Style Transforms A 750-Square-Foot Apartment

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs.

How does a style maven squeeze all of her stuff (think: rows of shoes, drawers of accessories, and piles of tees) into the 750-square-foot apartment that she shares with her husband? With careful planning and a lot of creativity. Ready to take a peek?

Meet Christine Bibbo Herr

Herr is the face behind the blog NYC Pretty, where she shares her daily musings (with so much spirit) on fashion, fitness, and beauty.

show off the pieces you love

A vintage china cabinet from Herr’s favorite spot in Asbury Park, New Jersey, holds her eclectic collection of dinnerware, which emulates the authentic and homey vibe of her space.

mix vintage steals with modern finds

Traces of Herr’s French Country style intermingle with contemporary accents and classic patterns. Herr is drawn to vibrant colors and punchy patterns.

let the old mingle with the new

There are days when the kitchen just feels a little more cramped than usual. An old, painted cart functions as additional counter space and Herr uses the wall for extra storage. (She scored this charming shelf at a flea market in Long Island.) Don’t be afraid to mix styles.

put it on display

Since space is a challenge in this New York City space, Herr maximizes every inch. The secret is putting a few pieces on display–color takes charge in the kitchen.

let pieces work overtime

A delicately detailed serving tray set on top of a folding table doubles as a bar cart. Talk about a unique way to store quirky cocktail essentials and spirits.

mix up the flea market finds

Pair an eclectic assortment of chairs with a vintage chandelier to create a look that’s very personal. The epitome of shabby chic.

welcome a touch of white

While there’s barely a trace of white in Herr’s decorating palette, she appreciates the beauty of imperfections and distressed accents.

trust your instincts

“Nothing matches, yet everything goes.” Inspired by color, Herr’s “anything goes” mantra shines through in her design scheme. Every room starts as a blank canvas and is eventually filled with vibrant colors and fresh patterns.

embrace the space (no matter the size!)

Traces of her personal style–handbags, dresses, jewelry, you name it!–lazily hang on doorknobs and light fixtures. The pieces that are part of her life seamlessly harmonize within her decor.

decorate with things that make you happy

Herr’s style brightens up every corner. She takes advantage of bare walls for displaying meaningful photos that her husband, a passionate photographer, has captured over the years. The framed photos tell the story of their adventures together.

When it comes to decorating, Herr believes you shouldn’t take it too seriously. Most importantly, it’s okay to be spontaneous. Your style should essentially be an effortless extension of yourself.