When a South Carolina couple stepped into this sunlit West Village apartment with its Parisian-style moldings and elegant plaster walls, they instantly knew it was something special.
And who could resist living just down the street from Carrie Bradshaw’s iconic brownstone? After discovering designer Alvin Wayne on YouTube, they enlisted his help to turn their narrow pied-à-terre into a serene retreat that still nodded to their coastal life back home.
With only seven weeks to complete the makeover, Wayne sourced in-stock furniture to transform the 900-square-foot space into a warm, inviting haven perfect for their family of seven.
1. Living Room
The first piece this South Carolina couple chose for their new home was an irresistibly comfortable sofa from Rove Concept, upholstered in a soft cream bouclé that set a warm, inviting tone for the living space.
Designed with one arm and an open side, the sofa made the room feel instantly more spacious and airy. They loved how its modular design offered flexibility, allowing them to rearrange it to suit any gathering.
In their compact layout, this sofa became the essential centerpiece for both relaxing and entertaining guests.
2. Cozy Furniture
This serene living room corner exudes understated elegance, featuring a plush cream bouclé modular sofa that invites relaxation.
Soft, sheer curtains frame a large window, letting in natural light and offering a view of golden autumn leaves outside. An abstract modern painting in bold whites, blacks, and reds adds energy to the neutral space.
A small black side table holds a sculptural white ceramic vase, introducing an artistic touch that complements the room’s cozy yet sophisticated atmosphere, perfect for lounging or quiet contemplation.
3. Dining Area
The moment the couple stepped into the dining room, they realized the existing oval table and chairs were clogging up the space.
They knew a built-in banquette could completely change the room’s flow. Choosing a cozy Crate & Barrel banquette in hazel green mohair with a graceful waterfall back, they tucked it neatly into the corner.
Paired with an oval table and a few chairs, the setup easily seats six, keeps pathways clear, and makes the narrow layout feel airy and inviting.
4. Narrow Hallway
Originally planned as a simple closet between the kitchen and dining room, the narrow passage felt like a missed opportunity.
By reimagining the space, the couple created a stunning custom dry bar that now welcomes guests as they enter. This piece offers ample storage for glassware and bottles, while also providing a beautiful surface for setting up buffets during gatherings.
It transformed what was once an overlooked corner into a functional and stylish highlight that makes entertaining effortless and inviting.
5. Kitchen Entrance
In a city where square footage is precious, the couple knew they had to make every bit of space pull double duty. They incorporated six roomy drawers along with two stacked shelves to create clever storage that keeps clutter tucked away.
To elevate the design even further, they added a mirror that bounces natural light around the room, instantly making the area feel brighter and more spacious.
This thoughtful approach turned a tight spot into a functional and inviting part of the home.
6. Kitchen
Natural stone is the secret ingredient that brings depth and soul to any room, and the couple loves finding stones with lively patterns and surprising colors.
In the kitchen, they went with timeless Carrara marble for a classic touch. Just steps away in the passageway, the mood shifts with a dreamy jade stone streaked with delicate brown veins that shimmer in the light.
These subtle contrasts add richness and intention, like a stunning piece of jewelry that instantly makes a whole outfit shine.
7. Breakfast Nook
This bright and charming breakfast nook is centered around a sleek marble-topped table that catches the morning light streaming through large, classic windows.
A sculptural pendant light adds a playful, modern twist overhead, while a caramel leather chair brings warmth and comfort. Fresh greenery with vibrant kumquats in a dark vase livens up the table, complemented by wooden bowls filled with red apples and citrus.
The scene is cozy yet sophisticated, perfect for lingering over coffee while enjoying views of the brick buildings outside.
8. Bedroom
The biggest splurge for the couple was undoubtedly the custom millwork, which turned the challenging, compact bedrooms into smart, functional spaces.
In the main bedroom, they installed a floating platform bed and cleverly integrated two small niches into the headboard. Each niche holds just enough space for an iPhone, complete with built-in outlets for charging and switches for the sconces overhead.
By replacing bulky nightstands, these thoughtful details made every inch count, proving that investing in millwork can transform even the smallest rooms into purposeful, stylish retreats.
9. Small Office Area
The biggest save came from the family’s own incredible art collection, which turned out to be a treasure trove of pieces perfect for the apartment.
Their sophisticated taste made it easy to curate artwork that beautifully complemented each room and tied together the color palette envisioned for the space.
By incorporating these meaningful works instead of buying new, they not only saved money but also infused the home with a personal touch that feels authentic, layered, and full of character.
10. South Carolina Design Influence
To create a warm and airy foundation, the couple repaired the plaster walls and painted them in Benjamin Moore’s Swiss Coffee for a soft, neutral look, while classic white above the molding emphasized the height of the curved ceilings.
They layered the space with oatmeal linen drapes and a rich mix of wood tones, from white oak floors to a walnut coffee table and black-stained dining table.
Natural textures like rattan lamps and chairs brought everything together, creating a cohesive, thoughtfully connected home with effortless harmony.
11. Design Inspiration
The couple knew their tight seven-week timeline meant they had to act fast, but years of bookmarking favorite pieces on Instagram gave them a head start.
They already had a mental list of options, like the perfect banquette from Crate & Barrel, before they even began shopping.
The biggest challenge was tracking down in-stock items that didn’t look generic or like they all came from the same store, ensuring the home felt curated, personal, and full of unique character.