Located at the top of a brownstone on Manhattan's Upper West Side, this apartment had a tiny footprint of just 425 feet, but the space stretched vertically for approximately 25 feet, and had access to a roof terrace. Our solution created four separate "living platforms" inserted within the space that provide room for all the essentials and still allow the apartment to feel open and light-filled. The lowest level is an entry and kitchen space, and a few steps up is the main living area. Above the living area is a cantilevered bed pavilion that projects out into the main space, supported on steel beams. A final stair leads up to a roof garden. All the spaces flow into one another, and the idea of distinct "rooms" dissolved. Given the miniscule size of the apartment, every inch of space is put to use. Stairs are not merely for circulation through the apartment, but feature built-in storage cabinetry and drawers below. The main bath and shower, in fact, are also built below the primary staircase. The kitchen features fully concealed appliances, flip up high storage units for easy access, and a countertop that wraps into the main living space, becoming a virtual 'hearth' with built-in entertainment system. There are no traditional closets in the entire apartment. Materials throughout are selected to emphasize the spatial characteristics of the project. The perimeter is light, with painted (existing) brick, glass backsplashes and shelving, and white lacquered kitchen cabinets, stair cabinets, and fittings. The cantilevered bed pavilion is clad in dark wood, and anchors the space - a central object around which everything revolves. A dark wood floor and wood stair treads lead through and around the apartment, spiraling up onto the wood deck at the room. Given the number of built-in features, furnishings are minimal in number, with only a couch, coffee table, bed, and a side chair necessary. Design Team: Scott Specht, Louise Harpman, Amy Lopez-Cepero, Sheryl Jordan, Devin Keyes Photography: Taggart Sorenson Press and Awards AIA Design Award Architizer A+ Award The New York Times "Tiny Homes Hunting" on DIY TV Interior Design "Best of Year"

photo:Frank Oudeman
This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary l-shaped staircase in New York.

Malia Campbell
This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary curved staircase in Seattle.

photo:Frank Oudeman
Photo of a mid-sized contemporary l-shaped staircase in New York.

Photo: Robert Benson
Photo of a small beach style wood straight staircase in New York with wood risers.

This staircase, designed by Thomas Griem, not only connects the lower and upper floors of this penthouse but cleverly provides library and storage along the way. Constructed entirely out of Oak and sturdy in appearance, the library offers a reading niche on its lower level and supports a minimal white & clear glass staircase that bridges to the upper level of the apartment hewn out of the roof space of the grade one listed St Pancras Hotel. Photographer: Philip Vile

Shoe storage under stairway
Traditional wood staircase in New York.

Jack Hobhouse
Contemporary wood staircase in London with wood risers.

Inspiration for a small contemporary living room in London.

Creative shelving above the stairs adds entryway storage in a fresh way.
Design ideas for a small contemporary staircase in Nashville.

Stair to lower level with storage cabinets below. Photography by Ian Gleadle.
Inspiration for a mid-sized beach style straight staircase in Seattle with mixed railing.

Design ideas for a modern wood staircase in Austin.

Photo of a traditional wood u-shaped staircase in Baltimore.

Photographer: Diane Padys
Inspiration for a mid-sized modern straight staircase in Seattle.

A family of four was ready to expand their usable living space by finishing their spacious basement to include a family room, kitchenette, full bath, guest room and plenty of storage. Prior to the remodel, the family chose to relocate utilities to what would be the storage area and upgrade utilities for energy efficiency.

Ben Hosking Photography
This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary wood l-shaped staircase in Melbourne with wood risers.

William Quarles
Inspiration for a beach style gender-neutral kids' bedroom in Charleston with white walls and carpet.

Limed timber stair treads on the staircase, and matching limed original timber floorboards weave together consistently through the spaces as if they had always been there. A book filled bookshelf is nestled between the studs of a wall supporting the staircase, and supposed by a delicately detailed balustrade over to allow the light through. © Edward Birch

Dan Cutrona Photography
Beach style wood staircase in Boston with painted wood risers.