Live

How a Professional Stager Created an Area for His Kid in Their Studio Apartment

published Nov 8, 2023
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
A child stands on a green couch in a studio apartment.
Credit: Erin Derby

Families that live in small spaces often have to find clever and functional solutions for comfortable living. But time and time again, whether they’re creating a corner nursery nook or converting a loft into a child’s space, parents continue to be creative. 

And professional stager Jason Saft’s daughter, Liora’s, space in their modern, vintage Brooklyn home fits that ingenious mold. Saft’s 20-plus years in real estate and being the founder and owner of Staged To Sell Home likely gave him some pointers when designing a designated area for Liora in their 475-square-foot studio apartment.

Saft is currently saving up for a house outside of New York City, so in the meantime the pair are living in their gorgeous (yet smaller) home. The design process included ensuring Liora’s area blended with the mature elements in the rest of the space, talking about finances, and planning for the future. 

Credit: Erin Derby

“I talk a lot about saving money and working towards a goal of a house for us so she has a larger space of her own and will get to do whatever she wants to it/with it,” Saft writes. “She comes sourcing with me a lot, and we often pick out pieces she loves and save them in a folder so that one day we can go back and get all the things she wants for her bedroom.” 

While Liora’s planning for her future room, she wanted to be completely surprised by the current space. Because their current home is a studio, Saft had some unique goals: to make sure Liora’s area complemented the rest of the apartment, featured a desk space for crafting and homework, and created storage solutions for the pair. 

Credit: Erin Derby

For storage solutions for Liora’s books, stuffed animals, and toys, Saft found H&M rattan storage bins that “fit perfectly on the shelves in our shared bookcase.” He hides her craft supplies and board games under the console in the living area. 

Credit: Erin Derby

Liora was likely pleasantly surprised when Saft revealed her final space. The pair each have their favorite aspects: the craft table and chairs for her, and the sentimental Lego portrait above her bed for him. “For her 5th birthday, I picked her up at school and took her to the Lego store,” Saft remembers. “She saw the machine that makes a custom Lego board that when put together is your face, and she loved it, so we did one.”

Even though their home is only 475 square feet, Saft has made it a dreamy oasis for them. To see more of their gorgeous home, visit the full house tour on Apartment Therapy. 

Product List

  • Desk and chair — Goodee
  • Daybed — Article (it’s a similar option, as the original is no longer available)
  • Storage bins — H&M