Beginnings Can Be Difficult: Designer Tricks for Tiny Apartments

Starting a life in a big city can be daunting, especially when it comes to finding a suitable living space. Affording a nice place is often not an option, but that doesn’t mean you can’t create one, even if it’s the tiniest apartment in the world. The only thing that matters is that you’re willing to build a home for yourself, that one place where you can be who you truly are. Everything else, like enough money or time, will eventually turn out better than you’d ever imagined. Here are seven designer tricks for tiny apartments that will help you create a comfortable home.

1. Think Minimalist: How Much Space Do You Really Need?

When considering your dream home, a 140 square feet apartment may not be your ideal choice. However, most people want to achieve a certain level of luxury and social status, which may be unattainable with a tiny living space. The answer is to adapt the space you have to your specific needs. An exceptionally talented architect from Poland, Szymon Hanczar, turned his tiny apartment into a gorgeous home for singles. “To be honest, ask yourself what you really need, how much time do you spend at home, what do you expect from this space? You don’t have to pay a lot for a big flat when you enjoy the city life and spend 2/3 of the day out,” said Hanczar.

2. Strive Towards Bright and Light

Dark colors make a space look smaller and more crowded than it is. To make your tiny apartment look and feel more spacious, use bright shades on all large surfaces. You don’t have to choose pure white because there are many bright shades that will create a comfortable atmosphere for you. Light, in general, makes a place seem larger, so let natural light into your apartment to create the illusion of space. Place a large mirror across your windows to reflect the light and make your tiny apartment look even bigger.

3. Floating and Hanging Storage Solutions

Storage is probably the biggest challenge when living in a tiny apartment. Spacious closets are only available in larger apartments, so alternative solutions are necessary. Use the upper parts of your walls and ceiling to install floating shelves and cabinets made from light or see-through materials. Clothing racks that hang from the ceiling are also practical and great-looking.

4. Use Space Vertically, Not Only Horizontally

If you have high ceilings, use them to your advantage. Build a mezzanine and turn it into a bedroom. Your apartment may be tiny, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get a good night’s sleep. This way, you can have a large bed without sacrificing space.

5. Scale Down Your Furniture

Most furniture is made for the average human being’s measurements, but furniture specially made for smaller places will help you create more room. Smaller furniture does not mean less comfort, and you can always test different furniture pieces before buying. The smaller the furniture, the less space you need to clean.

6. Liven Up Your Tiny Home

Light and bright colors make an apartment look spacious, but if this does not match your personality, find a way to create a peaceful environment. Plants work wonders in tiny spaces and come in all shapes and sizes. You can even plant fruits and vegetables to make useful and pretty planters. Saving space with hanging art is a great option to consider.

7. Don’t Settle for Less – Comfy Is Homey

Creating a comfortable home is achievable regardless of the size of your apartment. Szymon Hanczar said, “I didn’t want a spacious apartment that would involve plenty of time to take care of. On the other hand, despite the small space, it was not my intention to give up comfort and functionality. So it was really a unique challenge.” Take your time, plan carefully, and prioritize your needs to make the best use of every available square foot.

In conclusion, these seven designer tricks for tiny apartments are simple DIY projects or require a bit of pre-planning. They won’t require a lot of money, but they do require careful consideration on your part. Figure out what you need and focus on that, and you will have a comfortable, welcoming tiny home.