Ask designer Judith Cohen what New Yorkers respond to when she remodels their homes, and she has a very simple answer: "Functional space. Good lighting. Little or no clutter. Wonderful storage. Intelligent design. Beautiful things...and my passion for working with them. They also love 'clever' ideas."

We've come up with lots of creative design concepts, but Judith's unique idea for one of her past projects is one we never would have imagined.

"A number of years ago, a client purchased a grand pre-war duplex in New York City. The first-floor rooms were enormous, with the ceilings over nine feet high," explains Judith. "Off the entry hall was a library with a tiny adjacent powder room. The homeowner wanted to use the library for reading, relaxing and solitude, with its wood-burning fireplace and stunning view of Central Park. I suggested building custom bookcases and cabinets surrounding the fireplace; however, the homeowner did not want to build in. Instead, we turned the adjacent powder room into a “library” by installing faux bookcase wall covering on all walls from floor to ceiling. We further dressed it up with an elegant antique mirror and sconces, a beautiful light fixture, marble floor and music stand. The small powder room was successful because it combined fantasy with elegance and function."

Here are some tips from Judith on transforming your small space:

On choosing a designer:
"The interior designer must listen to her clients…really hear what they have to say. What is their budget, what is their style, what do they want the room to do, how do they want the space to function, are they flexible to new ideas or alternative use of the space? When designing the small space, it's even more important for the designer to understand their goals because there are fewer options."

Basic maxims that apply to all good design:
"The small space maxims apply to decorating larger rooms: You have to start with a good plan, no matter what the room size. Decorating should focus on comfort, design for living and a passion for self-expression. Don’t have artistic sensibilities? Hire an interior designer who helps you find them so you'll love what you've accomplished together."

Thanks, Judith!

Get Judith Cohen's seven tips for maximizing a small space here.

Judith Cohen is an interior designer whose work is sophisticated, elegant and comfortable. With a well-defined design sense that incorporates clean lines, traditional elements and quality materials, she creates beautiful and luxurious interiors. She founded Judith Cohen Design more than 20 years ago. Now Judith specializes in residential and corporate projects in New York City, Westchester County and Connecticut. Her signature style has been featured in Redbook, Woman’s Day, House Beautiful, Home Ideas and Family Circle. She has written articles for Westchester Cottages & Gardens, Connecticut Cottages & Gardens and The Scarsdale Inquirer. Two children’s rooms are featured in the book Rooms to Grow: Creating Rooms and Furniture for Children by Jane Cornell. Visit judithcohendesign.com.

[main image via Judith Cohen Design]