Moving into your first tiny apartment can often feel like defeat. No matter how hard you try to avoid it, you’ll probably catch yourself sneaking into someone’s modern kitchen so you can lament the square footage over coffees.
You’ll begin to apologize for your shoebox before you even move your boxes out of the truck. But there is no reason your small space needs to be cluttered, cramped, or boring. Living in less space just means designing your home intentionally so you can live with style and ease.
Here’s how to stop apologizing for your small space and start designing for it.
Why Tiny Apartments Feel so Small
One reason your small apartment feels tiny is probably because it is cluttered, poorly lit, or has awkward furniture. But once you realize that you have control over how your home looks and feels, you have the power to change up the function and aesthetics.
In small spaces, less truly is more. Each item should have a reason for being there, displaying only cherished belongings keeps clutter at bay, and clean lines allow your eye to travel through the space.
What Not to Apologize For:
When it comes down to it you really shouldn’t have to apologize for anything. You aren’t required to please anyone with your personal living space. Sure, it would be nice to have a proper dining room table, but……
- But if you never entertain formally, you don’t need a dining room table.
- But if you don’t have extra seating that isn’t always being used for storage, you don’t need extra chairs.
- But if you aren’t going to downgrade your sofa to something more proportional to your space, you don’t need to apologize for the bulky furniture.
- But you are not required to pretend like you live in a magazine by hiding every ounce of real life from being photographed in your home.
- You also don’t need to give excuses as to why you live in a studio apartment, loft, or small space.
- You don’t have to follow trendy design tips that do not work with your floor plan.
Stop making excuses and instead channel that energy into making your small apartment work for you.
Furniture That Works Double Duty
Pick furniture that has more than aesthetic value. Invest in pieces that make your life easier while taking up the least amount of space possible. Benches with storage, tables that fold up against the wall, and sofas with slender legs are just some ways you can make your home feel larger.
Just because you have a smaller space doesn’t mean you have to get Ikea blankets made couches. You can still shop for stylish furniture that fits your personal taste. When picking furniture and décor for your small apartment, keep SCALE in mind.
Big furniture chunks make your space feel smaller. Instead, look for items that allow you to see the floor and don’t weigh down the room.
Storage Is Decoration
We’ve all heard this excuse before, I don’t have any space for storage! But here is the thing, storage can be decorative. Hidden storage, such as ottomans or cabinets keep your rooms from looking busy. While open storage can add to your décor if you edit yourself.
- Store crap on shelves above eye level.
- Utilize closet space for out-of-season clothes.
- Pick baskets and boxes that match your interior.
- Only keep reach items within reach.
- Store things under the bed instead of buying more cabinets.
- Only display what you love on open shelves.
Avoid making the excuse that you have no storage by shopping smart and editing what you buy.
Let There Be Light
One of the easiest ways to change the feel of your studio apartment is by adding layers of light. A single overhead light can make a small room feel dull and lifeless. But by using floor lamps and table lamps you can brighten up corners and create depth.
You can also use lighting to your advantage when it comes to the size of your apartment. Warmer lighting can make a small room feel more snug and inviting during the night. I find that bright fluorescent bulbs make a small space feel worse.
Do Dark Colors Make a Room Feel Smaller?
Yes and no. Lighter colors do reflect light which can help make your small room feel bigger. But darker colors can make your small space feel more intentional and cozy.
When decorating with color stick to one scheme. Pick one base color that you want to highlight and then build from there. Use different shades of that color throughout your décor and furniture.
If you suddenly toss every color of the rainbow into your small room it will feel cluttered and loud. However, if your walls are bright white but everything else is dark, it will have the same effect.
Zone Like a Pro
Separate your space into zones for working, eating, sleeping, and relaxing. Your small apartment might function as all of these things, but it helps to mentally separate your space.
Throw a rug down where you hang out. Put up a desk lamp where you work. Position a chair next to a window for reading. These small changes help you separate your apartment into different zones.
Incorporate Your Personality
Your tiny apartment should tell a story about who you are as a person. Instead of cluttering your shelves with knick-knacks that you don’t like or care about display pieces that have sentimental value.
- Photo wall? Check.
- Favorite coffee mug on display? Check.
- Art work that you’ve collected over time? Check.
Your apartment will instantly feel more lived in if you showcase things that you love.
Life in the Box
Living in a small space is only as stressful as you make it. Once you stop making excuses for your tiny apartment and start designing around it you’ll realize how simple small living can be.
Yes, you have less space than the average renter but that means you don’t have to weed through as much stuff. Less space = less stuff = low maintenance apartment.
Own your space no matter how big or small it may be. When your apartment works for your lifestyle you will no longer feel like you’re living in anyone else’s shoe but your own.
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