Small apartment living is not unusual in big cities. Small spaces are not conducive with big changes. You may not have many options of where to place your sofa, or to purchase a larger dining table to fit all your guests, but you can make small changes that will make a big impact. If you are looking for ways to design the interior of your small apartment, follow the tips below.
Instead of dwelling on the small amount of space you have to work with, map out your space and focus on what you do have. Taking time to map out various options for furniture placement will give you a good idea of flow and functionality. When planning the layout of a room consider the traffic flow – how will people move around the apartment? The placement of windows will also help determine where furniture is positioned.
A common decorating mistake is purchasing an oversized sofa, which will make an apartment feel cramped. Low-back sofas paired with an armchair or ottoman for extra seating work well in small spaces. It is also advisable to select a durable leather sofa that is easy to clean, especially when furnishing a rental property.
Place the same quality flooring throughout an apartment, taking it outside onto a balcony or courtyard. This will help make a space flow. To distinguish living areas, use decorative rugs and create strong focal points, such as a key piece of furniture, a feature wall, adding a striking light or chandelier, a piece of art or a window with a beautiful view.
In confined areas it is best to avoid table lamps that have large shades. Use accent lights to draw attention to a special feature in an apartment, and task lights to illuminate work areas such as a desk or kitchen bench top. When it comes to small apartment living, always maximise natural light as this helps to open up a room.
To make the most of every square inch of space, select multifunctional furniture. For example, stylish ottomans can be utilised as storage space and as extra dining chairs when friends and family pop around for dinner.
Mirrors can create an amazing illusion of space. When selecting a mirror for an apartment, think big. The bigger the mirror, the more light it can reflect. The positioning of the mirror is equally important. Make sure that it reflects something with depth, or a decorative painting.
Add personal touches to an apartment by displaying artefacts and special pieces collected on travels. Find a special spot for a treasured family heirloom and create a photo feature wall by grouping together an assortment of complementary frames.Layer textured throw cushions and rugs in your favourite colours. The success of interior design is all in the details.For help in designing your small studio apartment, contact Bernadette.
