Dornob | Design Ideas Daily

Stunning Manhattan Loft Makes Genius Use of Tiny Space

Posted: 13 Jun 2013 10:00 AM PDT

When it comes to apartments in Manhattan, you’ve often got to be creative with the space you’ve got. Specht Harpman transformed a claustrophobic, dark micro-loft in Manhattan into a four-level living space that looks far larger than it actually is.

The first level features a small bathroom and a space-saving kitchen with wrap-around counters that extend around into the living space.

The living room occupies the home’s second level and makes clever use of the staircase by incorporating multiple storage cubbies and drawers. This solution keeps the space uncluttered and open, while the open staircase with cables running from the stairs to the very top of the apartment provide a sense of continuity.

The third level of the home is occupied by a serene sleeping area. The lofted bed nook looks out over the living room below. Another staircase offers even more under-stair storage compartments and leads up to the fourth level: a grassy rooftop terrace.

The micro-loft makes exceptionally smart use of the very little space it occupies, balancing wide open spaces – like a couple of tall, blank walls – with compact details. The light walls and dark floors give the apartment a timeless, classic look while the unique layout is thoroughly modern.

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Sluggish After Lunch? Take a Nap in This Transforming Desk

Posted: 12 Jun 2013 04:00 PM PDT

Power naps have been proven over and over to boost brain power and make you more productive at work. Unfortunately not many employers approve of on-the-job sleeping, but for those few lucky enough to have napping benefits, this combination desk and bed is perfect.

The streamlined modern desk bed was designed by Athanasia Leivaditou of Studio NL. It’s a clever combination that starts with a sleek white desk. It opens up to become a semi-private resting place for after-lunch snoozes.

Slide the desktop back a bit, fold the back down inside the leg space to create the mattress and lower one side a bit, and the desk is transformed into a small bed perfect for a mid-day catnap – complete with an inclined pillow.

The interior of the desk even includes a small TV so you can fall asleep to your favorite movie or just recline while you watch a little reality TV and zone out for a bit. The desk bed could be great not only for offices, but for people who combine living and working in tiny apartments.