How to Live Large in a Small Apartment
Maximise on teeny-tiny spaces with clever tricks and make your home a comfortable and fulfilling retreat
Aditi Sharma Maheshwari
28 June 2017
Blogger, dog mom
With a little imagination and creativity, you can transform a small home into a comfortable and stylish space that can accommodate all your needs. With smart storage hacks, space-enhancing tricks and clever usage of every inch of space, a micro home can be set to serve macro needs. Look below for inspiration!
Space-boosting ideas
Monotone scheme
White reflects maximum light, and can make any space look bright, welcoming and large. An ivory bedroom like this one by Purple Backyard carries on the hue through the cushion and rug, making the place look comfortable, welcoming and more spacious than it actually is.
Browse through these ideas to get an all-white decor right
Monotone scheme
White reflects maximum light, and can make any space look bright, welcoming and large. An ivory bedroom like this one by Purple Backyard carries on the hue through the cushion and rug, making the place look comfortable, welcoming and more spacious than it actually is.
Browse through these ideas to get an all-white decor right
Mirrors
When installed cleverly, large mirrors can create an illusion of extended space while also serving as pretty decor staples. Use them in galleries, hallways, small living rooms or kitchens to perk up tight spots, as these will bounce off light and expand space for you.
When installed cleverly, large mirrors can create an illusion of extended space while also serving as pretty decor staples. Use them in galleries, hallways, small living rooms or kitchens to perk up tight spots, as these will bounce off light and expand space for you.
Open plan
This idea not only encourages more intimate and sociable living but is a great solution for making the most of small spaces. See how The Orange Lane merges the dining and living room into one large area, while giving each space its own identity.
Tip: If you have a room with a small floor area, then laying floor tiles along its length or breadth can give the illusion of extending the space, making the place seem larger than it actually is.
These spaces show that open-plan concept can work in Indian homes
This idea not only encourages more intimate and sociable living but is a great solution for making the most of small spaces. See how The Orange Lane merges the dining and living room into one large area, while giving each space its own identity.
Tip: If you have a room with a small floor area, then laying floor tiles along its length or breadth can give the illusion of extending the space, making the place seem larger than it actually is.
These spaces show that open-plan concept can work in Indian homes
Camouflaged storage
Sometimes almirahs, cupboards and shelves aren’t enough to keep all your possessions – you still need some extra space for storage. Instead of buying yet another space-gobbling cupboard or cabinet, why not opt for furniture that serves a dual purpose? Box sofas, coffee tables, diwans and stools that have a niche inside can be used to store essentials and of course, double as seats or tables, too.
Sometimes almirahs, cupboards and shelves aren’t enough to keep all your possessions – you still need some extra space for storage. Instead of buying yet another space-gobbling cupboard or cabinet, why not opt for furniture that serves a dual purpose? Box sofas, coffee tables, diwans and stools that have a niche inside can be used to store essentials and of course, double as seats or tables, too.
Built-in storage
Along one stretch of the room, install a faux partition that contains storage units. Paint it the same colour as the room’s walls so it doesn’t stand out and looks like one of the partitions.
Along one stretch of the room, install a faux partition that contains storage units. Paint it the same colour as the room’s walls so it doesn’t stand out and looks like one of the partitions.
In case a full wall dedicated to shelves is not possible, this option, too, is a boon. The beauty of pull-out drawers is that they not only hide a lot of clutter but can also be squeezed into reasonably small corners and walls.
Multi-use furniture
Choose articles that can serve more purposes than one. Take, for example, this sofa-cum-bed, which offers itself as an ideal perching spot with a book during the day, and a bed for a good night’s sleep afterwards.
Look at photos of multipurpose furniture
Choose articles that can serve more purposes than one. Take, for example, this sofa-cum-bed, which offers itself as an ideal perching spot with a book during the day, and a bed for a good night’s sleep afterwards.
Look at photos of multipurpose furniture
Similarly, this portable table on wheels can be used to keep utensils, pots and pans. It can also conveniently double as a counter for a quick meal.
Find out how to maximise storage in the kitchen
Find out how to maximise storage in the kitchen
No dead zones
It’s almost criminal to have dead spaces in a small home when these can be used for so many things – consider converting corners into a bay window area, a small reading nook or a gallery for all your art. Here, a recessed wall has been put to good use with open shelves and a chair. A great spot for guitar practice!
It’s almost criminal to have dead spaces in a small home when these can be used for so many things – consider converting corners into a bay window area, a small reading nook or a gallery for all your art. Here, a recessed wall has been put to good use with open shelves and a chair. A great spot for guitar practice!
Inside-outside spaces
In small homes, seamless indoor-outdoor connections can help bring in more light and create an illusion of an extended space. See how in this image, the doorway with plants outside creates an impression of a tropical paradise while also making the living room look longer and more spacious.
In small homes, seamless indoor-outdoor connections can help bring in more light and create an illusion of an extended space. See how in this image, the doorway with plants outside creates an impression of a tropical paradise while also making the living room look longer and more spacious.
In case your apartment doesn’t have a balcony, bring in the sense of greenery through botanical wallpapers. Bright prints featuring verdant trees can create an uplifting mood and make an interior seem more cheerful and welcoming.
Check out these smart tricks to make your apartment feel like it has a garden
Read more:
Clever Hacks for Extra Storage
Tell us:
How have you maximised space in your small home? Tell us about your space-conjuring tricks in Comments below.
Check out these smart tricks to make your apartment feel like it has a garden
Read more:
Clever Hacks for Extra Storage
Tell us:
How have you maximised space in your small home? Tell us about your space-conjuring tricks in Comments below.
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Hi Asha, that's a nice way to incorporate inside-outside spaces. Thanks for sharing the picture.
Aditi - Thank you for featuring our Roll-Out Shelves! Our roll-outs can come in both wood or stainless steel and come in all shapes and sizes. For a free brochure packet with our storage solutions and styling options, go to: http://www.durasupreme.com/brochure
Mandi @ Dura
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