Small Space, Big Style: Clever Tips for Apartment Interior Design
So you live in a little apartment and feel like adding any kind of décor will just make everything look cluttered and messy. But that’s simply not the case! Your space may be short on square footage, but that doesn’t mean it has to be short on style. With the right design, even the smallest spaces can feel airy, open, and beautifully functional. If you’re trying to crack the code on how to make your tiny space feel bigger than it is and pack a powerful design punch, you’ve come to the right place!
1. Light Colors Are A Must
People may roll their eyes at this, especially if you’re someone who prefers your home to have that dark and moody kind of vibe, but if your apartment is small, using too much darkness in your color palette can overwhelm it and make it more oppressive than anything. Sticking to a lighter palette and bringing in pops of color through décor, an accent wall, or even pillows and blankets is a great way to make your space seem larger without compromising your personal taste and style. Start by adding the darker colors in smaller doses, like a charcoal rug, a deep purple accent chair, or a dark and moody piece of art.
2. Multifunctional Furniture Is Your Best Friend
When you’re low on square footage, every item you bring into your space needs to earn its spot! Thankfully, you have a lot of options for furniture that pulls double-duty for you. A sofa bed with storage ottomans is a fantastic combination for providing extra seating and bed space for overnight guests without requiring a dedicated guest room, and you can use the ottomans to store extra blankets, pillows, or other items.
You can also consider things like wall-mounted desks that fold away when not in use, or expandable dining tables that can be extended for entertaining, but don’t take up much space otherwise. In a bedroom space, storage beds are lifesavers for keeping bulky items like sheets and out-of-season clothing and tucked away but still accessible. Multifunctional furniture is really the key to making the most out of every inch of space in a small apartment (plus, who doesn’t love a Mary Poppins magic bag moment??!!)
3. Use Mirrors Strategically
Mirrors aren’t just for making sure you’ve got that ‘fit on before you leave the house—they’re also an excellent way to reflect light and make a room feel larger. Placing a large mirror across from a window will amplify natural light, making the room brighter and giving the illusion of more space. You can even add a bit of glamour to your room with mirrored furniture, like a coffee table or nightstand. They’ll contribute to the light and open feel of the space, and the shine will make the whole place feel fabulous.
4. Don’t Be Afraid to Use Vertical Space
One of the biggest mistakes people make in interior design for small apartments is not using their walls effectively. Floor space might be limited, but start thinking vertically, and BAM, you’ve got all kinds of extra real estate to work with! If you have a lot of books or items you’d like to display, floor-to-ceiling bookshelves and floating shelves are perfect options because they’ll draw the eye to the ceiling and give the illusion of a bigger room. Wall-mounted hooks are simple ways to hang coats, bags, or leashes and keep them off the floor, and you can use them on the inside of closets to maximize space. If you have a really small kitchen with hardly any cupboard space, you can also consider using pegboards as a way to organize kitchen supplies and utensils. This isn’t my personal favorite look, but if you turn the pegboards into decorative statement pieces, there is a way to make it work!
5. Clear the Clutter (and Be Smart About Storage!)
I know it might seem almost impossible to avoid clutter, but truthfully, clutter is the enemy of a small space. The more stuff you have in your home, the smaller and more chaotic everything will feel. Here at Lofty, we offer professional home organization services in addition to interior design, so we know a thing or two about storage and organization. Apart from the aforementioned multifunctional furniture, decorative baskets and bins will help you keep everything organized and out of sight.
Don’t forget to declutter every couple of months, too. As humans, we tend to accumulate things over time, and they just sit in our houses taking up space and energy. Set a reminder in your calendar to go through your baskets and storage areas once a quarter. If you come across something you haven’t used in the last 90 days, get rid of it and save space! Minimalism has a bad rap for being cold, but intentionally incorporating warm textures, layered textiles, and personal touches make your home feel cozy and lived-in
6. Define Spaces with Rugs and Creative Room Dividers
Even if you are in a tiny studio, using rugs and room dividers can help you create distinct areas for different activities. An area rug can visually define a living space, while sheer curtains or a strategically placed bookshelf can provide separation for a bedroom area. Clearly delineating different “zones” within your space creates an illusion of space and keeps everything from blending together and looking cramped.
7. Final tips
There are a lot of other tricks you can use to maximize the look and feel of your small home without compromising on the styles you love. Lighting that brings the eyes upward will give the illusion of higher ceilings. Choosing one or two full-size furniture pieces rather than a bunch of small ones can avoid the cluttered look and even help your space look more grand.
No matter what size space you live in, you can make it look like the home of your dreams with a few intentional choices. Make the most of it with the tips we’ve provided and you’ll feel like your small apartment has been transformed into a castle!