5 Tips from an Architect for Creating Comfort in Small Spaces

How to find the desired balance between functionality and style when decorating small spaces, explains Evgeny Koblov, lead architect and managing partner of the oldest Moscow architectural company A+A.

Evgeny Koblov
Architect-Designer

Palette

Darkness is a friend of youth but an enemy of small rooms. The less light in the space, the more cramped it visually appears. Therefore, choosing the right palette and planning lighting is essential in compact housing.

The optimal choice will be light pastel tones in a monochromatic solution. The most harmonious spaces are those where the rule of tonality is followed: floor — the darkest, walls — medium saturation, ceiling — the lightest shade.

Design: Anna Suvorova and Pavel Mikhin

Order

Visual clutter is another factor that works against small rooms. An abundance of interior details makes a compact space feel overcrowded rather than unique.

For example, a collection of figurines or souvenirs from travels can be removed from open surfaces and placed in a display cabinet. Functional items such as cushions, throws, floor lamps, and framed pictures or photos can be used for decoration. One or two details will suffice to make the space individual and lively.

Design: Alireza Nemati

Scale

In small spaces, proportions are crucial and it's best to use smaller items. Pay attention to furniture size: a wardrobe or bed that is just a few centimeters shorter than standard will look more natural while still providing necessary functionality without sacrificing room area.

Using finishing materials can also influence the visual perception of space. For instance, tiles or wallpapers with small patterns make a room appear even smaller. In contrast, large-format tiles with bold designs add air to the space.

Design: Alla Senichева

Zoning

In tiny studio apartments, there's a risk of zones merging. As residents joke: sometimes we eat in the bedroom and sleep on the kitchen. Clear zoning of the space helps avoid this. Even one piece of furniture can already mark a division in space.

For example, a shelf or kitchen island can serve as a partition between the kitchen and living area. Alternatively, an elegant table with a couple of chairs can define a dining zone.

Design: Denis Tarasenko

Universality

In small spaces, there should be no random decisions or unnecessary items. Furniture in such environments should preferably be multifunctional.

This can include a sofa-bed, a bed with storage niches, foldable chairs and tables. Also useful are nightstands, dressers or rolling tables that can be moved as needed to different rooms.

Design: Anna Novopol'tseva

Cover: Vadim and Ekaterina Bychkovs