How to Decorate a Small Apartment Space

It’s interior designer’s biggest challenge: the small apartment! Most of us have experienced small city living. Many of you are perhaps reading this from a petite apartment space. If you’ve ever lived in a dense city like New York or London, I’m sure you’re familiar with the problem! Of course, a small apartment doesn’t have to pose a problem. In fact, you can turn it into a cute and cosy space if you know the right tricks. Luckily, we’ve spent years switching between tiny London apartments. It’s the price you pay for living in a vibrant, exciting city!

Over the years, I’ve learnt some of the best tricks to open up my small living space and make it a home. It’s not easy, and there has been plenty of trial-and-error on my part. But, I like to think I’ve got it down to fine art. I’ve worked with self-contained studio flats, one bedroom apartments, and what can only be described as a large cupboard! So trust me, I’ve had my fair share of experience.

The key is making the most of every bit of space. You’ll need to get creative, and work with the right colours and designs. Are you ready to learn the secrets of the trade? Let’s take a look, shall we?

Smart storage

Before you do anything else, you’ve got to get your storage sorted out. Without this essential first step, the entire apartment will slowly turn into a mess! Everything in your apartment must have a home. In a small space, there’s no room for clutter. There’s no room for leaving things on the side or flinging clothes over the back of the armchair! So, you’re going to have to get creative, and use your storage spaces imaginatively. Take advantage of space under the stairs to put shelves or cupboards. Install additional storage in the kitchen and bathroom (these are the areas most in need).

Build an office nook

I couldn’t get by without a small space to call my office. Of course, I’m not lucky enough to have a spare bedroom (only the millionaires get a spare bedroom in London!) So, although I can’t have an office to myself, I chose to get creative. I built a small, foldaway office table into the corner of the living room. It means I can pull it down and get to work, free of distractions. I completed the office nook with some simple shelving and a comfy chair. You need this sort of space to separate work from personal life, as any freelancer will tell you!

Light colours

Now, on to the decorative aspect. I’ve experimented with various different colours over the years, but I keep coming back to the same palette. Dark colours simply bring the room in closer. While that’s great for a warm cosy living room, it’s not ideal for a small apartment space. Instead, you need lots of bright, light colours. Light creams and soft yellows are perfect here. It lets the natural light bounce off the walls and open the space up a little. Avoid any colours that absorb light and make the room feel more claustrophobic.

Curtain dividers

Over time, you come to love your small apartment. I certainly love mine. But, the trickiest thing to overcome is the lack of divided space. When you live in an open plan apartment or studio flat, there’s nowhere to escape. The kitchen is in the living room, and the study is in the kitchen. Sometimes, your bedroom is in the living room too! Nightmare. So, the only thing to do is separate them with curtain dividers. They actually look great once you’ve set them up, and they give you a feeling of space. You can divide a studio apartment into two rooms, making a huge difference.

Mirrors

Lots and lots and lots of mirrors. If you only do one thing to increase the perception of size, do this. Mirrors open up the room like nothing else. They add a sense of depth and space, and help your room feel less claustrophobic. They’re also perfect for reflecting light which makes every space look bigger. They will even give your living room a luxury feel. Use small mirrors on top of cabinets and shelves. Hang large mirrors to reflect focal points in your home. Lastly, use tall cabinet mirrors to give the room a taller feel.

Decorative mirrors will make all the difference: image

Natural light

Harnessing natural light and mirrors together can almost double the perceived space in your flat. Natural light bounces around the room, creating a fresh flow and lighter space. Do everything you can to maximise the natural light coming into your home. Now, if you live in a city apartment, this isn’t always easy. Often, you’ll find yourself opening the window onto a block of flats blocking all your light. The best thing you can do is invest in thin blinds, and keep the curtains wide open during the day.

Choose your furniture and accessories carefully

There’s a fine balance to be struck when filling your apartment with accessories and furniture. Too much clutter will make a small space feel crowded and messy. Too little, and it will just feel empty. I recently discovered Ian Snow furniture, which is a great boutique store for unique furniture. You can find lots of small bespoke pieces and vintage accessories. It all matches, in a haphazard sort of way, so that you can create the right feel for your small apartment. Quality, not quantity is your goal here!

Corners

When it comes to working with a small apartment, you’ve got to make the most of every space. That means getting right into the corners. Choose furniture that fits snugly into the corners, like square side tables. Why not put a beanbag in the other corner, and use it as a cosy reading space? Make your corners matter, and give them a purpose.

Decorating a small apartment is a challenge, but it’s not impossible. After all, you can turn it into a quirky, cosy space with just a little creativity. Do you live in a small space? Let me know how you make yours work for you!

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