Ten Interior Design Tips for Small Apartments

When it comes to design and decor of small spaces, it’s all about tricking the eye into believing that the space is much larger. Small spaces can also be comfortable and stylish. Get ten interior design tips for small apartments in this D.Signers video:

1. Extend your space with mirrors, but in the right place. Decorating small areas is all about visual manipulation. In a small apartment, use a large mirror to give the illusion of expansion. Your room will immediately appear larger and brighter by reflecting natural or artificial light. The best place for a mirror is opposite to a window so that it reflects as much light as possible without many elements that can saturate said illusion.

2. Smart and multifunctional furniture (pieces that can serve multiple purposes) are everything. Multifunctional furniture is very important when it comes to designing small spaces because they have the capability of adapting to many situations depending on the activity. Look for multiple uses in everything you buy (examples: a coffee table with hidden storage, an ottoman that serves as a coffee table or as a seat when you have guests, or hidden tables). Remember the golden rule: in small spaces, everything needs to be functional.

3. When selecting furniture, consider its visual weight. Light, weightless and transparent furniture is always the best choice under the circumstances. Translucent objects can be chic and functional at the same time and are a “must have”. If you use transparent objects, your eyes will view more of the space and trick your mind into thinking it’s bigger than what it really is. Avoid big and solid objects in your decor. Furnishings with legs seem less heavy than pieces that sit directly on the floor. Choose furniture made from light materials to avoid crowding the space with too much information.

4. Think vertical. Space is three-dimensional. We have more than a footprint; we have more than the floor. Don’t forget that you have vertical space. Use your walls up to the ceiling whenever possible. Furniture that extends to the ceiling not only visually opens up the space but also gives you all the storage you need.

5. Use a light and fresh color palette on the walls and floor. A room with light colors feels bigger and brighter because the surfaces can reflect more light. Using light colors will make walls appear to recede, creating a bright feeling. Consider whites, light blues, greens and light grays.

6. Lighting is key, and especially so for small spaces. Avoid using floor lamps or big table lamps. It’s a better idea to use ceiling-mounted or wall-mounted lights; even better, if you have the option, light up your space through architectural lighting that mimics LED strips, defining volumes and providing the necessary ambient lighting. Using this type of lighting will provide more space for you and your furniture.

7. Create an open and articulate space. There are thousands of ways to divide small apartments without using walls. Remember: decorating and designing small spaces is all about visual manipulation. Play with heights, colors, textures, rugs or multifunctional furniture to define the different areas of your home.

8. Levitate furniture. Wall-mounted objects are everything for small spaces. Make your walls work every time. One great trick for making your small space seem bigger is getting your furniture off the floor. The space under the wall-mounted furniture will make the room seem more spacious.

9. Your space should be chameleonic. Arrange your space so it meets your needs for the way you truly use it. Buy furniture that can be easily rearranged as needed. You need to be able to re-organize your living area with ease at any given time.

10. Bring in a plant. Nature inside is always a good idea. Nature is fresh and helps to humanize spaces. Greenery makes even the smallest space feel fresher and lighter. If you don’t have space on the floor, try a hanging plant or use “sky planters” to bring modernity and chicness to your room.