Living (small)

A shelving unit tucked under the stairs holds the television, Boutin's collection of antique clocks and storage for media equipment, books and bed linens. In one inventive touch, the unit even conceals a litter box for Boutin's 23-year-old cat, Peep, with an unobtrusive opening cut into the side of the cabinet so the cat can come and go.

Claire argued strongly for recessed toe kicks under the cabinets and banquette. Adding even that small amount of floor space, he says, makes the room seem larger, as do upholstered pieces with exposed legs rather than skirts.

Furniture choices are crucial in small spaces, Claire says. He steered Boutin toward open - back chairs and a glass-top end table that the eye can see right through, giving the illusion of more space. Lightweight, movable pieces also add welcome versatility.

Claire pointed out that in a small space, having too many objects at different heights can create a chaotic effect. He recommends picking only a few heights and aligning furniture and accessories along those lines. In Boutin's room, the top of the wood screen behind the sofa aligns with the bottom of the chandelier; the top of the built-in cabinets is the same height as the dining table; the cushions on the banquette align with the cushions on the chairs and sofa.

Boutin is thrilled with how it all turned out, including the investment in the built-ins, which came in under budget, and the custom-made sofa.

Custom work might sound expensive, he said, but it can be a surprising cost-saver. He paid $2,775 for his perfectly sized couch -- about as much as standard-size sofas found in some big-box stores -- and just under $3,000 for the shelving, storage and banquette -- agreat deal considering he had been pondering a $5,000 armoire.

"You can't buy furniture at that price that would work as well in this space," Boutin says. "There are a lot of people, like me, who are spending lots of money [on furnishings] and not having it work."

Six months ago, Boutin's space felt crowded even when he was alone. Today, he comfortably entertains small groups of friends. "I've had six people here for drinks and food, and it works," he says. "It's close enough, but functional. Intimate, but not crowded."

Though he had never before considered paying to hire a designer, Boutin now wouldn't work without one. "There is definite value in hiring an expert," he says. "I spent more money the first go-round because I bought furniture I didn't use. I ended up paying twice.

"When I bought this [condo], this is what I could afford in this area. By now, I could have bought a bigger space, but what's the point? I love this area, I love this space and it functions perfectly for me."