4 Design Tips for Small Apartments from the Most Expensive Architect

Good interior design is always not only beautiful and stylish but also convenient. How to use space as efficiently as possible in a small apartment, Eugeniy Koblov — a distinguished architect-designer with 20 years of experience in development, author's supervision and implementation of more than 130 projects — explains.

Eugeniy Koblov Architect

Creating Additional Storage Systems

How to optimize storage in a small apartment? Buy a neighboring apartment and use it as a warehouse. This was a joke. In limited space, all planning and design solutions are dictated primarily by ergonomics. Therefore, everywhere where there is an opportunity, storage spaces are created.

For example, mezzanines will be the optimal solution in those areas of the apartment where you don't spend much time: above the headboard of the bed in the bedroom, in corridors or passageways. Many of you surely remember from Soviet times antresols between the room and kitchen or next to the bathroom. Actually, this phenomenon is returning now in design practice but in modern niche formats.

Large built-in wardrobes along the entire wall will also provide convenient storage, replacing various dressers, side tables, and so on. Due to their depth, they 'consume' space in the room or corridor and usually look rather unassuming. However, their storage efficiency is extremely high.

VookingVooking

Maintaining Distances

It is important to consider the actual dimensions of future furniture and plan spaces for passages, opening doors, accessing wardrobes, beds, etc., already at the stage of developing the layout and creating a design project. In small apartments, every centimeter counts. But comfort should also not be overlooked.

In my practice, there was a case when clients themselves, without designer involvement, arranged all the furniture on the plan. Later it turned out that they made a mistake in scale and there was only 40 cm for passage between the bed and the wall.

It is important to plan space for free movement in the apartment in advance. For example, there should be no less than 50–60 cm on each side of the bed so that one can comfortably sit, change clothes or get dressed. The depth of a standard wardrobe is usually about 60 cm, and an additional 40–45 cm is required for opening sliding doors. Drawers require no less than 40 cm of free space. Thus, installing a wardrobe without drawers can save significant space.

Architect: Oksana DyapichArchitect: Oksana Dyapich

Multi-functional Furniture

Pay attention to furniture that serves multiple functions. This can be a footstool and at the same time a storage side table with internal space. Or a dresser that becomes a desk when unfolded.

A sofa as sleeping accommodation instead of a regular bed will also free up most of the room during the day. Alternatively, you can 'lift' the bed to create a platform. Then the space inside can be effectively used for storage.

Design: Julia ChernovaDesign: Julia Chernova

Rational Use of Balcony

When you have a small apartment, the balcony should also be considered as a storage area. Many try to avoid such solutions and make this zone a place for rest. But it is rational to place items here that you use rarely, so as not to clutter living space.

Also, I recommend thinking about the phenomenon of stuff-ism. Often people think about buying a larger apartment, planning to make a wardrobe in it as well. Look objectively at how much clothing and household items you really need. Personally, I can fit everything necessary into one suitcase. Therefore, packing and moving only takes me no more than an hour.

Design: Evgeniya PostukhovaDesign: Evgeniya Postukhova