5 Cool Design Solutions for Small Apartments

How to stylishly and functionally decorate an apartment with limited square footage? We've collected interesting solutions from designers' projects — get inspired and take notes!

Bar Counter in a Tiny Studio 20 m²

A room with only one window is a common layout for mini-apartments. No matter where you place the bed, it still feels like you're sleeping on the kitchen floor. In this project, zoning was achieved using a bar counter and curtains. The compact structure harmoniously fits into the design, giving the space an unconventional look. Additionally, the bar counter can replace other furniture pieces — a bulky dining table or a cutting board.

Design: Archbutik

Mirror Closet-Cube in a Bright Studio 30 m²

The main highlight of this Moscow small apartment was the closet. Designer Tatiana Makarova decorated it as a real art object in the form of a mirrored cube. The walls are built from foam blocks and clad with mirrors — they reflect the apartment, making the space appear larger.

Walkthrough of this apartment (38 minutes)

Design: Tatiana Makarova

"Hidden" Kitchen in a Studio 35 m²

If there's no dedicated space for the kitchen, it's better to visually mask that area. In a small studio apartment, the cabinet was placed in a niche. The color of the facades blends perfectly with the walls — the kitchen literally dissolves into the interior, eliminating any feeling of living on the kitchen.

Design: Ira Nosova

Monochrome Color Blocking in a Euro-Double 33 m²

In this euro-double, designer Olga Mitnik managed to organize several functional zones in one unified space: kitchen-living room, dining area, workspace, and living room. The effect of a cohesive space was achieved using a monochrome palette. Color blocking visually separates zones: the dining and workspace areas are highlighted with a muted yellow tone, while the living room is complemented with a yellow sofa.

Design: Olga Mitnik

Studio 23 sq. m — Accent Wall as a Distraction

This small apartment has all the necessary functionality packed into a modest area. The space remains open: zones of the hallway, kitchen-dining room, and bedroom flow smoothly into each other. Accent materials were used to avoid a mundane look. The main feature is a wall with original wallpaper. Flying geese divert attention from the modest size.

Design: Anastasia Zarkua