Optimal Interior Design for Small Spaces

Over the past 20 years, your traditional house lots have changed so much. Many companies try to pack-in as many housing units on a particular piece of land as efficiently as possible, so many homeowners either settle for small lots, or force themselves into tiny condos and apartments.

But as any designer worth their salt will tell you, having less space to work with is not a problem. Instead, it’s a design opportunity for something unique. If this award-winning narrow lot house called the Anvard can be designed to feel bigger than it actually is – so can your home. Here are some tips to get you started on your mission to make the most out of your limited living space.

Get a round dining table

There are so many types of dining tables, but only one stands out when you’re trying to maximize space. Round tables, because of their shape, are more compact and built to have more spacious leg room. They can also double as a recreation area, where you can invite your family and friends over for a night of board games and idle conversation.

Bring in the plants

We know what you’re thinking: my place is small enough as it is, so why should I add objects that have no particular use? But adding outdoor elements into your living space will instantly make it feel bigger and more peaceful. Besides, we’re not telling you to get big houseplants, just a few small ones to hang on your walls, or a moderately sized one to serve as a centerpiece. A report by Harvard Health shows how plants can also calm the mind, control air quality, and boost life expectancy.

Prioritize furniture that serves multiple purposes

A good design should not only be aesthetically appealing, but functional as well. Find a daring table design that allows it to be configured in different ways and spaces, a sofa that can double as a guest bed, or those small cubes that can transform from a coffee table into extra seats. When a piece of furniture can do double or triple the job, not only will it save you space, but it will also save you money.

Opt for light-colored walls

It goes without saying that light colors are the ideal choices for walls – they reflect light better (while dark colors absorb light), making your room appear a lot brighter and more spacious. Usually white walls are the easiest solution, but The Lifestyle Files warns that pure white walls in locations without a lot of natural light can actually make your house look dull. If your location is a little darker, you can use other neutral colors like pale gray or pastel hues instead.

Add a big piece of artwork

Photo courtesy of Festoon House Lighting.

It might seem weird to consider putting a big piece of artwork in an already small space, but it’s a trick a lot of professional designers do to make rooms feel more spacious. Not only does it add a focal point to the room, but it’s also an easy way to show off your tastes in art and design.

If you’re feeling a bit unimaginative in your design choices, the apartments in New York City can be a good source of inspiration for optimal designs for small spaces. Their co-ops and apartments tend to be small and expensive – for example, in West Village where there are apartments with Hudson River views, Yoreevo discusses how a 1,600 sq. ft. (148 square meter) listing can go for as high as $2,600 per square foot – so owners and renters do everything they can to ensure that they’re getting their money’s worth. Whether you live in a studio, an apartment, or simply want to get the most out of your small living area, optimizing your space can make it feel a lot more like home.