I lived in three apartments over the past six years, and I became masterful at incorporating space saving elements to enhance my small space. Currently, my husband and I have settled into our permanent home.
Our permanent home is a mid-century, two bedroom 1400 square foot rancher. Therefore, we have continued to utilize the space savers to give our home a more spacious and open feel. After all, we all want to feel like we have a large home even when that’s simply not possible.
Use care and common sense in your space saving techniques. For example, an apartment renter may not want to cut holes into the walls to create storage nooks. And, your landlord will NOT be impressed if you add built in storage pieces. Therefore, I am focusing on furniture pieces and design elements that only require simple installation or mounting.
Select furniture that does double-duty. Always keep an eye open for elements that will serve at least two purposes.
This lift top coffee table offers clean, contemporary lines and the bright white color is cheerful. Imagine, you can kick back and relax with a glass of wine after work. Or, you can lift the top up and do crafts or work from home. Also, do this with a glass of wine! As you can see this storage and work space combination is incredibly useful.
I have been challenged by where to put overnight guests in my small space. Of course, we all know about those lumpy sofa beds. And, let’s not even think about how heavy they are when you move! The ottoman beds shown here turn into a comfortable bed in a flash. Moreover, these ottoman beds are a simple and stylish addition worthy of your small space.
(http://dreamtechmodels.com)
This storage bed offers beauty, functionality, and comfort. The white beadboard is a timeless classic and blends into any decor. Meanwhile, the you can display a shoe collection, hold photo albums, or house storage baskets.
http://www.thisoldhouse.com
In addition to furniture, use other design elements that are space saving. After all, apartments and small homes only have a certain amount of storage.
Of course, there are options if you don’t want to invest in a new bed. Instead, you can purchase an underbed storage drawer. This is a drawer box on wheels, with a nice finish; when slid under the bed it appears built in. Additionally, you can customize this with a drawer pull to add style.
The bathroom in an apartment or small home presents a unique challenge. Of course, we want storage, but we also want an attractive solution. Get creative and look up, above the door frame! Also, remember to keep it neat and simple to keep a clean look as shown in the examples below:
(http://www.sheknows.com)
In addition to the bathroom, you can use the space above your kitchen door. This allows you to display pretty serving pieces. Also, it keeps your countertop space clutter-free
(http://www.betterhomesandgarden.com)
Speaking of the kitchen, let’s not overlook another nook that is often unused. Ideally, you will use every inch you can while maintaining a clean look. Therefore, the gap next to your refrigerator is prime storage space! These space saving roll out pantry shelves are only a few inches deep and make so much extra space in your cabinets.
(www.modernhomestorage.com)
Always seek out design elements that are space saving and beauty enhancers to your small space. Finally, have fun and enjoy designing and living in your small space!
Space Saving Design Elements For Small space & Apartment Living
I lived in three apartments over the past six years and became masterful at incorporating space-saving elements to enhance my small space. Currently, my husband and I have settled into our permanent home, a mid-century, two-bedroom 1400 square foot rancher. Despite the larger space,we continue to utilize space-saving techniques to give our home a more spacious and open feel. After all, we all want to feel like we have a large home even when that’s simply not possible.
Benefits and Practical Tips
Living in a small space or apartment can present unique challenges, but with the right design elements, you can create a cozy and functional living area. Here are some space-saving tips and elements to consider:
Case studies
Case Study 1: Multi-functional Furniture
In our first apartment, we invested in a sofa bed that served as seating during the day and transformed into a bed for guests at night. this piece of multi-functional furniture was a game-changer, allowing us to maximize the use of our living room space.
Case Study 2: Vertical storage Solutions
Vertical space is often underutilized in small apartments.We installed floating shelves on the walls to store books, photos, and decorative items, freeing up valuable floor space. The vertical storage solution not only added functionality but also enhanced the aesthetic appeal of the room.
Firsthand Experience
Our journey through different living spaces has taught us valuable lessons in space-saving design. Here are some of the key takeaways from our experience:
- Think vertically: Utilize wall space for storage and shelving.
- Choose multi-functional furniture: Opt for pieces that can serve dual purposes.
- Maximize natural light: Use mirrors and light-colored decor to create a sense of openness.
- Keep it organized: Clutter can make a small space feel even smaller, so stay organized.
