How to design a small inner- city apartment
Designing a small inner-city apartment can be both challenging and rewarding. Having a limited space is a challenge our clients find tricky - and we so get that! Having less space requires careful planning and creative solutions.
We love the process of creating a thoughtful design… it’s exciting to see the transformation of even the smallest apartment into a stylish and functional living space! Here are my best tips to help you design a small inner-city apartment that maximises space, functionality and style.
Image: Essencia Interiors
Assess Your Space and Needs
Before diving into design, it's crucial to understand the space you have and your specific needs:
Measure the Space: Take accurate measurements of each room, including the ceiling height, windows and any other structural features. Having these measurements written down will help you plan the layout and choose furniture that fits perfectly.
Identify Key Functions of your Apartment: Consider how you will use each area of your apartment. Do you need a workspace, a dining area or extra storage? Prioritise your needs - what are your most important activities and needs for the space to work out how to organise the space effectively?
Create a Floorplan: Sketch a floor plan - or several - to help you visualise the layout possibilities. This can be done on paper or using online tools and apps. A floorplan helps you experiment with different arrangements of furniture and find the best configuration for your space. See more about creating a floor plan in the section below…
Optimise Layout and Flow in your floor plan
An efficient layout is key to making a small apartment feel spacious and functional:
Open Concept Design: If possible, work with an open floorplan concept that merges living, dining and kitchen areas. Ensure there is a clear path for flow and movement throughout the apartment. Avoid obstructing walkways with furniture and keep high-traffic areas as uncluttered as possible. Open spaces feel larger and allow for flexible use of the space too. Try placing larger furniture pieces along walls to maximise open space in the center of the room. Floating furniture, such as a sofa in the middle of the living area, can also create a sense of openness.
Zoning: Create distinct zones for different activities without using walls. To do this you can use rugs, the arrangement of furniture and you can also use lighting to define areas that each have a different purpose - such as sleeping, eating, and relaxing. Consider using room dividers, such as folding screens, curtains, or bookcases to create privacy and separate areas without permanent walls. Room dividers can be moved and adjusted as needed.
Maximise Space with Smart Furniture and clever storage
Choosing the right furniture is crucial for a small apartment. Choose pieces that are multifunctional and that also save space. Effective storage is essential in a small apartment to keep the space organised and clutter-free.
Image: Essencia Interiors
Consider the following…
KETURAH Nested Grey Glass Coffee Tables.
Use one and tuck the other away. Or use both at once!
From our online store Home By Essencia.
Multi-Functional Furniture: Invest in furniture that serves more than one purpose. Examples include sofa beds, ottomans with storage, fold-out desks and extendable dining tables. Invest in modular furniture that can be rearranged and reconfigured as needed. This flexibility allows you to adapt the space for different activities and occasions. These pieces can adapt to different needs and save valuable space at the same time. (See more storage options in the next section)
Vertical Storage: Utilise vertical space with tall shelving units, wall-mounted cabinets and hanging organisers. And pegboards, hooks and wall-mounted shelving. Vertical storage is ideal for many rooms, including kitchens, bathrooms and entryways. This keeps the floor area clear and creates a sense of height in the room. It gives you more storage for items you want to keep out of eyesight and helps you conserve as much space as possible.
Compact and Slimline Designs: The style of furniture can make all the difference to the overall look. Consider furniture with a slim profile and clean lines. Avoid bulky pieces that can easily overwhelm a small space. Lightweight and minimalist furniture tend to work best in compact apartments. For the kitchen, choose compact and multi-functional appliances that can be tucked away when not in use, like a microwave or air fryer that doubles as a convection oven.
Custom Built-Ins: Consider custom-built furniture that will work perfectly with to your apartment's dimensions. Maximise storage with built-in solutions like floor-to-ceiling shelves, cabinets and wardrobes. Built-in shelves, cabinets and seating can make the most of awkward corners. This can give you creative storage with a seamless look.
Light and Colour
Lighting and colour play an important role in making a small space feel larger and more inviting. We love to look at these aspects when considering lighting for each apartment…
Natural Light: Maximise natural light by keeping windows unobstructed. Use sheer curtains or blinds that allow light to filter through. Having some reflective surfaces, like mirrors and glossy finishes, can also help bounce natural light around the room.
Layered Lighting: Incorporate multiple sources of light to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Think about using a combination of overhead lights, floor lamps, table lamps and wall sconces to bring in not just functional light but ambient light as well.
Colour Palette: Choose a light and neutral colour palette to make the space feel airy and open. Whites, soft grays and light pastels can visually expand the space. Use darker colours sparingly as accents to add some depth and interest.
Accent Walls: If you want to introduce a strong splash of colour, consider an accent wall. A single wall painted in a bold color or covered with wallpaper can create a focal point without overwhelming the room.
Personalise with Décor
Even in a small space, you can add personality and style with thoughtful décor choices:
Use artwork, throw pillows, rugs, and decorative items to inject personality. Choose a few statement pieces rather than overcrowding the space with small knick-knacks. Soft textiles like curtains, cushions and throws add warmth and comfort. Layering textures can create a cosy atmosphere and make the apartment feel more inviting. Indoor plants can bring life and freshness to a small apartment. Go for low-maintenance varieties that thrive indoors, such as succulents, snake plants and pothos.
Image: Essencia Interiors
Designing a small inner-city apartment requires careful planning and creative solutions to maximise space and functionality. With these tips and ideas, you can transform your small apartment into a comfortable, stylish and functional sanctuary… one that caters to your likes and lifestyle.
Would you like a helping hand to style your apartment? Apartments are our specialty! Reach out HERE and see how we can help you!