How to Style a Small Apartment

The interior design of a small apartment can be every bit as stylish and aesthetically pleasing as the mansion at the corner of your street.

To delineate a stylish interior regardless of the dimensions of your apartment, correct scale of furniture is the first step. Of course a good interior scheme focusing on your individual taste and lifestyle is essential.

Ikea may come to mind if you are looking for space saving solutions and a notable reason amongst others to shop ‘Ikea’. The game changer is the ‘ready to assemble furniture’ and appealing low prices making it hard to resist. However, you must be prepared to put aside half a day to get the most out of the ‘shopping experience’.

For couples visiting Ikea it can be an exciting venture strolling through perfectly set up living rooms and kitchens. You are able to browse endless rows of homewares, shop for bed, bath and laundry needs - the list goes on and on. But in spite of that, this escapade can be a reality check for some couples and by the time one exits the store (if you can find it) your relationship may have changed for the worse!

For the most part and not withstanding all of the above, I encourage clients to think outside the square for a unique ‘bijou’.

With a bundle of online interior design suppliers you are not limited and it can be easy as 1-2-3 without having to leave your home! Granted online furniture platforms can be over-whelming, yet with a vast array of high-end pieces to choose from to affordable price tags, an online experience is becoming an appreciable force thanks to the ability to compare home decor suppliers, view colour and style options and more importantly, read honest reviews before making purchases.

PLANNING

Taking size into consideration to avoid costly mistakes is fundamental for a successful interior. Firstly, always measure the entire room and map out the dimensions of the furniture with masking tape. This will illustrate how the pieces will work within the space and ensure they will fit!

Spatial planning is crucial for flow of space and a good rule of thumb is to allow 750 metres between your pieces.  This rule applies in all rooms of your apartment space, including a hallway if you have one. The aim is for a calming and uncluttered living environment. Ensure you position your larger pieces first and work from there. Avoid bulky furniture to maximise the area or overcrowding.  Remember selecting small scale furniture is a brilliant trick 'display home' builders adopt all the time. You can not go wrong if you keep in mind that size DOES matter.

DINING AND ENTERTAINING

A small-scale dining area can be challenging if you love entertaining family and friends. A glass tabletop to give the illusion of openness is useful but if you do not fancy glass then opt for a round dining table with no more than 2-3 well-designed 'ghost chairs' which may sound a little scary, but is just a another name for 'a transparent chair'. Invest in a tiny comfortable stool for when you have more than 3 guests!

Clearly (no pun intended) these armchairs will not make a statement but are an excellent choice for their practicality alone. If ghost chairs do not appeal then go for a simple neutral Scandinavian design to create an ambience of simplicity and class. 

LIVING

A well designed living room need not be compromised just because you live in a tiny apartment. Your lifestyle plays an important role in how you relax in your home and therefore a functional space to relax in is an absolute must.

Start off with the sofa and coffee table that is well proportioned to the space, this is no small feat I know, but possible with careful planning.

If you are buying a sofa or bedroom furniture online always read the terms and conditions of sale and check for a return policy. This is where reviews can be instrumental, even so, everyone has different needs and views so i strongly recommend you take a trip to the showroom to 'test it out' before making any decisions.

If your room is an odd shape think about a small modular that can wrap around to make use of a wall.

WORK

Millions of people around the world are finding themselves working remotely and a suitable workspace within your home is no picnic when you do not have a spare room or study.

A bedroom can be a practical alternative, however if you must resort to your slumberland as your 'work from home space' keep the desk and everything around it small-scale, including the chair. A comfortable dining chair can double up as an office chair, just ensure it is ergonomically suitable.  For really tight bedrooms, the desk can also be used as your bedside table and/or dressing table.

If there are two of you working from home, why not consider a two person work station, they are a great space saving solution. They come in different sizes and can even double up as a dining table, if your place is really tiny.

When you need a change of scenery, why not use your coffee or dining table to 'double up' as a work desk. Stand up desks are becoming popular due to their health benefits. You can move them around and some even fold away. Food for thought? Standing up and walking away from your desk every 20 minutes is recommended.

Written by

Marina Mura

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