How to Maximize Space in a Small Apartment: Square Meters of Happiness

Small-size housing is a reality for many Russians. But how to make sure that living in a small apartment is comfortable? We explore how to turn a cramped space into a cozy nest.

Julia Bykova, Interior Designer

Zoning: How to Turn One Room into Three?

The main secret of comfortable living in a small apartment is proper zoning. Even in a one-room flat, you can designate zones for sleeping, working, and relaxing. Popular zoning methods include using a platform for the sleeping zone, a shelf partition, sliding panels, or a bar counter between the kitchen and living room.

Design: Diana Mironova

Julia says: "Sliding partitions will allow you to turn a living room into a bedroom and living room zone".

Design: Julia Bykova

"The Invisibility Closet": Where to Store Things When There's No Space?

Storage is one of the biggest problems in small apartments. Solutions include built-in wardrobes up to the ceiling, beds with drawers, and shelves above the ceiling. Don't forget about the space above door frames – you can also place small cupboards there. A folding table attached to the wall and poufs with storage space can also help save precious square meters.

Our expert says: "If you're lucky enough to own an apartment with high ceilings, you can utilize vertical space. This could be a full wardrobe or a workspace under the bed. If the height allows, you can even create an attic floor, but keep in mind that the minimum ceiling height for an attic is 2.1 meters and it should not exceed 40% of the area. It's important to understand that this is a reconfiguration and should be legalized".

Design: Buro Brainstorm

"Mirror, Mirror on the Wall": How to Visually Expand Space?

Mirrors are a sure way to "push back" walls. A large mirror on the wall or mirrored cabinet doors create an illusion of more space. Light-colored finishes, glossy surfaces, and transparent furniture can also help visually expand the room. Don't forget proper lighting: use multiple light sources instead of just one chandelier.

Design: Anna Kuznetsova, Ksenia Demina

"Transformers, Forward!": Furniture That Can Do Everything

Multi-functional furniture is a lifesaver for small apartments. A sofa-bed, console table, platform bed, or wardrobe-bed will help you use space as efficiently as possible. When choosing such furniture, pay attention to the quality of mechanisms – they should be reliable and durable.

"Less is More": How to Get Rid of Clutter?

To make a small apartment comfortable, it's important to regularly get rid of unnecessary items. Follow the rule "one in, one out": buy a new item – get rid of an old one. Store seasonal items in vacuum-sealed bags, and scan important documents to store them in the cloud instead of paper copies. For items you use rarely, consider renting.

Our expert advises: "Don't forget about balconies and loggias. You can set up a comfortable workspace there, taking care of temperature during the heating season and providing a way to shield from too bright light, for example, using roman blinds".

Design: Julia Bykova

"I Have Gas in My Apartment": How to Organize a Small Kitchen?

Kitchens in typical apartments are often the smallest rooms.

Julia explains: "A refrigerator can be hidden in a built-in cabinet with swing doors next to the kitchen or tucked under the kitchen countertop.

Round tables work perfectly for small kitchens since they have no corners, so even in the tiniest room it's comfortable to walk around them. A hanging light fixture above such a table will create soft warm lighting for a cozy evening.

Compact apartments love compact appliances. Dishwashers with 45-liter capacity and two-burner stoves help save space on the kitchen surface. If you don't cook or rarely cook, it might make sense not to install a stationary stove at all and instead buy a compact induction stove that can be easily stored, increasing the usable space.

A microwave oven with a convection oven function or completely doing away with the convection oven and placing the microwave in the upper section of the cabinet".

Design: Dot and Dash Architects

Design: Olga Kozina

"Bathroom or Wardrobe?": How to Organize a Bathroom

In typical apartments, bathrooms are often very small. Choose compact plumbing fixtures: toilets with a tank, wall-mounted, narrow sinks. Instead of a bathtub, use a shower cabin. Use the space above plumbing fixtures for storage: install a mirrored cabinet over the sink and shelves over the toilet. An angled sink and washing machine under the sink also help save space.

Julia Bykova advises: "For a bathroom in a small apartment, a countertop vanity with the option to install a washing machine is ideal. There are options from 1000 mm, but larger sizes like 1100 mm or more are more convenient. If space is very limited, you can consider a top-loading washing machine – they might fit better in terms of configuration".

Design: Anna Kuznetsova, Ksenia Demina

"Home Is Where It's Comfortable": How to Make a Small Apartment Cozy?

Coziness does not depend on the number of square meters. Here are some ideas for creating a cozy atmosphere:

• Add textiles – curtains, cushions, throws;
• Use live plants;
• Place personal items – photos, souvenirs;
• Use soft lighting (table lamps and wall sconces instead of bright overhead light);
• Add scented candles or diffusers;
• Hang paintings or posters on the walls;
• Place a soft rug on the floor.

Design: Zoom RoomINMYROOM advises:

In a small apartment, it's important to find a balance between functionality and comfort. Use multi-functional furniture and smart storage systems, but don't forget the details that make the space lively and individual.

Remember that even the smallest apartment can become a cozy home if you approach its organization with thoughtfulness and love. The key is not the number of square meters but how you use them.

Design: Ilona Rafikova, terracotta.buro

Cover: Design Project by Irina Nosova