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Whether you’re moving into a new home or looking for ways to uplift your current apartment, it’s important to optimise your space for functionality and comfort. There are certainly challenges to contend with if you choose to live in a smaller flat. You may need some lifestyle adjustments, such as consciously buying less stuff. Your wardrobe will need a rigorous round of curation, as will your accessories and shoe/book/toy collection.
More importantly, your priorities should play a part in your design planning. A friend staying in a 2-room apartment decided to get lightweight bean bags instead of a couch to free up the living room space for home workouts. Another friend walked into her pre-renovated apartment and decided to knock down a wall near the entrance — a seemingly small but crucial decision which made her home more spacious compared to another unit with the same layout.
Read on for more tips on how to make the most out of your living spaces.
Related: Average Cost of Home Renovation in Singapore 2024
1. Design for Optimal Layout and Traffic Flow
One of the key considerations of thoughtful layout design in small flats is thinking about traffic flow, such as placing furniture out of the way where people need to walk.
In Making A House Your Home, lifestyle editor Claire Nolan shares a general rule of 60-75 cm width as a walkway and also allowing some buffer for “long limbs to dangle off sofa and chairs, for pulling back chair from a table so you can stand up or down and for manoeuvring around the kitchen”. The same goes for your wardrobes as you want to be able to stand back and be able to tell at a glance what you have. This also helps when you need to declutter your belongings.
Another tip is “zoning”, which can be used for both a large multi-functional space or to demarcate spaces in an open layout for a smaller flat. For instance, a coloured wall or artwork can define the dining area or a rug can separate the living room from the rest of the house. Or if you have taken a liking to a particular sofa and want to make that your centrepiece, feel free to position it away from the walls. The main idea is to have a point of focus.
Related: Should You Engage a Contractor or an Interior Designer For Your New Home?
2. Decluttering and Organisation
When planning for storage, floating shelves are a good idea to keep things neatly stored away, whether it’s for your kitchen or bathroom. The last thing you want is to add multiple standalone racks and clutter up your kitchen when there isn’t sufficient space for your knick knacks.
Another reason to keep things organised and modular is the ease and flexibility to transform certain rooms for different purposes over the years. Whether it’s preparing for the arrival of newborns or elderly parents moving in, having a multi-purpose room can easily serve that purpose. The key is, again, to zone and define the space based on your current lifestyle and usage. For instance, if you have a spare room that isn’t being used regularly, use modular furniture and storage to keep your belongings tidy.
Some tips for effective decluttering include:
- Sort your belongings into three broad categories, “Keep”, “Bin”, “Giveaway/Recycle”
- Utilise storage solutions such as bins, baskets, and shelves. Get a label maker and create labels so you can see everything easily, especially for areas that require regular housekeeping such as your pantry cabinet.
- Schedule regular checks and purging of unnecessary items. Make organising a part of your lifestyle and it’s less likely to turn into a tedious one-time event right before a party!
Related: Four Costs to Consider for a Home Renovation as a Parent
3. Multi-Functional Spaces and Furniture
Multi-functional furniture essentially lets you save space and cost by combining two features into one product. Some examples would be sofa and platform beds which combine the comfort of bed rest with the convenience of hidden storage, foldable furniture and extendable tables. When you have a small living room, futons are also great for comfort and flexibility.
The same goes for making a space multi-functional. Want to turn your library into a guest room but don’t want a full-size bed to take up floor space? Opt for a Murphy bed with built-in storage that allows you to transform your space efficiently. Or turn your balcony into a mini home office or yoga space if you’re not a fan of growing plants.
Other examples of versatile furniture pieces are nested tables and storage ottomans, which provide a sleek and stylish touch to your design. When you have friends over for gatherings, simply pull the tables apart to create a longer table. Bonus points if they come with castors and can be moved around easily.
The key when choosing the right multi-functional furniture for your needs is to keep it simple. Think neutral colours that mesh well with the rest of your decor, and how this item can be customised for other purposes or rooms.
Related: Average Cost of Household Appliances in Singapore
4. Vertical Space Utilisation
When you’re working with less than 500 square feet of space, otherwise known as a shoebox apartment, the other way you can go is upwards.
Exploring the potential of vertical space in small flats can be a fun way of showcasing your personality. Imagine creating a floor-to-ceiling custom shelving to showcase a precious collection of mementos from your travels, or your favourite Pokemon figurines.
If you would like to introduce some greenery into your living spaces, there is also an abundance of creative ideas for vertical gardening to add greenery without sacrificing space.
Other tips for maximising vertical space include:
- Installing wall-mounted shelves and storage units
- Utilising tall bookcases and cabinets
- Hanging hooks and racks for additional storage
Related: Best Renovation Loans in Singapore
5. Minimalist Decor and Colour Schemes
From soft pastels to cool tones, interior design trends come and go but minimalist colour schemes are a true classic that have lasted the test of time. Create a sense of openness in your home by embracing minimalist decor principles to make it a relaxing sanctuary for you.
When it comes to choosing the right colour schemes for small spaces, you may want to consider opting for light and neutral colours to make the space feel larger, and use strategic pops of colour to add interest without overwhelming the space.
This can be reflected in your choice of furniture and decor items that complement the minimalist aesthetic. Remember, when in doubt, less (colours and furniture) is more.
Related: Rent Out Your Apartment At A Great Price With These Useful Tips
Other Considerations
Make Use of Technology and Smart Home Solutions
The beauty of technology is that when used correctly, it helps to enhance our quality of living.
If you’re a reader, chances are you would either have a bookshelf filled with your beloved books. Or you could also invest in an electronic reader, which lets you access endless titles without having to make space for a dusty bookshelf.
If you’re not a big fan of huge TV screens and have a blank wall space, consider getting a projector to cast your favourite shows from your laptop for a different but no less entertaining experience. Other examples of how you can integrate smart home devices and gadgets into your home are home automation systems for efficient energy use and convenience.
When it comes to expanding the visual elements, nothing does it quite like a clever combination of lighting and mirrors to enhance the perception of space.
To maximise natural light in your home, try these tips:
- Keep windows unobstructed
- Use light-coloured curtains or blinds
- Place mirrors strategically to reflect light
Alternatively, you could also incorporate artificial lighting solutions, such as track lighting, to brighten up dark corners and visually expand the space.
Related: Want To Live In A Muji-Inspired HDB Flat? 5 Affordable Renovation Ideas
Conclusion
In a nutshell, have a system for decluttering and organising, choose multi-functional furniture, utilise vertical space, and keep your design simple and minimalistic to make the most out of your small flat.
With thoughtful design and some creativity, maximising space in a small flat doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Using these interior design tips and tricks, you can create a stylish and functional living space that feels spacious and inviting. The key is to selectively experiment with different strategies to find what works best for your space.
Ready to get started on your home renovations? Check out our roundup of the best renovation loans in Singapore to help fund your project.
Read more:
- A Guide to Finding the Best Loans
- Best Home Loans for HDB Flats 2024
- Thinking of Hiring an Interior Designer? Here’s How Much It Will Cost
- What’s the Average Cost of Housing in Singapore? (2024)
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