Seri Kerzner turned her tiny Manhattan abode into a colourful family home with a place for both playtime and party time.

Toronto-born Seri Kertzner, co-owner of Little Miss Party, lives in a 950-square-foot Manhattan apartment with her husband and sons. They've been renting the Greenwich Village space for eight years and it boasts a killer view of the Empire State Building. "I always dreamed of living in New York," she says. "I knew we'd be stupid to leave this place!"

 

Floor plan

Still, the drab furniture, tired and broken parquet floors, and awkward nooks meant it was time for a refresh. She desperately wanted something family friendly yet stylish and party-ready for her flourishing event planning business. She turned to her friend Lisa Hershman of Play Chic Interiors in New York to come up with a plan that would make the space work hard and look good all at once. 

 

Wood and iron dining table

The iron and acacia wood table is the perfect multi-functional dining table. Seri and her business partner, Michelle Bachman, use the table for work and crafts for the parties they plan. 

 

Cheerful entryway

Wallpaper, paint and modern light fixtures were used to add a playful effect in the entryway and living room. 

 

Storage bookshelf 

The bookcase offers a lot of storage with a small footprint and was updated with a sweet bird-print wallpaper pattern to add a layer of detail. 

 

Kid-friendly space

The couple's two sons, Luke and Gavin, have their own little lounge/play area on one side of the living area, where their toys and games can be corralled at the end of each day. Mini armchairs coordinate with the adult furniture in the room.

 

Contemporary grey living area

Lisa helped Seri shop for major pieces that are durable enough for two boys but still sophisticated for adult entertaining. So out went the old bachelor-pad-style black leather sofa, and in came a contemporary but cozy grey one. And a coffee table was ousted in favour of an elegant ottoman (with no sharp edges). 

 

Family photos

The kids play area features a bookshelf that is adorned with family photos, childrens books and toy storage on the bottom shelf. 

 

 

Glamourous gold accents

A pair of gold elephants injects a dose of playful glamour.

 

Family fun time

Little Miss Party proves a home can be a place for both playtime and party time.