The image of a small basement apartments conjures up visuals of dark, dank spaces most of us would probably rather avoid. What architect Martin Hopp has done to this 720-square-foot apartment in Chelsea is pretty miraculous, proving not all basement spaces are equal. Despite its limited square footage, Hopp uses white and created clever space-saving elements that make the most of every square inch.
The all-white living room benefits from built-in seating and cabinets providing lots of storage space. A dining table pivots out from a row of cabinets aligning it with one of the banquet seats.
Despite its lack of windows, the interior is bright thanks to the white surfaces and hidden lights. Folding doors help section off the living room from the rest of the apartment for added privacy.
The small bedroom still feels spacious with everything hidden behind custom minimalist storage.
In the private areas of the apartment, wood paneling covers the walls and ceiling for a uniform look. Hidden lighting runs along both sides of the ceiling in the hallway to keep it lit without fixtures.
The hallway hides a compact space that houses storage and a Murphy bed that folds down for overnight guests.
When the bed is folded up, the space can be used as an office.
At the end of the hallway is the lone bathroom which features backlit wood shelving which makes it feel bright, as if there was a window in there.
The apartment’s entrance is down a few stairs which are protected by a wooden fence filled with potted plants.
Photos by Fei Liu.
