4 Indian Apartments That Make the Most of Less Space
Clever storage, artful planning and a few design tricks make these small flats masters at optimising space
It’s no surprise that as real estate values swell our apartments shrink. Many of us struggle to find a decent-sized flat that fits our budget. Often, we end up in a restricted apartment space that isn’t ‘big enough’ for us. This doesn’t mean we have to sacrifice having a functional, livable home that is full of style. Small-space living is an art and the apartments here prove that the right approach can turn any small space into one brimming with personality and utility.
Are you planning to start designing or renovating your small apartment? Borrow tips and ideas from these four space-savvy Indian apartments.
Are you planning to start designing or renovating your small apartment? Borrow tips and ideas from these four space-savvy Indian apartments.
A window ledge in the TV room (seen at the right of the image) extends to double as a study to take full advantage of the available space.
A pullout sofa-bed allows the TV room to function as a guest bedroom when needed.
Beautiful sea views expand the visual depth in all the rooms, including the bedroom. A tailored streamlined design makes a stylish decor statement, while the beige-brown colour palette keeps things simple.
Take a tour of this studio apartment here
Take a tour of this studio apartment here
2. A timeless abode
Location: Colaba, Mumbai
Designed by: Ravi Vazirani Design Studio
Size: 84 square metres (900 square feet)
At first glance this apartment suggests an airy, industrial vibe … but there is more to it. With about 900 square feet to work with, the forms and materiality of the spaces were kept basic to make the apartment look more spacious than it actually is. The choice of undemanding furniture and finishes helps cut down on the heaviness of the functional areas. Expanded windows invite more light and city views, adding to the vivacity of the apartment.
Location: Colaba, Mumbai
Designed by: Ravi Vazirani Design Studio
Size: 84 square metres (900 square feet)
At first glance this apartment suggests an airy, industrial vibe … but there is more to it. With about 900 square feet to work with, the forms and materiality of the spaces were kept basic to make the apartment look more spacious than it actually is. The choice of undemanding furniture and finishes helps cut down on the heaviness of the functional areas. Expanded windows invite more light and city views, adding to the vivacity of the apartment.
What sets this home further apart is the understated use of stripes, geometric shapes and vintage accents. Exposed MS (mild steel) conduits, a patterned floor and old-style electrical switches and furniture add oodles of character to the budget-driven design of this apartment. This takes the attention away from the tightness of the spaces.
Take a tour of this apartment here
Take a tour of this apartment here
3. Efficient effects
Location: Noida
Designed by: Layers Studios for Design and Architecture
Size: 150 square metres (1615 square feet)
This quirky apartment teaches us how to do a lot in a restricted space. The architects designed this home for themselves, and have installed cleverly designed custom-made furniture that can be retracted into walls, hidden storage units and rooms that serve more than one purpose. To top it off, plenty of sunlight and indoor plants warm up the colourful setting of this apartment and add to the airiness.
Location: Noida
Designed by: Layers Studios for Design and Architecture
Size: 150 square metres (1615 square feet)
This quirky apartment teaches us how to do a lot in a restricted space. The architects designed this home for themselves, and have installed cleverly designed custom-made furniture that can be retracted into walls, hidden storage units and rooms that serve more than one purpose. To top it off, plenty of sunlight and indoor plants warm up the colourful setting of this apartment and add to the airiness.
The installation of an easy-to-operate retractable bed lets the guest bedroom transform into a play area or a formal meeting room within minutes. For a meeting with clients, the bed is discreetly folded up onto the wall and a wall panel (behind which is a two-way bookcase) can be let down to make a table. Ingenuity level – outstanding.
Floating shelves, bay windows, niches, internal wall openings, all add to the productivity of the limited space of the apartment home. Visualising the space as a plain canvas, the designers finished their home with custom-created art and accessories.
Know all about this apartment here
Know all about this apartment here
4. An elegant affair
Location: Mumbai
Designed by: The Svelte Designs
Size: 71 square metres (760 square feet)
An open-plan layout and custom furniture led the design strategy in making this 760-square-foot apartment work hard. Modest hues, soft furnishings and subtle lighting effectively take the eyes away from the tightness of the spaces. Scandinavian-style furniture, meanwhile, maintains a clean aesthetic.
Location: Mumbai
Designed by: The Svelte Designs
Size: 71 square metres (760 square feet)
An open-plan layout and custom furniture led the design strategy in making this 760-square-foot apartment work hard. Modest hues, soft furnishings and subtle lighting effectively take the eyes away from the tightness of the spaces. Scandinavian-style furniture, meanwhile, maintains a clean aesthetic.
A huge mirror expands the visual space in the dining area, making the room look voluminous. Reflective panels (on the left) add to the effect.
Low-height furniture, tall expansive paintings, full-height wardrobes and the abundant use of white plays with the sense of scale and perception, creating the illusion of a larger space.
Don’t miss taking a quick tour of this home
Read more:
25 Tricks to Expand Space in a Small House
Must-Have Furniture Pieces for Small Spaces
Tell us:
Do you have more ideas for making the most of spaces in small apartments? Share them with us in Comments below.
Don’t miss taking a quick tour of this home
Read more:
25 Tricks to Expand Space in a Small House
Must-Have Furniture Pieces for Small Spaces
Tell us:
Do you have more ideas for making the most of spaces in small apartments? Share them with us in Comments below.
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Location: Bandra, Mumbai
Designed by: Studio Osmosis
Size: 44 square metres (470 square feet)
This apartment was renovated to turn into a light, unified space with clearly segregated functions. Large windows let in lots of light and glass folding doors spread the light to every corner of the apartment. Pot lights fixed to a monochrome latticed ceiling that runs over the entire apartment illuminate the entire area while reducing visual weight.
A modular kitchenette occupies one wall of the central space of the apartment. A pair of armchairs (located in the same central space) replaced a sofa to create a trimmed living area that enjoys the ocean views outside.