How Not to Decorate a Small Apartment: Additional 8 Tips

Recently, Victoria Pashinskaya shared items and design tricks that do not belong in a small apartment. Today we publish the second part of these useful tips.

Victoria Pashinskaya — an expert, designer, and head of PV Design Studio. Member of the Moscow Designers' Union.

Forget about open shelves

On one hand, shelves add volume to the space. But more often than not, they are filled with various small items, creating a sense of clutter. The same goes for open shelves and storage systems if they are not arranged into an interesting composition.

Colorful floors are a bad choice

This technique looks appropriate and works to expand the space only if all other elements are in one color palette. If that's not your case, choose a monochromatic floor covering.

Choose art pieces wisely

It is important that paintings, posters, and other decor match the interior in both style and scale. Leave large, vibrant, eye-catching items for more spacious rooms, and for a small apartment buy unobtrusive, visually light accessories.

Say 'no' to half-height elements

When choosing wardrobes and kitchen units, don't skimp – let them reach the full height of the room, and even better – make them built-in. Medium-height furniture can visually make a small space feel even smaller.

Thick rugs with bright patterns are taboo

This kind of textile makes the interior look heavy – that's clearly not the effect we want to achieve in a small room.

Refrigerator is not a place for magnets

We all bring souvenirs from trips, but unfortunately, this collection on the fridge door often looks unesthetic. A great solution is a magnetic board.

Organize storage space

Decide where the vacuum cleaner, mops, buckets, and other cleaning supplies will be stored. A tiny closet with an area of just 1 sq.m. works well for this purpose.

Trimming and moldings – only in moderation

The most optimal solution with low ceilings is a high baseboard and cornice. It's preferable to paint them in wall color, and the cornice should be recessed, transitioning onto the ceiling.

If you use moldings, it's important that they match the wall color and are rhythmically alternating.

Also read:

• 11 posts you must read if you own a small apartment
  
• 5 mistakes in designing rooms with low ceilings
  
• 5 common errors in decorating a small apartment