Having a small living space doesn’t mean that you can make it into your dream home. You shouldn’t take lack of space as an obstacle. You just need to get creative and think outside the box. If you lack inspiration, you can always research online, and you will find many ideas for modifications that can transform your home. Before you start renovating a small apartment, check our article to understand what to pay attention to. We’ll also give you some valuable tips that will help you maximize every square inch of your living space.
First – declutter!
Nothing can make a small space seem smaller than clutter and mess. Therefore, the first thing you should do is declutter! Getting rid of excess stuff will allow your space to breathe again. Plus, you’ll feel much better.
The best way to declutter is to create three piles and sort your stuff:
- Hold on to things that you need and regularly use.
- Donate items you don’t use anymore but are in good condition.
- Discard all the things that can’t be used anymore (broken, stained, etc.).
Another good idea is to empty out the space before deciding what and how you will renovate. Why? Because without all the stuff in the way, you’ll be able to see the bigger picture and plan what you want to do with the space.
If you have too many things to pack, consider hiring professional packers and even temporarily renting a storage unit. Many people who used professional help from Van Express Movers said that hiring experienced packers made the process quicker and easier.
Get creative with storage space
One of the biggest issues with small apartments is the lack of storage. You want to maximize the storage space you have while keeping your place looking spacious and stylish.
The best way to do this is to think vertically. A good idea is to add floating shelves on the walls to store books and decorations. Also, make sure to use every overlooked corner and unconventional place you can find for storage. You can even order custom-made shelves or closets.
Functionality comes first
When you choose furniture for a small apartment, keep in mind that it shouldn’t only look good but be functional, too. If you live in a studio, get a sofa that turns into a bed. Choose one that has built-in storage – it’s perfect for keeping your bedsheets.
Ottomans with storage are an excellent option for your living room. The key is to choose furniture that doubles as living room storage.
Make the space seem bigger
When you are renovating a small apartment, you want to make the space look bigger. Here are five easy ways in which you can achieve this.
Wall color is crucial when renovating a small apartment
To make your small apartment seem bigger and more inviting, choose light and neutral colors for the walls. White is the best choice as it instantly lightens up the whole room.
If you feel that white is too dull, you can add a statement wall. Choose an exciting wallpaper or a bright color to make the space seem more attractive. Even colorful wall decor can make the room seem more fun.
Let the sunshine in
Natural light is your best ally if you want to make a small space seem bigger. Depending on your apartment’s layout and your budget, you might want to consider knocking down a wall that faces a lovely view. In its place, install a floor-to-ceiling window. This way, you’ll brighten up the space and make it seem more open.
If you live on the last floor, invest in a roof window. Imagine looking at the stars at night from your couch when the only light comes from a hand-blown glass lamp.
Invest in good lighting fixtures
If you don’t have enough windows in your place, invest in good lighting fixtures. Artificial light can do wonders for lighting up a space. As well as natural light, it can make your apartment seem bigger.
There are many lighting ideas that you can try out in your home – from crystal lamps and crystal chandeliers to colorful bedside or table lamps. The choice is on you!
Play with reflective surfaces
As the word says, reflective surfaces reflect light, both natural and artificial. If a room is dark or even windowless, adding reflective surfaces such as mirrors or polished metals can help brighten up the space.
If that is what your apartment needs, we strongly recommend choosing mirrored furniture. Not only will it help with lighting up the space, but it also looks classy and elegant.
Choose wall decor wisely
When decorating a small apartment, you need to choose decoration wisely. Otherwise, you are risking making your place look cluttered and messy. It can even seem smaller than it is.
You can make your apartment look completely different by adding tasteful wall art. You can print your favorite family photos on canvas and place them around your home.
Should you move while renovations are in progress?
We say YES! Think about it – if a major renovation project is happening in a small space, it’s really not practical to live there. When you think of renovation, you probably think of dust and the cleaning that comes after. If you are residing in your apartment while it is being renovated, you will have to clean up daily, and you won’t have much time or space for yourself.
Therefore, pack your bags, rent a place and leave the contractors to do their magic. Don’t forget to pack everything. Even if you decide to move out at the last minute before the renovation, make sure to do it quickly and efficiently. Create a quick checklist as it will prevent you from forgetting anything.
Final words
At first sight, these renovation tips might seem too costly or complicated. However, with proper planning and budgeting, renovating a small apartment can be very easy. We hope you enjoyed reading this article and that you found our advice useful!
Autor bio:
Marie Osborn is a stay-at-home mom of three. She worked as an interior designer for four years. Although she decided to quit and take care of her kids, she is still very passionate about interior design.
