There will always be a need for space in a small apartment. While there isn’t much you can do about the space itself, there are some tricks you can use to help your home appear and feel larger. From area separation to using the right colors, here are some handy design suggestions.
Consider Fitted Functional Space
You must make the most of the space available when your home is small. This can be challenging in most homes, never mind an apartment. Additionally, there are structural limitations on flats too. Fortunately, you can make better use of available space with smart storage. Never mind under-bed boxes and hollow couches. Fitted and functional closet designs are a perfect example. Expert designers will work with you around the available space.
Smart Separation Ideas
Delineating areas in small spaces helps them feel functional and allows you to make better placement decisions. Room dividers are one method. However, these can encroach on available space when used in a limited area. One method that works well is to divide areas using rugs, even on top of carpet. This allows you to sketch out a specific space for a particular function, such as the area of the room that is to be used for watching TV or working from home.
Use Hall Space in a Small Apartment
If you live in a small apartment, then you know the hallway can be something of a nightmare. Just trying to get groceries from the front door to the kitchen can feel like spelunking. And you aren’t alone. In New York, for example, almost 70% of the 3.45 million homes have two bedrooms or less. Yet, making the hallway functional will put the space to better use. Try adding a bench for slipping shoes off, hooks for your jackets, and storage for putting your boots away.
Use Color to Your Advantage
Any designer will tell you how much color plays a role in creating a specific feeling in a room. Shades of white, pale blue, and pastels will always make a room feel airy and lighter. You can use this to your advantage by choosing color combinations that don’t encroach on the space. Monochromatic themes are used to great effect in small apartments, especially when combined with reflective surfaces. These include polished wooden floors, shiny countertops, and mirrors.
Position Furniture on the Walls
Unless you have a large room, you can’t really get away with placing furniture in the middle of the room. A better idea is to put the furniture back against the walls. This opens up all the available floor space as much as possible. And if the room is tiny, don’t bother with a coffee table. This will only take up the precious space you can’t spare. Also, think about what you place in the room. Placing too much will only serve to work against the feeling of space.
Summary
Fitted functional spaces such as closets will help make better use of limited space in a small apartment. It also helps to make other parts of the home functional, such as the hallway. Positioning furniture such as couches will also help maximize the available space in a room.
