Living in a compact home presents a unique opportunity to explore creativity and efficiency in design. By incorporating these tips and embracing a minimalist approach, you can transform your small space into a stylish and functional haven that you'll love coming home to. Our curated stores offer ingenious solutions to maximise every inch of space, so whether you're decorating an apartment or a cosy studio, remember that small spaces can indeed have Big Style!
Functional Furniture
Functional furniture has become a game-changer in the realm of apartment living – it transforms small spaces into versatile sanctuaries, with each piece meticulously designed to optimise performance without compromising on aesthetics.
Choose furniture pieces that serve more than one purpose. Such as The Xtra footstool from BoConcept, which functions as a modern footstool by day and easily transforms into a single bed by night, while taking up very little space. Perfect for small homes, making sure you’re always ready for overnight guests. Or The Comfort Shop’s Queen Wall Bed with Freestanding Table – a bookcase by day with a desk and a queen size bed by night.
Adjustable beds such as the Flexi Platinum 2.0 from Sleepy’s effortlessly adjust to your body, delivering support in various positions and catering to diverse lifestyles without compromising on comfort!
The characteristic Mercer Marble Nested Coffee Table from James Lane is great for entertaining and easily stacked together when not in use, offering both functionality and compact design. Similarly, the sturdy Australian Oak Coco Lamp table from Nick Scali and Provincial Home Living’s Villa Fliptop Table both have a classic and timeless look. These multifunctional and compact tables make them the perfect addition to a living space, tucking away neatly when space is at a minimum.
Embrace Minimalism
Embracing a minimalist mindset is key to making a small area feel spacious and inviting. Keep only the essentials and let go of unnecessary clutter!
The Giro Console and Table, from The Comfort Shop can easily transform into a working desk when required – it comes in varying widths so can be used as a dining table too.
Choose furniture with clean lines that complement your space without overcrowding it. The Adairs Tulsa Vanilla Corduroy Modular Lounge is contemporary, flexible and chic. It comprises sectional pieces, allowing you to customise your configuration to best suit your space.
Maintain Clutter-Free Surfaces and Optimise Storage
Keeping surfaces clutter-free to maintain a sense of openness and tidiness is crucial in small spaces.Adopt a habit of regular decluttering to prevent the build up of unnecessary items. Use decorative baskets or trays to corral small items and keep them organised. A basket like the Kubu 3 Section Hamper from Provincial Home Living to hold linens, clothes or toys also doubles as a statement piece in your living area or bedroom.
Maximising storage is vital in small apartments. Consider furniture with hidden compartments or modular units that can be rearranged to suit different needs with ease. Creative storage solutions such as Snooze’s charming Byron Bed Frame with Gas Lift 2 Drawer Base, which has a feature shelf complete with LED lighting and USB charging portssuit a contemporary bedroom. With generous storage capacity within the base your extra bedding, seasonal items or shoes stow neatly away.
Boori’s Natty King Single Loft with Storage Staircase is the ultimate loft bed for kids. This bed ensures comfort and security and the storage staircase features tubs in each step, providing ample storage for your little one’s treasures!
Explore Light Colours and Mirrors
Light colours such as whites, pastels and neutrals can make a small space feel larger and more airy. Opt for furniture, curtains, and wall paint in light shades to reflect natural light and create an illusion of space.
Drift away to sleep in the Natural Washed Linen Cotton Quilt Cover Set from Sheridan – its neutral appeal Blends seamlessly into any bedroom. Relax into Freedom’s light and bright Areo Sofa – its unmistakable silhouette is supported by plush cushions and a durable frame, so you can sink into style over and over again.
Transform your little sanctuary by using mirrors to create the illusion of spaciousness while amplifying natural light to visually expand a room. Sleeping Giant’s Sorrento Floor Mirror and Castlery’s asymmetric Luna Floor Mirror are both perfect to brighten up your space.
Define Areas and Create a Practical Furniture Layout
Prioritise flow when designing the layout of your apartment. Consider your daily routines and activities, and arrange furniture accordingly to optimise space and flow. Allow for enough walking space between furniture pieces and ensure easy access to essential areas.
Using rugs to define different zones within your space, such as living, dining and working and arrange furniture strategically. Castlery’s Moroccan-inspired Mira Wool Area Rug and Nick Scali’s woollen textured Russell Rug both have a soft and stylish appearance, perfect for sectioning off spaces. Or make a room feel bigger with the Triple Width Stepped Modular Shelf, sophisticated room dividers that double as storage from Icon By Design. The elegant Zara Round Dining Table from Oz Design is the perfect choice for a smaller dining area this season.
Workspaces are part of many people’s living areas nowadays. The Comfort Shop’s ‘The Home Office’ is not only a perfect work space when required but it completely hides away when not in use. With plentiful storage, built in LED lighting and internal cabling to eliminate power cords from view, this Home Office is the perfect choice for smaller living spaces short on space.
Illuminate with Intention
Good lighting can enhance the ambience and functionality of a small area. Incorporate a mix of mood, task and accent lighting to create layers of illumination and to create visual interest.
Use floor lamps like Beacon Lighting’s Wirth 1 Light Floor Lamp, and table lamps such as King Living’s Pallino Table Lamp to effortlessly add a touch of illumination and sophistication to any space.
Living in a small space doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style or comfort. In fact, with the right approach, small spaces can radiate charm that rival larger homes. Whether you’re downsizing, renting your first place, or simply embracing a minimalist lifestyle, we hope these insights provide you with big ideas for your small space.
