Small Apartment Interior Tips for Men: Smart Styling for a Better Space

The interior design of a small apartment can be just as appealing as the penthouse that sits above it.

So how do you delineate a sleek and bold interior regardless of the dimensions of your apartment? Correct scale of furniture is the first step, and the second is focusing on personal taste and lifestyle.

THE IKEA EXPERIENCE – IS IT FOR YOU?

IKEA may come to mind if you are exploring space saving designs, as they have a range of multifunctional furniture. In addition, the game changer for most budget conscious people is the ready to assemble furniture and low prices, making it hard to ignore. Essentially though, you must be prepared to put aside half a day to get the most out of the shopping experience and then put it together yourself, unless you pay someone to do it for you, which defeats the purpose if you are shopping for affordable prices in addition to their flat-pack and design solutions.

Do not get me wrong, IKEA is a fantastic place to venture through perfectly set up living rooms, bedrooms and kitchens. You will browse endless rows of essentials like bedding, bath, kitchen and laundry needs - the list goes on. But, despite that, this escapade can be a reality check and upon exiting IKEA, as it may leave you feeling overwhelmed. Most IKEA furniture is designed to maximise space, but making it work in a real-life setting is not always as straightforward as it seems in a small apartment or studio.

So, for the most part, think outside the square when selecting furniture for your unique compact apartment.

SHOP WITH EASE - SHOP SMART

A virtual journey is becoming an appreciable force thanks to the ability to compare different products online. And with a bundle of suppliers you are not limited. With an array of high-end pieces or simple and affordable price tags, you can deck out your pad and breathe new life into it, without having to leave the house. It enables you to shop at your own pace, within your budget, and without pressure of salespeople.

If you are buying furniture online always read the terms and conditions of sale and the return policy. This is where reviews can be instrumental, even so, everyone has different needs and views so I recommend you take a visit to the store to see for yourself.

PLAN AND MEASURE - TAKE YOUR TIME

Taking size into consideration to avoid costly mistakes is fundamental for a functional interior in a small apartment.

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 and a good rule of thumb is to allow at least 750mm between pieces of furniture for a balanced layout.  This rule applies in all rooms, including a hallway if you have one. The aim is for a mellow and uncluttered living environment.

Ensure to 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 use for perception of a larger room (and it works). Keep in mind that size DOES matter.

EAT, DRINK AND UNWIND - ENTERTAINING

A small-scale dining area can be challenging if you enjoy entertaining family and friends.

A round glass dining table to give the illusion of openness is useful. But, if you are not a fan of glass, then opt for a light timber paired with 2-3 well-designed chairs.

Invest in a small-scale laid-back stool for when you have more than 3 guests.

‍SMALL LIVING ROOM - LIVE BETTER

A well-designed living room need not be compromised just because you live in a small apartment. Your way of living plays an important role and should be the blueprint for setting up key functional pieces that are going to work for you, and you alone. Taking this into consideration is an absolute must.

Start with the sofa and then a coffee table that is well proportioned to the room. A 60 cm round coffee table is a practical choice, as it maximises the area while minimising the risk of it being in the way (no one likes a stubbed toe).

A sofa bed is an excellent space-saving option, combining seating and sleeping in one piece. It works well if you only need an extra bed occasionally. BUT if comfort is a priority or you frequently host guests, a separate sofa and bed might be the better alternative.

Choosing double-functional furniture like an ottoman and coffee table with storage, or a wall-mounted desk will keep things uncluttered

If your apartment has an unusual shape or a large window that limits your floor area (believe me some small apartments have large windows to make up for the lack of room) then a modular sofa with curves adds visual appeal while also improving flow and ease of movement.

While large windows are great for openness they can reduce usable wall area for furniture placement, storage, or decor. That’s why a strategic furniture choice like low-profile seating can help maximise both aesthetics and functionality in a small apartment.

TV SCREEN AND STORAGE – FRAME YOUR ZONE

When deciding where to place your TV screen and artwork in a space with limited wall options, try framing the TV with artwork. This approach allows the TV to blend into the design, only drawing attention when it’s turned on.

If you prefer shelving above your TV for displaying books, gaming consoles, and entertainment gear, this can give your room a smart edge.

A small apartment can be short on storage, so shelving is good way to keep things in order without clutter.

Here are 3 solid shelving ideas that work well:

·      Floating Corner Shelves –useful storage without taking up floor area.

·      Ladder Shelves – an option that leans against the wall and provides multiple levels of storage.

·      Multi-Functional Room Dividers– open shelving as a divider to separate zones while keeping an airy feel.

REMOTE WORKING FROM A SMALL APARTMENT - IS IT POSSIBLE?

Many people across the world are still working remotely, but creating a functional workspace at home can be challenging without a dedicated study or spare room.

Your bedroom can be a workable alternative, however if you must resort to your slumberland, do keep the desk and everything around it on a small-scale, including the chair. A comfortable dining chair can double up as an office chair (and a good way to store an extra chair for entertaining). Just ensure it is ergonomically suitable.  For really tight bedrooms, the desk can also double up as your bedside table and/or dressing table.

When you need a shift of surroundings head on over to your coffee or dining table, but I do not recommend this for any length of time to avoid posture issues.

Stand up desks are becoming popular due to their health benefits. A compact sit/stand desk designed for small spaces will accommodate just a laptop.

You can move them around your apartment, and some even fold away.

You should stand up and take a break every 20 minutes to prevent back pain from prolonged sitting, and to improve your focus and productivity throughout the day; giving your mind and body a short reset is key.

CONCLUSION

Sometimes it’s easy to take for granted the feeling of home, big or small.

Your nest is where you embrace life's simple pleasures, and everyone wants to relax and unwind with little concern for space.

When all is said and done, it is about making deliberate choices, selecting the right pieces that enhance your space, while ensuring there is room for what matters.

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Article Written by Marina Mura

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Find your ideal style | E: marinamura@moodblogs.com

Moodboard Image credit: Oski + Lottie, Montauk Lighting, Trit Furniture, Halcyon Lake and RJ Living.

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BEGIN YOUR JOURNEY - LEARN MORE

If you are unsure where to start or have a small apartment that you would like to maximise and style, contact me for simple and effective decorating designed specifically for men. My online E-Design service includes moodboards, a shopping list and direct product links to make the process easy.

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