Don’t limit your style and creativity by the size of your space. In fact, small spaces can be a canvas for big ideas! There are no limits for creativity when it comes to your limited space an apartment of any size offers. The smaller spaces of an apartment can function just as well as a sprawling space of a large home, and are arguably more practical in some cases.
Granted, each space should be large enough to move around in, but having everything around your space within arms’ length when you need it is a benefit many overlook when all they see is small. Here are a few hints on how to make your small space work in big ways for you and your loved ones.
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Work with What You’ve Got
In the U.S., “apartment” is typically a single unit a person rents in a large building full of multiple units. The smallest building I recall living in had six units – three floors with two units per floor. An “apartment” isn’t typically a property you own, and since you don’t own it, your design choices are limited. You can’t easily knock down a wall or replace the cabinets or counters. There are also often limitations on whether or not you can paint the walls, the size of holes acceptable for nails or other hanging fixtures, and more.
Floor-to-Ceiling Shelving
One of the first steps to making a space look bigger is to draw the eye up so the viewer takes in the whole space. This can be accomplished by floor-to-ceiling shelving. To see “everything,” your eye is drawn up to take in the whole thing. The next benefit of having floor-to-ceiling shelving is the added storage space. We have close to floor-to-ceiling shelving in our primary bedroom as well as the living room. It offers space for things that would otherwise have to be put into our offsite storage unit, making them harder to access when we need them.
Under-stairs Storage
Our apartment is a two-story townhouse, and with that comes under-stairs storage. It’s a part of our utility room. When I first examined the room, it appeared as though there was other under-stairs storage that has since been blocked off. The larger space that now exists under the stairs is perfect for extra storage. We opted to install multiple shelves in the utility room that make organizing tools, cleaning supplies, and more a breeze.
Add Visual Space with Mirrors
If you have the space, a mirror set in a space that can reflect the space outside is a great way to add the look of space to your interior without the need for extensive renovation that isn’t possible in a rental unit.
Add Plants for Extra Color
Potted plants, hanging plants, flowers, and more add color, texture, and scent for a feeling of fullness and space. Just be sure not to crowd in too many and accidentally shrink the space.
Add Color with Accessories
As stated earlier, apartments or rental units don’t allow a lot of flexibility with paint and wall coverings. There may be clauses in the lease that say any changes the tenant makes need to be removed upon departure. That means painting a second time, and when you’re already dealing with the chaos of moving out and into another home. Instead, add the color you so desperately need – and deserve – through furnishings and textiles.
White walls fade away against pops of color in furnishings, pillows, throws, and art on the walls. Remember not to go overboard – too much color can be a bad thing, too.
Stay Neutral
Blend in with the surroundings. Neutrals like whites, grays, blacks, browns, and the like reflect a clean and minimal look. The busy-ness of color is gone and allows the eye to take in the whole room rather than be attracted to a single area of color.
Alternate Uses
In the apartment I lived in before I moved to where I live now, there was a small alcove next to the fireplace. It was an odd size and shape – no tall bookshelf or other furnishings and décor would really fit. The thing that did fit was my workstation. All I need is a desk, chair, and my desktop computer, all of which fit perfectly into this little space. If not for this alcove, my workstation would have taken up valuable living room space, or would have had to fit somewhere in the bedroom.
Beds with Built-In Storage
At this former apartment, we had a basic metal frame bed that my husband had had since he was a teenager. When we moved to where we are now, we started with a mattress on the floor until we could find a bedroom set we liked. The bed we settled on has two large drawers on each side. It allowed us the freedom to get rid of dressers, freeing up space in the room. These drawers haven’t been just for clothes: my husband stores things like his percussion practice pad on his side.
Light
One of the first things we do in the morning is open the blinds. Natural light pours in and fills the room. It lets a bit of the outside in and makes the space feel a little bigger. On a sunny day, our living room doesn’t need much help from artificial light. On a not-so-sunny day, our slim table lamps offer a burst of light much like that we get from the sun. It makes it lighter, brighter, and bigger.
Choose Furniture That Fits
Part of good design is making sure nothing is overcrowded. You want to make sure each piece of furniture fits into the room and allows for plenty of movement through the room and doesn’t block traffic patterns. You don’t want to be scooting along the side of the bed just to get in.
Final Thoughts
The staff at Acipe Design knows that no matter what kind of space you’re in, you want to make it unique and yours, even when you don’t have the leeway to do much. We can help you make the most of a space, no matter the size. Once you’re ready to move out of the apartment and into a custom home with all the space you can imagine, we’re ready to make your dreams a reality.
Contact us today!