Living in a tiny apartment can be out of choice – enjoying proximity to the downtown area or by compulsion – economical challenges. In both cases, it presents unique challenges such as limited storage area and minuscule living space. Many a time, people try to make their tiny apartment more functional and give up hopes of decorating it thinking that it is not possible to have a stylish abode. It is definitely a misconception that needs to be debunked as creating a comfortable home is as much as essential as a functional one. Having decorated several small apartments, as an architect and interior designer in Pune, we would like to present few great tips that would not only decorate your house that reflects your persona but also would streamline functionality requirements.
Let the light in
Small houses need not be stuffy and dimly lit. Opening your windows wide open to let natural ventilation and light inside your house would definitely make your house look larger. Moreover, facing the window, install a pretty large mirror set against a carved wooden or metal framework to amplify the effect of larger space. Additionally, hanging the curtains on the rod that is located well above the windows would make your windows look larger and elegant. And do not forget to match your wall shades and curtains to render a seamless effect.
Multipurpose Furniture
No, we aren’t talking about cheap multifunction plastic furniture that does not know the meaning of durability. Go for good quality custom made furniture that can double as a storage unit. The options are plenty – sofa seats with box storages at the bottom, stand-alone ottomans with handy storage, beds that can be converted to a couch and many more. Based on your requirement and available space, your furniture can be easily remodelled to satiate your aesthetic appeal and also fulfil the functional requirements. As an add-on tip, go for vertical storage systems that occupy fewer footprints.
Create Clear Floor Markings
On most of the cases, the living room of small apartments assumes variable definitions by the time of day. Yes, while it becomes a kitchen during the evenings, it turns out to be a bedroom in the night. Isn’t it a wonderful opportunity to reorganize your layout to facilitate a smooth transition?
- Firstly, make a pathway among all items such as seating arrangements, TV, centre table and others that occupy floor space.
- Make sure the computer cables and other power cords never spread on the floor.
- Infuse subtle but visible demarcating lines between the areas with furniture in the house – a TV unit right in front of bed separates your sleeping area from the living room, an open storage unit in the kitchen creates a barrier in the living room.
- An array of flower pots can also be used to distinguish the area between kitchen and living room.
- A rug of the floor and a good wall mounted lamp near the table and chair at the corner of the room can easily define the reading area.
The options are plenty and they are limited only to our extent of the imagination.
Go for Organizers
Small homes easily become clustered and present a shabby and congested appearance. Go out for shopping and bring in a few bamboos small organize boxes. These boxes when arranged neatly on a shelf would not only serve as the home for your petty but important items but also deliver a chic look. Again, it would definitely be a good move to invest in closet hanger system, if your wardrobe is likely to burst with clothes.
Reclaim Unused Space
Start scouting for dead or unused space inside your dwelling unit. We bet you would find a lot in the form of blank walls and corner. For instance, a window sill can be effectively put into use if you are carrying your work to your home. Again, how about a few baskets above the cupboard or refrigerator or snug-fitting shelf that fits in the corner. Unleash your creativity to create the best use for these spaces.
If you are too busy to indulge in interior designing and decorating your house, you can always contact Sovereign Architects, renowned for interior designing and town planning, Pune. We are also available in Baner & Hinjewadi.