Interior Design for Small Apartments. Space Saving Hacks for Studio and One Bedroom Apartments

Master the art of maximizing small spaces with 'Interior Design for Small Apartments: Space Saving Hacks for Studio and One Bedroom Apartments'. Discover innovative solutions for organizing, multi-functional living, and aesthetic appeal, without feeling cramped or compromising on style. During this class I will take you through my problem-solving approach for a small 33 sqm (361 sqft) apartment.

Anyone dwelling in a compact living space, whether by choice or circumstance, faces three major conundrums:

1. Where can I store all my belongings in such a limited space?

2. How do I make the space I have available multifunctional? It has to serve as a bedroom, a living room, a play area for children, an entertainment zone... and so much more!

3. How do I keep my space look tidy and beautiful despite its size? How do I prevent my cosy apartment from feeling like a claustrophobic shoebox?

These are genuine concerns, and I am here to offer you viable solutions that enable you to enjoy the best of both worlds.

Who can benefit from this course?

This course caters to individuals who are prepared to invest in enhancing their long-term living experience. It may involve reconfiguring spaces,  wall removal, investing in tailor-made furniture where necessary, and incorporating space-saving fixtures to augment their quality of life. Small spaces often demand ingenious solutions or exclusive furniture pieces that bring high flexibility. While such solutions may not be as affordable as Ikea, their long-term value to your quality of life and budget is immense. Not only can they ease the pressure of needing to upgrade to a larger place, but they can also save you substantial amounts of money that you would otherwise spend on a bigger place.

Tools used in this course:

In this class, I'll illustrate my problem-solving approach using paper sketching and 3D modelling in Sketchup. While the focus is not to provide an in-depth tutorial on Sketchup, it will serve as a platform to demonstrate how various design solutions could transform your living space. Should you wish to learn more about using Sketchup, there are abundant free tutorials available on the Sketchup website.

Course structure: 

During this exploration of design possibilities, I'll delve into a range of pertinent topics, such as:

• Identifying the needs of the inhabitants and working within the boundaries of the available space: This involves a deep understanding of your lifestyle, routines, preferences, and the activities you undertake within your living area. It's about shaping the space around you rather than trying to fit into it, all while respecting the inherent constraints of the area.

• Learning how to prioritize your design choices: Prioritization is key in space-saving interior design. We will delve into determining what aspects of design are most important to you – is it storage, aesthetics, functionality, or perhaps, a combination of these factors? The aim is to create a balance that brings you satisfaction.

• Deciphering a floor plan and sketching on it: Interpreting a floor plan is crucial in visualizing and planning your space. By understanding its dimensions and sketching on it, we can brainstorm and experiment with different layouts and furniture placements. This practice becomes a powerful tool for testing your ideas before execution.

• The importance of alignment and order in your design: Good design goes beyond mere aesthetic appeal. It also means creating harmony and coherence in your space. An orderly arrangement and thoughtful alignment of elements can significantly enhance both the functionality and visual appeal of your interior.

• The potential benefits of removing walls to increase natural light: Walls can sometimes become barriers that prevent natural light from flooding your space. We'll consider how knocking down certain walls can create an open-plan design, fostering a more airy, spacious, and brighter environment.

• Compactness: Here, we explore how custom-made design can help reduce space by combining multiple pieces of furniture, like the bed with a piece of storage and a table, and an extensible bed and bookshelves. The variations can be endless, and they can truly save a lot of space.

• Exploring partition options: Partitions can be fantastic tools for defining different areas within your space without the permanence of walls. We'll investigate various partition types – from bookshelves to folding screens – that can offer a sense of privacy while maintaining an open feel.

• Utilizing convertible furniture: Convertible furniture pieces are indispensable for small spaces. They offer the flexibility to change according to your needs and the occasion. We'll look into furniture serving multiple functions, such as beds that transform into desks or ottomans that provide hidden storage.

• Deciding optimal storage locations: Clever storage solutions can be a game-changer in small spaces. We'll explore strategies to utilize underused areas, like under beds or above doors, and how to incorporate storage in furniture and fixtures to minimize clutter.

• Employing optical illusions to give a sense of spaciousness: Perception can often be as important as reality. Through the use of mirrors, colour schemes, and strategic furniture placement, we can create optical illusions that make your space appear larger and more expansive than it actually is.

There's no need for a larger place; you need a smarter design strategy.

After all, how spacious a place FEELS carries more weight than its actual size.

Use this Pinterest board to start putting together a visual representation of your new space: 

Reading list:

Check out Neufert for standard details and furniture measurements and my reading list to expand your mind on architecture psychology, design and other things.

**Captions available 

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Download Sketchup Files here! 

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Who am I?

I’m a licensed architect with over a decade of experience in Vienna, Austria. I have a double degree in Architecture and "Building Science and Technology" and I am deeply passionate about design psychology and optimising interior design in order to create great emotional experiences for people. My goal is to design spaces that make people FEEL loved, happier, healthier, and more creative.

In my classes, you will find tips and strategies that will help you design a great home. You will learn how certain design decisions can influence your emotions and behaviour and what you can do to create a home that will make you feel happier and supported in your goals.

You can also check out my class How to Think Like an Architect.

Books and Media I recommend. 

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Love the class project? Want some more fun quizzes and reflection exercises?  Try the "Home Happiness Worksheets Bundle". 

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Links to other classes

A Hygge Home: Danish Interior Design Principles for Cosiness and Comfort.

Room Fragrances. How Scents Influence your Performance, Wellbeing & Interior Design Experience.

Home Interior Design for Better Habits. Self-development by Design.

Color Psychology. The Influence of Color on Emotions & Behavior in Architectural & Interior Design.

Decorating With Plants for Beginners.

Home Office Interior Design. Work from Home like a Boss.

Interior Design for Small Apartments. Space Saving Hacks for Studio and One Bedroom Apartments.

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• Introduction
• The Humans And The Space
• Preview and Prioritize
• Scale and Dimensions
• Sketching Tools
• The Basic Floorplan
• Removing Walls And Natural Light
• Zoning
• Order and Alignment
• Compactness / Part 1
• Compactness / Part 2
• Partitions / Part 1
• Partitions / Part 2
• Storage
• Flexibility
• Optical Illusions / Part 1
• Optical Illusions / Part 2
• 10 Apartments
• Final Thoughts.
• Final Thoughts