Designing for a Small Living Space
Courtesy of Vicky Sim (Unsplash)
Introduction
Many of us have had to make a choice - to live in a small city pad with all amenities outside our front door or settle into the rural charm of a house in the suburbs with an hourly bus to somewhere and roads not designed for cars. London, Paris, New York and cities worldwide all present the same negotiables to contemplate. Small space interior design.
So here we are going to focus on making the most of small space interior design. So let's get inside these compact apartments, flats, studios, efficiencies, apartments and micro apartments and start the conversation.
Entrance
Courtesy of Collov Home Design (Unsplash)
“Welcome to my home” - first it must be inviting. Also, it is a transient space, the gateway to your home that must be heavy duty, especially if pets, children, guests and family are to be accommodated. If you must have a coat rack, make it small. Let in the light choose doors with glass panes. Reflect something pretty with a large wall mirror. Be practical - a narrow console or radiator shelf table. Tuck a small pouffe underneath and provide a place to sit to remove shoes.
A series of 3 framed pictures or photographs along the wall will give your space depth. Do not be afraid of drama - an ornate ceiling light fixture semi-flush, a statement table lamp or dark paint on the walls. Colour drench the space, choose colour carefully that works in harmony with the rest of the rooms and then colour everything in that colour - walls, skirting, radiator etc. Small space interior design drama. Know also if your hallway is really narrow forget the idea of furniture and let the light, walls and floor take centre stage.
Bedroom
Courtesy of Happybeds
A dual-function bed to store your stuff discreetly. You know the bed doesn't have to be in the middle of a wall, it can be off-centre or in a corner. Forget symmetry, that is a privilege for large spaces. Ottoman beds hold more than most cupboards. Ideal for small-space interior design.
One night table, not 2, a floating shelf or a small side table. If you need some inspiration, here are 14 great nightstands.
Courtesy of Spacejoy
Statement beds and multiple light options
Statement beds are luscious, shaped, padded, buttoned or sitting on some ornately carved feet. They are all about looks and will distract you from the frugal square footage. They can take up most of the floor space as long as ends and corners are soft so your shins do not get bruised. As long as you do not intend to participate in YouTube Keep Fit sessions here in this small space you have nothing to worry about.
Stag on the river in Eashing
It is a bedroom and the ambience should be just right for you. Lighting is very important. Aim for a minimum of 3/4 light sources - count natural daylight as one and candlelight as another. I personally have 6 light sources that create the light I need and enjoy in my bedroom design. Consider your options before you send your electrician home.
Fitted wardrobes - Working tirelessly backstage enabling the room to shine
Courtesy of Hammonds
Wall-to-wall carpeting (old school), is a soft textured supportive element. Try a large area rug or a light subtle wood floor with discrete lines. Adjectives to consider are calm, soft, cosy, peaceful, romantic, feminine, restful etc. all supportive of small space interior design. Pick some or all in your own bedroom interior design.
Floor-to-ceiling curtains! A great way to give the illusion of a higher ceiling.
Biophilic design works well in small spaces - corner of a bedroom
Courtesy of Spacejoy
This design style is a healthy, practical addition to a bedroom that integrates seamlessly. Wall-hung plants, potted plants on a tabletop, on the floor, on the window sill or in between books on a bookshelf.
Bold stripes, vivid colours & furniture that is not shy
The Marker San Francisco
If you love bold colours and dramatic patterns a small space should not prevent you from designing in that fashion. It is your space and should bring you joy. If you share your bedroom it could be a challenge to convince your sleeping ‘other’ that it is a good idea. A monochromatic room without a pattern will not guarantee sound sleep.
Finally…
It is said that good things come in small packages. I have tried to show this here. Small homes can look just as stylish as large homes. The selections have to be more considered, the placement of furniture well thought out and storage has to be sensible and more discreet.
This is Part 1 of this design blog - there are many Interior Design books with chapters bursting with information on this subject but, this is a blog. So I decided that a single design blog covering every room of the home should not be attempted. Please look out for Part 2 of the Small space interior design in a few weeks when I will focus on a couple of other rooms in the home.
Looking to make the most of your small space?
At Ar'mes Design Studio, we specialize in creating stunning interiors that maximize every inch of your living area.
Don't let the limitations of a small space hold you back. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and experience the wonders our interior design expertise can bring to your home. Together, let's turn your small space into an extraordinary showcase of style and functionality!
