apartment assets: how to Make small homes feel larger
By Diana Mosher
There’s more to designing apartments than just scaling down every piece of furniture to create more space. Whether it’s a full-time urban home, pied a terre or vacation rental, every project requires a custom solution. Wall beds that convert to a sofa, desk or table almost always make sense. So do ottomans that double as storage and can also be used as a small coffee table. Or, specify an “apartment sized sofa” with wide arms that can hold drinks—and skip the coffee table.
Some conventional “small space” design rules are meant to be broken. Having an oversized piece (aka focal point) in a small space can actually make a room feel larger. Lighter paint colors like off-whites, light neutrals, pales and pastels typically give the illusion of larger, brighter rooms. A monochromatic palette that creates a cohesive look can also help rooms feel larger. But, don’t rule out darker colors or a maximalist approach using multiple patterns on wall coverings, draperies and upholstery. Or, it might make sense to squeeze in a tiny round table to create a dining area. Here are some other ideas to help small spaces shine.
Choose Curved Furniture
Decorating with curved furniture is an easy way to boost visual interest and gain space with a smaller footprint. Organic shapes can make a room feel more open while also expanding circulation area.
Specify Artful Accessories
When wall space is limited, art can be incorporated in other ways like custom carpet designs or throw pillows. New York City-based artist and designer Peter Valcarcel creates abstract artworks for the wall, but he’s also a prolific producer of all things beautiful and useful from rugs and wallpaper to ceramics, lighting and throw pillows.
Incorporate Statement Lighting
Tiny apartments tend to look even smaller when they don’t get enough light. Specify a mixture of ceiling, wall and floor lighting plus table lamps. Don’t be afraid to overwhelm a small space with statement lighting. A wow factor in the foyer creates a dramatic first impression. Use lighting to delineate zones such as a dining area or reading corner.
Select Hybrid Pieces
Of course mirrors make small spaces appear larger. But, especially in modern glass towers, it can be hard to find a wall for the mirror. Reflectel Mirror TVs offer a perfect hybrid solution for small spaces. They free up valuable walls or surfaces and optimize room layouts. Seamlessly blending technology and design to create stunning solutions, Reflectel TV Mirrors provide a flawless reflection and with the click of a button magically transition from mirror to entertainment center. When turned on, these hidden gems transform into captivating 4K or 8K display monitors, offering a high-definition viewing experience in even the most compact spaces. When turned off, they discreetly integrate into the design.
Add Reflective and Transparent Surfaces
There are many other ways to create the illusion of more spaciousness in small apartments. Reflective surfaces such as high-gloss painted ceilings, lacquered furniture and shiny tile on a kitchen backsplash have a similar effect as mirrored surfaces. They cast light and create the illusion of volume. Another trick of the trade is to use transparent furniture made of acrylic or glass which “disappears” into the room and makes it feel larger. In cities and beyond, square footage is a luxury that design client always want more of.
If you have a small space to furnish, let’s schedule a 30-minute consultation. Whether you’re just moving in or need to create a more spacious environment, there are many ways to make your small space feel just the right size.