When designing a garden apartment in New York City’s West Village to use as their own guest house, design power couple Cortney and Robert Novogratz of The Novogratz knew that they wanted to draw upon their “signature mix of vintage and modern” to make the space shine.

“We just wanted it to be utilitarian as well as fun and comfortable,” says the duo.

The couple completed a two-year gut renovation of the 1,300-square-foot apartment, which is a one bedroom and one bathroom unit located within a historic building on Waverly Place.

“The apartment is set up to be very open and loft-like,” the duo says. The rooms contain a mix of secondhand finds, Novogratz products, and plenty of artwork. And the couple couldn’t be happier with the end result.

“It came out exactly in the way we planned it,” Cortney Novogratz says.

Drawing Inspiration From Boutique Hotels

It’s only fitting that Cortney and Robert were inspired by several of their favorite boutique hotels when designing the guest space. For now, they plan to use the residence for their own needs but may consider renting it out as an Airbnb down the line.

“The art is colorful, as are the bedding and accents,” Robert Novogratz notes. “It is all done against a neutral background.”

Sourcing Fabulous Vintage Finds

When it comes to sourcing their vintage finds, the Novogratzes like to hunt for pieces everywhere—they’ve scored amazing items while traveling the world as well as within their own neighborhood. The couple also sources their art from a wide variety of creators.

“The picture of David Bowie in our apartment is by our friend and sometimes collaborator Diego Uchitel,” Cortney Novogratz explains.

“A lot of the art is sourced from vintage shops as well,” Robert Novogratz adds, noting that they often turn to online resources including eBay and 1st Dibs when shopping for pieces to adorn their walls.

Taking a closer look at the interior of the apartment, it’s clear that the Novogratzes have worked their magic to create a space that is cheerful, well-curated, and practical in nature. What the apartment lacks in square footage certainly doesn’t lack in style and character.

Below, we’re sharing a glimpse of each room of the apartment and the furniture pieces featured within.

Because every apartment needs a work station, the couple made sure to incorporate a small desk into their guest space.

At under $300, the Nelson 2 Way Desk from the Novogratz collection is incredibly versatile, given that it can be assembled in two different ways depending on one’s layout. The L-shaped configuration is perfect for small corner office nooks, while the horizontal configuration is ideal for those with a little more wall space to work with. The desk comes equipped with two built-in cubbies, making it easy to stash away office supplies and papers.

A vintage table shines in the apartment’s dining area, which paves the way to the main living area. This space is a prime example of a successful fusion of vintage and modern pieces. A more traditional, warm-colored rug adds coziness to the living space, while the Novogratz-designed sofa brings a touch of chic, mid-century modern flair.

The accessories in this space are minimal and intentional. Coffee table books are set out for guests to peruse as they wish, and candles are displayed in artful candle holders allowing for instant ambiance. A wood-burning fireplace makes this living area feel even more welcoming and adds instant charm to the apartment.

In lieu of a standard nightstand, a chair sits next to the left side of the bed, where it houses extra throw blankets. In small spaces, every piece of furniture must be functional, so adding an extra lightweight chair like this one can easily be transported into the main living area when friends stop by and need an extra place to sit.

On the right side of the bed, a small woven table houses a water glass and pitcher, which brings a major hotel-like touch to the room.

Perpendicular to the bed, the large Kelly 6 Drawer Dresser, which is part of the Paris Hilton x Novogratz line. Whether they’re staying in the unit for three days or three weeks makes, the dresser makes it simple for guests to unpack their belongings and make themselves at home.

Inspired by traditional Art Deco furniture, the dresser features gold half-moon drawer pulls and linen-like paper inserts inside each drawer.

But that’s not all when it comes to storage. A wooden trunk at the end of the bed is another useful storage solution—it can be used to house extra bedsheets and blankets yet also doubles as seating.

The Brittany Bed is an additional storage unit with built-in features. Two drawers pull out on either side of the bed—which is available in full, queen, and king sizes—making it easy to tuck away essentials such as sweatshirts and sweaters, extra shoes, and off-season accessories.

Creating a Colorful Yet Clutter-Free Space

Once again, rather than go overboard with accessories, the design duo thoughtfully selected accent pieces for the apartment that make the space appear lived-in and welcoming without looking cluttered.

Plants instantly add personality to the bedroom yet contribute to the space’s open, airy look. If you’re decorating a similar sized space and don’t have a green thumb or receive an abundance of sunlight, consider going the faux plant route. There are many real-like options on the market, which will bring in the same kind of greenery.

While the kitchen is mainly a utilitarian space, plants and artwork add vibrance to the room. Simple yet impactful touches like these will take any apartment kitchen from a cookie-cutter space to a room with personality. After all, every bit of square footage is valuable in a small apartment like this one.