Small Apartment Interior Tips for Men: Smart Styling for a Better Space

The interior design of a small apartment can be just as sharp as the penthouse above you. Sometimes it is easy to take for granted the feeling of home, big or small. This is where you embrace life's simple pleasures, and everyone wants to unwind, breathe and feel, with little concern for space.

So how do you delineate a sleek and bold interior regardless of the dimensions of your apartment? Correct scale of furniture is the first step, and the second is focusing on your individual tastes and lifestyle.

IKEA may come to mind and propose a solution if you are in the search for space saving ideas, and a notable reason amongst others to shop the ‘IKEA' range. The game changer is the ready to assemble furniture and low prices, making it hard to ignore. Essentially though, you have to be prepared to put aside half a day to get the most out of the shopping experience and then put it all together yourself (unless you pay someone to do it for you, which defeats the purpose of saving money by shopping at IKEA in the first place!

Do not get me wrong, IKEA is a fantastic place to venture through perfectly set up living rooms, bedrooms and kitchens. You will browse endless rows of essentials like bedding, bath, kitchen and laundry needs - the list goes on. But in spite of that, this escapade can be a reality check and exiting IKEA can leave you feeling overwhelmed, particularly when trying to fit IKEA saving solutions into an apartment that just feels too small. While IKEA is designed to maximise space, making it work in a real-life setting is not always as straightforward as it seems.

So, for the most part, think outside the square when it comes to a unique compact apartment.

SHOP WITH EASE - SHOP SMART

A virtual journey is becoming an appreciable force thanks to the ability to compare different products online. And with a bundle of interior design suppliers you are not limited. With an array of high-end pieces or simple and affordable price tags, you can deck out your pad and breathe new life into it, without having to leave the house. It enables you to shop within your budget and without pressure from sales people.  This means you can shop with ease and at your own pace.

If you are buying furniture online always read the terms and conditions of sale and the return policy. This is where reviews can be instrumental, even so, everyone has different needs and views, so I recommend you take a trip to the showroom before making any decisions.

PLAN AND MEASURE - TAKE YOUR TIME

Taking size into consideration to avoid costly mistakes is fundamental for a functional interior.

Firstly, always measure the entire room and map out the dimensions of the furniture with masking tape. This will illustrate how the pieces will work within the space and ensure they will fit! Spatial planning is crucial for flow of space and a good rule of thumb is to allow at least 750mm between pieces of furniture to ensure a balanced layout.  This rule applies in all rooms, including a hallway if you have one. The aim is for a mellow and uncluttered living environment.

Ensure you position your larger pieces first and work from there. Avoid bulky furniture to maximise the area or overcrowding.  Remember selecting small scale furniture is a brilliant trick display home builders use for perception of a larger room (and it works). You can not go wrong if you keep in mind that size DOES matter.

DINING AND ENTERTAINING

‍A small-scale dining area can be challenging if you love entertaining family and friends. A round glass dining table to give the illusion of openness is useful. But if you are not a fan of glass, then opt for timber in a light shade paired with 2-3 well-designed chairs. Invest in a small scale laid back stool for when you have more than 3 guests!

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SMALL LIVING ROOM - LIVE BETTER

A well designed living room need not be compromised just because you live in a small apartment. Your lifestyle plays an important role and should be the blue print for setting up. Taking this into consideration is an absolute must.

Start with the sofa and then a coffee table that is well proportioned to the space. A 60 cm round coffee table is a practical choice, as it maximises the area while minimising the risk of it being in the way. A sofa bed is an excellent space-saving option, combining seating and sleeping in one piece. It works well if you only need an extra bed occasionally. BUT if comfort is a priority or you frequently host guests, a separate sofa and bed might be the better alternative.

Choosing double-functional furniture like a ottoman and coffee table with storage, or a wall-mounted desk, will keep things uncluttered

If your room has an unusual shape or a large window that limits your floor space (believe me some small apartments have large windows to make up for the lack of room) then a modular sofa can be a great choice. A sofa with gentle curves adds visual appeal while also improving flow and ease of movement.

While large windows are great for openness, they can sometimes reduce usable wall space for furniture placement, storage, or decor. That’s why strategic furniture choice like low-profile seating can help maximise both aesthetics and functionality in a small apartment.

SCREEN TV

When figuring out where to place your screen TV, but still wanting to show off some print or paintings with limited wall space, frame the TV screen with bold artwork. It will blend in, only drawing attention when it is time to turn on. If you like the idea of shelving above your TV for displaying decor, gaming and entertainment gear this can give your space a smart edge.

SHELVING

If your apartment is short on storage, shelving is a smart and efficient way to keep things in order without clutter.

Here are 3 solid shelving ideas that work well:

·      Floating Corner Shelves – useful storage without taking up floor space.

·      Ladder Shelves – a space-saving option that leans against the wall and provides multiple levels of storage.

·      Multi-Functional Room Dividers – open shelving as a divider to separate spaces while keeping an airy feel.

WORK

Many people across the world are still working remotely, but creating a functional workspace at home can be challenging without a dedicated study or spare room.

Your bedroom can be a workable alternative, however if you must resort to your slumberland as your 'work from home space' keep the desk and everything around it small-scale, including the chair. A comfortable dining chair can double up as an office chair, just ensure it is ergonomically suitable.  For really tight bedrooms, the desk can also double up as your bedside table and/or dressing table.

When you need a shift of surroundings head on over to your coffee or dining table as a work desk. Stand up desks are becoming popular due to their health benefits. You can move them around and some even fold away. Food for thought?

You should stand up and take a break every 20 minutes to prevent back pain from prolonged sitting, improve your focus and productivity throughout the day; giving your mind and body a short reset.

Article Written by Marina Mura

Find your ideal style | E: marinamura@moodblogs.com

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LEARN MORE

If you are unsure where to start or have a small apartment that you would like to maximise and style, contact me for simple and personalised decorating designed specifically for men. My online E-Design service includes moodboards, a shopping list and direct product links to make the process easy and stress-free.

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