This small guest bedroom is from a 1960s Dallas ranch we designed for a couple who were downsizing.
Just because you live in a small apartment or condo doesn’t mean that you can’t go big on style. Designing a small space can present some unique challenges. However, living in a small space also encourages you to be thoughtful and economical about what you bring into it. If you’re looking to get the most out of your apartment or condo, these tips may be helpful.
Identify Your Top Priorities for the Space
To start with, take time to really think about your needs and your routine. For example, if you don’t use your dining table often, you may want to replace it with a table that folds up when not in use. Walk through the apartment and note any blank walls or corners that aren’t serving a purpose. Whenever possible, take advantage of vertical wall space to add additional storage. Tall, narrow bookcases and shelving units are perfect for this.
Daybeds, such as the one seen here, are multi-purpose. They can function as beds as well as seating or lounging areas.
Buy Multi-Purpose Furniture
If you’ve read other small space decorating guides, you probably know that buying multi-purpose furniture is a must. Some examples of multi-purpose furniture include beds with built-in storage, bookcases with built-in desks, hollow ottomans and sofa beds. When you’re decorating your small apartment from scratch, it’s crucial to make sure you’re purchasing the correct scale furniture. A major advantage to hiring an interior designer is that they will carefully measure your space and find pieces that are just the right proportion—or have them custom-made, if need be.
The glass and acrylic game table next to this mirror fades into the background. It also doubles as an extra dining spot.
If you have low ceilings, use short-legged furniture to help your ceilings feel taller. On the other hand, if your ceilings are just the right height, you should consider furniture with longer legs. A large sofa that sits low to the floor can feel extra bulky in a small room. By bringing up your furniture off the floor instead, you’re making it appear as if you have more floor space.
Make Your Walls Feel Bigger With the Right Accessories
One of the tricks designers use for decorating apartments and condos is to buy clear furniture made of acrylic or glass. A clear coffee table fades into its surroundings, making the room feel more expansive. Mirrors are another common solution for small spaces. They add more dimension to an otherwise flat wall, and reflect light into the room. Believe it or not, it’s a mistake to only decorate your walls with small artwork. With artwork, it can actually look better to go bold with a big statement piece.
Use Rugs and Furniture to Create Visual ‘Zones’
Rugs also do a lot of good for a small apartment. They can cover up unsightly carpets and tile, delineate “zones,” or visually expand the space. Speaking of zones, make sure to divide shared spaces with your furniture. An open concept floor plan is not as beneficial to apartments as you might think. It’s better to give the eye places to rest and create cohesive groupings. For example, if your dining area and living room are connected, you can use the back of your sofa to separate the two.
Floor-to-ceiling shelves add plenty of storage space to this small library from a home we designed in Kessler Park.
Most small spaces are square or rectangular. Adding curved furniture can contrast against the angles of your space in an appealing way, instantly giving your apartment some flair. Don’t forget to complement any curved furniture with one or two curved accessories in the same room, such as an oval mirror or rounded lampshade.
Choose Your Paint Color
When it comes to paint color, different designers approach small spaces in different ways. Some say you should paint the walls white to help the apartment feel more open. Others say that a dark paint color gives your apartment a cozy, jewel-box feel. In my opinion, there is no right or wrong answer: instead, you should decide what kind of feel you want your apartment to have, and go from there.
We used a light, green-and-beige color scheme to help this guest bedroom feel more open and airy.
Whether you’re starting with a blank state, or you simply want to rearrange the furniture you already have, this guide should help you make your small space your own. When a small space is thoughtfully designed, visitors won’t notice its size: instead, they’ll admire your great taste!
If you’re still stumped on how to get the most potential out of your small space, consider hiring an interior designer. To schedule a free consultation with Chambers Interiors, call our office in Dallas at 214-651-7665 or send us an email at info@chambersinteriors.com.