When Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward settled into their East 11th Street apartment in 1958, they faced a quintessential New York City dilemma: How to house a growing collection of books and mementos within a classic Greenwich Village footprint without overcrowding their room.

Looking back at photos taken inside their home that December, the couple’s living room storage idea feels remarkably fresh. By drawing the eye upward with floor-to-ceiling shelving and vertical storage, the couple turned blank walls into a blend of organization and charm.

According to Robert Aumann, a luxury real estate advisor and founding partner of La Jolla Life, Paul and Joanne's living room proves you don't need expansive square footage to live comfortably. Instead, the secret lies in using the full height of your walls.

'Even if your living room isn't spacious, it doesn't necessarily mean that you don't have enough space,' Robert says. 'Sometimes, you're just not making the best use of the space you already have. Their living room is a great example of how you can make use of your walls while still keeping that cozy atmosphere.'

Robert continues: 'Vertical storage is one of the smartest ways to make a small home feel bigger and more organized,' he explains. 'Instead of cluttering the floor with cabinets, tables, and storage boxes, make use of your walls. You can display your favorite things while leaving more room to move around.'

For anyone looking to recreate the look at home, Robert recommends starting with simple wall shelves placed above a sofa, beside a fireplace, or tucked into an empty corner to hold books, framed photos, and small plants. If you have a larger collection like Paul and Joanne did, a tall, narrow bookcase is another essential piece.

'My favorite thing about this type of bookshelf is that it can reach almost to the ceiling without taking up much floor space,' says Robert. 'You can fit so many books into it. Just be sure to secure the bookcase to the wall so it doesn't tip over.'

Looking closely at the 1958 photos of Paul and Joanne's apartment, every available inch of wall space is utilized. Robert notes that homeowners often miss prime storage spots around a room. 'You could install a shelf next to a door or above a desk,' he suggests. 'You can also add shelving above a low cabinet instead of buying a larger piece of furniture.'

Of course, packing every shelf to the brim can quickly make a room feel heavy. To keep things balanced, Robert advises leaving plenty of space between books and decorative objects, and mixing open shelves with concealed storage.

'Not everything we own is worth showing off,' he says. 'Use storage baskets or boxes to hide the little things you don't want everyone to see, like remotes, chargers, and junk mail.'

Finish and color also play a big role in how your storage idea sits within a room. 'To make the shelves less noticeable, paint them the same color as the walls,' says Robert. 'This trick works especially well in smaller spaces, where too many shelves and decorative items can make the walls look cluttered. Lighter shades of paint can make the room feel bigger, while natural wood adds warmth.'

Paul and Joanne's Greenwich Village home makes a beautiful case for treating storage as an integral part of a room's design. Their bookshelves use the full height of the space, bringing together books and personal collections in a way that feels in keeping with the home. As Robert explains, 'It shows how storage can be both practical and beautiful. A home should be functional, but it should also tell the story of the people who live there.'

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