7 Brilliant Small Space Decorating Ideas That Double Your Living Space
You should know these 7 life-changing small space decorating ideas for your apartment.
Whether you are a first-time apartment/small space owner or renting out you should definitely implement these life-changing small space decorating ideas into your space.
As I am living in an apartment and specialising in small spaces interior design, I felt overwhelmed when I first time moved here 2 years ago (but now I have become an expert!).
You can make your small space decorating fun, exciting, and as stylish and functional as a larger house/home.
This post is all about 7 life-changing small space decorating ideas for your apartment.
Small Space Decorating Ideas
1. Vertical Gardens for Small Spaces Decorating
Several years ago, gardening was only part of backyards and outdoor spaces. Nowadays, it’s part of all the spaces in your home.
In my experience, one of the most transformative trends I’ve seen is the integration of vertical gardens in apartment balconies or herb gardens in small kitchen decor.
For example, in your studio apartment transformation, install a smart vertical garden system in your living room wall.
Use a combination of hanging planters and modular green wall panels near the window and create a stunning living (green) artwork on the living room wall that purifies the air and serves as a natural focal point.
If you are new to vertical gardens, my suggestion would be to consider starting with low-maintenance plants like pothos, ferns, and snake plants.
Another option is to use self-watering systems, which have become incredibly popular in recent years.
In the market, The latest hydroponic wall systems are available, and they can be controlled through your smartphone even if you are at work. It makes your plant care easier than ever.
2. Multifunctional Furniture and spaces
Multifunctional furniture and multifunction spaces (living/dining, bedroom/office, living room/home office) are becoming a necessity as small space living ideas are grown.
I couldn’t agree more with these small spaces interior design statement, especially after witnessing how life-changing these pieces were in my apartment.
Recently, my team and I designed a guest room/ home office space, thanks to an innovative wall bed system with an integrated desk.
During the day, a bed is tucked into a wall niche, and that becomes a productive workspace, but at night, it transforms into a comfortable bedroom for guests.
The latest multifunctional pieces of furniture (convertible furniture) are coffee tables that expand into dining tables, and free-standing kitchen islands transform into dining tables.
Long bench/ottomans come with built-in storage and charging points and modular sofas that can be reconfigured as beds for lounge and perfect for movie night. I’m sure you have seen it all over TikTok, Instagram, and other social media.
[Related Post: 21 Best Tips for Small Couches for Small Spaces That You Should Know]
3. Lighting for Small Space
I suggest layer lighting( layered lighting – combining ambient, task, and accent lighting ) because I’ve always believed that lighting is the secret of all designers to create ambience in small space design.
Recently, I completed the “Studio Fix” series by Alexandra Gater (obsessed with her videos), and she always suggests that you should replace the old lights with a combination of layer lights that transform your small space completely.
Light isn’t just about illumination anymore – it’s about creating the illusion of space and defining zones without physical barriers.
You can incorporate smart lighting systems that adjust automatically based on natural light levels and your daily routines if you are a busy person.
4. Colour Psychology and Material Selection for Small Spaces
I think you should understand how the use of colours and materials throughout you can create a spatial perception in your space design.
The key is to create visual continuity, like using your accent colour on one of the walls, and that same colour you can use in the cushions, rug, or decor pieces to maintain interest.
You can see in the image above the use of wooden material and dark navy blue colour in the living room.
The continuous colour and material flow made the space feel larger, while carefully chosen textures – like brushed metals and natural wood grains – added depth without overwhelming the space.
Latest Colour Trend for Small Spaces
Some of the lighter colours are white, cream, beige, sage green, light blue, pale green, and light grey.
A Few accents of darker colours are dark grey, classic navy, Medium Blue, deep blue, Charcoal Black, and many more.
[Relate post: 7 Genius Color and Light for Small Spaces Techniques Interior Designers Swear By]
5. Organisation for Small Spaces
Organising small spaces is more than tidiness; it’s a system that transforms your daily life. It is a building system that is perfectly integrated with your lifestyle.
You can implement a zoned-based organisation technique, and the key to success is to create a designated zone for each space through which you can naturally maintain order.
For small spaces, use a room divider to separate working, living, relaxing, and sleeping areas.
When you organise small spaces, I suggest going vertically. Use wall space with adjustable shelving systems and magnetic boards.
For living room organisation, you can use an ottoman with storage, woven baskets, a coffee table with storage, and an entryway using a slick shoe cabinet and baskets for hidden storage.
In the kitchen, try to combine open-closed cabinets for frequently used items display and hidden storage.
Recently, on Netflix, I watched the “Tidying Up with Marie Kondo” web series. I suggest you watch it too, or if you can’t, you can check out this decluttering and organising method by Marie Kondo.
6. Smart Storage Solutions for Small Space Interior Design
Storage is a problem for small homes or apartments!
I suggest starting with a simple storage system, like floor-to-ceiling shelving. You can mix-match open and closed shelving to display pieces and hide seasonal wear in closed shelving. You can use vacuum-sealed storage bags for seasonal items.
The advanced smart storage system has evolved how we organise our small spaces now! Maximise storage in small spaces, the key is to we have to think beyond traditional storage systems in the era of AI (Artificial Intelligence).
If you really want to invest in a smart storage solution – go for rotating closet systems where you can organise your clothes, bags, shoes, and more accessory things.
7. The Art of Visual Tricks for Small Space Decorating Tips
I must say from my decade of experience that the most powerful transformations come not from what we add to a space but from how we manipulate visual perception.
To show and give feel your tiny/small spaces larger, use visual tricks and techniques!
You can use vertical strips in one or two colours on accent walls to draw the eye upward, which gives the visual perception of a taller room.
The second technique is strategic rug placement, which uses rug placement to create distinct zones without adding a single wall. You can consider “how different rug textures can define various areas of your home.”
