Design Tricks to Steal
Guillaume Coutheillas, the creative director behind FrenchCalifornia, knows how to make any space feel like a million bucks—without sacrificing comfort.
His 900-sq-ft West Village apartment is a masterclass in smart, stylish design, proving that small spaces can still pack a big punch.
His home feels effortlessly chic with a mix of Parisian elegance, bold colors, rich textures, and carefully curated pieces. If your space is on the smaller side, you can borrow his genius tricks to create a luxurious and elegant feel.
I’ve gathered 15 brilliant design ideas inspired by his home to help you make your space look bigger, bolder, and more refined.
Treat Every Inch Like Prime Real Estate
In a small home, every inch needs to earn its keep. Coutheillas didn’t waste space in his small apartment. Every piece of furniture, decor, and even negative space is carefully added.
Think about what you truly need and what makes your space feel good. Can a sleek console double as a workspace? Can an oversized mirror make your entryway feel grand? Be intentional, and your home will instantly feel more polished.
Playing with Scale in a Small Space
Coutheillas’ home proves that bigger can be better. He went with larger furniture pieces rather than overcrowding the space with too many small items.
Instead of squeezing in lots of small furniture pieces, go for a few larger ones that fit the space just right. A full-sized sofa and a statement rug don’t just add style, they can actually make the room feel more open and inviting.
Cohesive Palette
Coutheillas’ home proves that a tight color palette can work wonders. Sticking to a refined mix of warm neutrals, deep browns, and subtle textures creates a seamless flow.
In your home, try to choose three to four core colors and repeat them across furniture, walls, and decor to make a small space feel intentional and polished.
Smart Storage That Disappears
Storage solutions in Coutheillas’ apartment blend seamlessly into the design. Think built-in wardrobes, hidden storage under the sofa, under-bed compartments, and concealed cabinetry to keep the space tidy without visual bulk.
Opt for hidden storage. Think beds with drawers, sleek cabinets that blend into walls, or ottomans with compartments.
Custom Touches for Personality
Adding personal flair is the secret to making a small space feel big. In this Coutheillas apartment, custom shelving, unique hardware, and curated decor create a look that’s both cozy and refined.
Your move? Swap out basic knobs for vintage ones, DIY a statement headboard, or style your shelves with meaningful mementos. These little details make all the difference.
Unexpected Material Mix
Coutheillas knows that the secret to a rich, stylish space isn’t just what you use; it’s how you mix it. Think marble against warm wood, plush fabrics next to sleek metals, or a glossy table paired with a matte lamp.
Want to try it? Pair a velvet chair with a glass coffee table or a rustic wood bench with a polished stone top. Mixing materials like this makes any room feel effortlessly cool and collected.
Layered Lighting
Lighting in Coutheillas’ apartment is never an afterthought. Instead of relying on a single overhead fixture, his space is filled with a mix of floor lamps, table lamps, and wall sconces.
Want to achieve the same effect? Layer your lighting.
Start with a pendant light to set the tone, then add table lamps and wall sconces to create cozy, inviting corners. Add a stylish floor lamp to your reading nook, and you’ve got a space that feels both well-lit and effortlessly chic.
Blur the Lines Between Old and New
The best interiors feel timeless because they mix eras and styles. Coutheillas combines modern pieces with vintage treasures in his home that feel layered and lived-in.
You can do this, too. Pair a sleek, contemporary sofa with an antique coffee table, or mix a mid-century lamp with classic molding details. The contrast adds personality and makes your space feel unique.
Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Flow
Natural light and a connection to the outdoors are key elements in Coutheillas’ design philosophy. Large windows allow sunlight to flood the space which gives his small apartment an open and airy feel.
If you want to achieve this effect, all you have to do is keep window treatments light and airy. Opt for sheer curtains or woven blinds that let in natural light. If you have a balcony, use similar materials and colors inside and out to create a seamless flow.
Art as a Focal Point
Coutheillas’ apartment decor is based on the idea that art should be intentional. Instead of cluttering the walls with too many small pieces, a few large-scale artworks command attention and define the space.
When choosing art for your home, consider the impact of scale. Instead of buying mass-produced prints, look for local artists, vintage finds, or even frame your own photography.
Art should feel personal and reflective of your taste, not just a filler for empty walls.
Let Architecture Shine (Even If It’s Not Fancy)
Coutheillas highlights his apartment’s architectural details rather than covering them up. Even in a rental, embracing existing features like molding, exposed brick, or original wood floors can add character.
If your space lacks standout details, create them. Add peel-and-stick molding for a classic touch, or use a statement mirror to enhance the architecture. Work with what you have, not against it.
Embrace Negative Space
Not every inch needs to be filled. Coutheillas’ home proves that a little breathing room makes a space feel more luxurious.
Instead of crowding every corner, let certain areas stay open. A bare wall can frame a statement piece, and an empty floor space can make a room look more expansive. Sometimes, less really can be more.
Luxe Bedroom Retreat
When we talk about Coutheillas’ bedroom, it is a pure masterclass in effortless luxury. Details such as a misty green wall color, plush bedding, and soft lighting make his space feel like a boutique hotel.
Want the same vibe? Upgrade to high-thread-count sheets, layer a cozy throw at the foot of your bed, and swap harsh overhead lights for warm bedside sconces or dimmable lamps. If space allows, add a small bench or accent chair for an extra touch of elegance.
Defining Spaces with Rugs and Zones
Even in a small apartment, Coutheillas makes every area feel distinct without walls. How? Rugs and smart furniture placement. Each zone, such as dining, lounging, or working, feels separate yet flows together seamlessly.
Want to try it? Use rugs to define different spaces in your home. A cozy area rug under the dining table creates a clear eating zone, while a soft runner in the hallway adds warmth and purpose.
If you need inspiration about rug styling, check out Rug101 (Perfect Rug For Your Living Room.
Design with Your Lifestyle in Mind
The most beautiful home is the one that works for you, just like Coutheillas’ apartment, which is designed to fit his life seamlessly.
Think about how you use your space.
- Do you need a dining area, or would a lounge-style setup be better?
- Would open shelving keep things accessible, or do you prefer closed storage?
Design with intention, and your home will feel effortless and stylish.
Check out Should You Sacrifice Style for Small Space? No. to discover that even small spaces hold big potential with the right design and strategy.
Which idea from Coutheillas’ 900-sq-ft West Village apartment are you excited to try?
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