The West Village space is full of clever storage solutions (hello, IKEA) and a little DIY magic

The living room of designer Sam Masters's West Village apartment. Masters laid a sisal rug to lend softness to the many metal pieces, including a custom Knoll-inspired cafe table, a custom coffee table, and a Mathieu Matégot side table topped with a brass lamp by Visual Comfort . The ceiling light is from Soho Home . TREVOR PARKER

Many try their luck at finding the New York City unicorn apartment—the charming, affordable, rent-controlled, off-market unit. And most fail.…