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Ben Herzog
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Pro Spotlight: 3 Ways to Maximize Space Without Adding On
A New York City architect shares how to make the most of what you have
Sponsored Content
Who: Ben Herzog
Where: New York City
In his own words: “Think about your habits and how your family lives, then bring that information to your architect so they can ensure you have the space you really need.”
Perhaps you wish for storage galore, with plenty of places to stash all your stuff. Or maybe you would like another bedroom for children or guests, or you dream of having a bathtub for long soaks. Though square footage tends to be at a premium in New York City, you still can make these dreams a reality with a remodel that focuses on smart space planning. “It’s important to be flexible,” says Ben Herzog, owner of his eponymous firm in Brooklyn. “There might be a way to achieve everything you want if you just get really creative.”
Where: New York City
In his own words: “Think about your habits and how your family lives, then bring that information to your architect so they can ensure you have the space you really need.”
Perhaps you wish for storage galore, with plenty of places to stash all your stuff. Or maybe you would like another bedroom for children or guests, or you dream of having a bathtub for long soaks. Though square footage tends to be at a premium in New York City, you still can make these dreams a reality with a remodel that focuses on smart space planning. “It’s important to be flexible,” says Ben Herzog, owner of his eponymous firm in Brooklyn. “There might be a way to achieve everything you want if you just get really creative.”
A special touch. In every home, Herzog creates one surprising element that’s unique to the client. “It’s fun to have a little moment or individual detail that only the homeowners are aware of,” he says. One favorite example is a mouse-size door between kids’ bedrooms that looks just like its full-size counterparts. “The siblings use it to pass notes back and forth,” he says.
Urban observer. A consummate New Yorker who’s ever aware of his surroundings, Herzog finds endless inspiration in the city landscape. “I’m always looking at things as I walk, constantly photographing or taking notes,” he says. “Even if it’s a decrepit building, I might like the way the windows are set or the proportions of the facade.”
Ready to love your space without increasing its size? Herzog shares his tips below.
Ready to love your space without increasing its size? Herzog shares his tips below.
1. Work Around Your Windows
City codes and landmark restrictions often limit New York homeowners from moving windows. But if you’re creating a new room, you probably want natural light. One solution is to cut an existing window in half, Herzog says.
In a Park Slope brownstone, a family wanted to divide an 18-foot-wide room into two bedrooms for their children, but a window sat in the center of it. Herzog bisected the window with a wall inside, seen here; from the outside, the window appears unchanged. The result is that each child has the same-size bedroom with a narrow window.
See more of this project
City codes and landmark restrictions often limit New York homeowners from moving windows. But if you’re creating a new room, you probably want natural light. One solution is to cut an existing window in half, Herzog says.
In a Park Slope brownstone, a family wanted to divide an 18-foot-wide room into two bedrooms for their children, but a window sat in the center of it. Herzog bisected the window with a wall inside, seen here; from the outside, the window appears unchanged. The result is that each child has the same-size bedroom with a narrow window.
See more of this project
2. Use Nooks and Crannies
Whether it’s under a stairway, behind a backsplash or inside a wall, “if there’s any hidden space, find a way to exploit it somehow,” Herzog says.
A complete remodel of another Brooklyn townhouse left empty space below a new set of stairs. Herzog added storage “to use every inch of that space,” he says. Three-foot-deep pullout shelving holds rows of shoes. To its left is a half-height cabinet for other items, and to its right is a full-height closet for coats and other clothing.
See more of this project
Whether it’s under a stairway, behind a backsplash or inside a wall, “if there’s any hidden space, find a way to exploit it somehow,” Herzog says.
A complete remodel of another Brooklyn townhouse left empty space below a new set of stairs. Herzog added storage “to use every inch of that space,” he says. Three-foot-deep pullout shelving holds rows of shoes. To its left is a half-height cabinet for other items, and to its right is a full-height closet for coats and other clothing.
See more of this project
3. Make Spaces Do Double Duty
Look around your home for underutilized areas where you could add extra functionality or that could serve two purposes, Herzog says.
Though they may not seem an obvious choice, bathrooms are great places to start. In another Park Slope brownstone, Herzog tucked a bathtub into the shower enclosure, seen here. A half panel of glass keeps water contained but opens the room visually, while a window behind the tub pulls the eye outside.
See more of this project
More: For more information on Ben Herzog and examples of his work, visit his Houzz profile.
This story was written by the Houzz Sponsored Content team.
Look around your home for underutilized areas where you could add extra functionality or that could serve two purposes, Herzog says.
Though they may not seem an obvious choice, bathrooms are great places to start. In another Park Slope brownstone, Herzog tucked a bathtub into the shower enclosure, seen here. A half panel of glass keeps water contained but opens the room visually, while a window behind the tub pulls the eye outside.
See more of this project
More: For more information on Ben Herzog and examples of his work, visit his Houzz profile.
This story was written by the Houzz Sponsored Content team.
Ben Herzog Architect, PC would love to hear about your project and help you create the best results possible with... Read More
Review by jvswenson:
We worked with Ben and his team to remodel our kitchen, dining room, entry and two bathrooms in our Victorian house in Ditmas Park. We specifically wanted the spaces to reflect the Victorian style and...More
Review by My name is David:
Ben and Ilva and really, the whole staff were great to work with and always available if any problems arose.
Nice write-up and thank you for sharing some of your pro tips !!