Chun Wai Chan, a principal ballet dancer with the New York City Ballet, has transformed his 345-square-foot studio on the Upper West Side into a functional living space that accommodates both his work and personal needs. After moving in three years ago, Chan found the initial setup cramped due to an excess of furniture and sought help from the AD100 design firm, Josh Greene Design.
Josh Greene, who collaborated with West Elm to furnish Chan's apartment, approached the design challenge focused on maximizing space while creating an environment conducive to rest and recovery for the dancer between rehearsals. The design prioritized tidiness and versatile use of each square foot, crucial since Chan also teaches students via Zoom from home.
Warm earth tones characterize the color scheme, promoting a relaxing atmosphere. The kitchen features moss green cabinets and a marble backsplash, enhanced by natural light from a nearby window. The main area is accented with a green geometric rug, a velvet sofa, and a gallery wall displaying art, while the bed area is adorned with muted yellow tones.
Chan originally perceived the selection of furniture as straightforward, favoring all-wood designs.
However, he was impressed by Greene’s ability to blend various materials and textures, which positively impacted the space’s energy. Storage solutions were adeptly incorporated, including a storage bed that provides ample room for books and personal items, surprising Chan with its practicality.
The layout allows Chan to easily shift furniture aside to stretch and practice. He remarks on the pleasant surprise of having sufficient space to move freely within the studio. Post-rehearsals, Chan enjoys creating a calming atmosphere, lighting a candle and stretching at a small dining table before relaxing on the sofa, often using a favorite pillow.
Greene emphasizes several takeaways for optimizing small spaces: utilize multifunctional furniture, prioritize intended use, incorporate varied textures, consider custom storage solutions, and employ suitable kitchen accessories for small living environments. Art placement is also important, as demonstrated in Chan's apartment with pieces that help define living areas.