Space Saving Design Elements
When it comes to optimizing space in a small apartment or home, there are several design elements that can make a meaningful difference:
1. Multi-Functional Furniture
Invest in pieces of furniture that serve dual purposes, such as storage ottomans, sofa beds, or nesting tables. These versatile items can definitely help maximize space and functionality in small living areas.
2. Vertical Storage Solutions
Utilize wall-mounted shelves, floating shelves, and tall bookcases to take advantage of vertical space. Vertical storage solutions not only free up floor space but also add visual interest to the room.
3. Compact Appliances
Consider downsizing to compact appliances,such as a stackable washer and dryer or a countertop dishwasher. These space-saving appliances are designed to fit seamlessly into small kitchens or laundry areas.
Table of Space-Saving Design elements
| Design Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Multi-Functional Furniture | Items that can serve multiple purposes, saving space and adding versatility. |
| Vertical Storage Solutions | Utilizing wall space for storage to free up floor area. |
| Compact Appliances | Space-saving appliances designed for small living areas. |
By incorporating these space-saving design elements into your small space or apartment,you can create a more organized,functional,and aesthetically pleasing living environment. Remember to think creatively and make the most of every inch of space available to you!
Space Saving Design Elements For Small Space & Apartment Living
Living in a small space, whether it’s an apartment or a tiny house, can present unique challenges when it comes to design and organization. Over the past six years, I have lived in three different apartments and have become quite skilled at maximizing space through clever design elements. Even now, in my larger home, my husband and I continue to implement space-saving techniques to create a more open and spacious feel. In this article, I will share valuable insights and tips on how to incorporate space-saving design elements into your small living space.
Benefits of Space Saving Design Elements
Utilizing space-saving techniques in a small living space offers numerous benefits, including:
- Maximizing Space: With limited square footage, incorporating space-saving elements allows you to make the most of every inch of your home.
- Enhancing Functionality: Clever design solutions can help increase the functionality of your space, making it more practical and efficient.
- Creating an Open Feel: By decluttering and employing space-saving strategies, you can create a sense of openness and airiness in even the smallest of spaces.
Practical Tips for Small Space Living
Here are some practical tips and design elements you can incorporate into your small space:
Multipurpose Furniture
Choose furniture pieces that serve dual purposes, such as a sofa bed, a storage ottoman, or a dining table that can be expanded or folded down when not in use.
Wall-Mounted Shelves and Storage
Utilize vertical space by installing wall-mounted shelves and storage units. This not only maximizes storage but also frees up floor space, making the room feel less cluttered.
Sliding Doors and Room Dividers
Opt for sliding doors or room dividers rather of customary hinged doors to save space and add versatility to your layout.
Mirrors and Light Colors
Incorporate mirrors and light-colored paint or furniture to reflect light and create the illusion of a larger space.
Under-Bed and Overhead Storage
Make use of under-bed storage solutions and overhead shelving to keep belongings organized and out of sight.
Case Studies: My Experience with Space Saving Design
Apartment #1: Studio Apartment in the City
In my first apartment, a cozy studio in the heart of the city, I utilized a loft bed with built-in storage underneath to maximize space. Multipurpose furniture, such as a fold-down dining table and wall-mounted shelves, helped keep the living area clutter-free.
Apartment #2: One-Bedroom Apartment by the Beach
In my second apartment, a charming one-bedroom near the beach, I prioritized natural light and used sheer curtains to divide the space without blocking sunlight. A slim console table with hidden storage served as a space-saving entryway solution.
apartment #3: Urban Loft Apartment
In my third apartment, an industrial-style loft in the urban center, I embraced the open layout but incorporated bookshelves and room dividers to delineate living areas. Sliding barn doors added a touch of personality while conserving space.
conclusion
Nonetheless of the size of your living space, incorporating space-saving design elements can make a significant difference in the functionality and aesthetics of your home. By being intentional with furniture choices, storage solutions, and color palettes, you can create a space that feels larger and more inviting. With a bit of creativity and resourcefulness, small spaces can be transformed into stylish and efficient living environments.
Love these ideas! Utilizing vertical space with shelves and multi-functional furniture really makes a huge difference in small apartments.
These design tips are fantastic! I’ve always struggled with making the most of my tiny apartment, but these space-saving strategies are so inspiring and practical.