Small Space, Big Ideas

Couple Shares Small Space, Big Ideas

An architectural designer, Gregory De Peña trotted out a number of unconventional—yet brilliant—ideas that transformed what was a cramped, cookie-cutter apartment into a spacious home that accommodates New Year's parties and overnight guests. It also offers enough storage to hide the family secret: "I'm not a neat person," Greg admits.

His maverick techniques included laying floor tiles on the diagonal and turning shower components into doors with a high-end look. His wife, Kelly, a CPA, "watched every penny" and delights in the results. "Ours is the best place in the building," she says.