elm Sleeper

So there you have it. Whether you live in 600 square feet or 6,000, these days we’re all looking for ways to maximize our living experiences and spaces. Take inspiration from Kurt Arnold and Aya Maceda, and us, too!