Small rooms, big on character
How can you create a lot of space in a small room? And how can you design it so that the result is functional, cozy and beautiful? Interior design tips from professionals that you can try at home.
Motorhomes, campers and vans show us how it's done: they offer everything you need in a minimal amount of space – a bathroom, bed, wardrobe and much more. But anyone who lives in a confined space for long periods will want a little more: space that is not only functional but also so inviting and attractive that the occupant feels like they're living in a palace.
Plan first, then shop
Careful planning is needed from the outset to turn small apartments into large ones. It is important to analyze your own needs and set priorities in advance. If you work from home a lot, you need a good workplace, but perhaps not a large sofa. If you often have visitors but hardly ever cook, you can downsize the kitchen in favor of comfortable seating.
Instead of spontaneous shopping, it's time to sharpen your pencil and draw a floor plan. You might even want to use a 3D model with a visualization function to get a realistic view of the result. If you're stuck, photos overlaid with tracing paper will also help. This way, furniture can be moved with a few strokes, colors can be quickly tried out, and decorations can be repositioned in no time.
Create zones, design lines of sight
No matter how small: “Every successful apartment needs zones that reflect different needs so that the residents feel comfortable,” says Benjamin Oeckl, who, with his company Belform, specializes in furnishing micro-living properties, from student housing to serviced and coliving.
With experience in designing more than 5,000 apartments, the managing director explains: “Even those who live in the smallest of spaces want to be able to cook, eat, work, sleep, chill or invite someone over in their apartment without having to sit on the bed.”
Screens, shelves and room dividers can be used to separate the individual areas and also perform additional functions. Books can be stored on the shelf, the screen can be backed with an acoustic fleece to dampen noise, and a drawer can be fitted under a pedestal for blankets, shoes and other items.
To avoid appearing too compartmentalized, zoned rooms should be combined with long lines of sight that give them a sense of spaciousness. These are best routed through several rooms or even outside. Wherever doors form boundaries, it makes sense to leave them open or remove them altogether. Sliding doors disappear completely into the wall anyway.
This text appeared in the Smaller Living magazine (issue 2024/2025). The author is Christine Ryll. She is an architect and writes as a technical editor on topics related to construction, architecture and real estate. Interested parties can find the entire article and the entire issue of the magazine HERE.
