Small Space Solutions For Any New Renter

Moving into a new apartment is a fun and exciting time for anyone. Arguably the greatest part is personalizing it and making it your own, but more often than not apartment living means limited space. I am a firm believer that what you lack in space you can make up for in function and style, they key is to prioritize! Smaller rooms mean that multi-functioning pieces and optimal storage is key. Here are some of my own suggestions on how to make the most of your small space.

Take It To New Heights

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Shelving units are not limited to art and photography when it comes to living in a small space. Whether it be in your entry, living room, bedroom, or kitchen (like this amazing space in Sofia, Bulgaria), USE YOUR WALLS! Vertical space is such an under-utilized form or storage, and in a tiny apartment it is priceless. Invest in stylish floating shelves above the sofa. Try out some fun angled shelves for dead corners. It doesn’t matter where it is, try to think and look UP! You are sure to find an area that is perfect for shelving somewhere in your new apartment. Best part is, you can take them with you when you go!

Open Cabinets

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Piggy backing off of the use of shelving, another great way to give the illusion of more space in a tiny kitchen is by removing your cabinet doors! If you are living in a dated apartment, ditch those door fronts for this look instead. Not only are you able to display your dishware and introduce a pop of color in your kitchen, but it will help the room feel lighter, brighter, and bigger when it is not being broken up by cabinet fronts. If possible, as your landlord if you can paint your cabinet’s to help the room feel more cohesive and clean.

Keep It Light & Bright

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With any smaller space, the easiest way to give the illusion of a bigger room is through color. They key to tiny apartment living? Keep it light. This doesn’t mean that your entire home has to be white, it just means that you should think about reserving the darker colors for accent pieces or furniture. If you are fortunate enough to have a ton of windows and natural light there is a little more wiggle room here, but a general rule of thumb is to keep it light and bright on the walls. Lighter colors are also more apt to be approved by a landlord, which is an added bonus. Add warmth and color with your furniture, artwork and accessories, as seen in this trendy San Fran apartment.

Make It Multi-purpose

 

With limited space comes the need for all things multi-purpose. This applies to both space and furniture when decorating a smaller place. Have an extra closet you aren’t using for clothes? Try turning it into a tucked away office space. Invest in a couch with a pullout bed for guests. Divide one room into two with room dividers, like the one found in this stylish loft style apartment which functions as a TV mount, book shelf, and serves as a room divider without disrupting from the view. One room can serve multiple purposes if done correctly! Leave no dead space under-utilized. There are opportunities everywhere for stylish storage solutions.

Mirror Mirror on the Wall…

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Another super simple way to add the illusion of a bigger room is through the use of mirrors. They are the easiest way to add “space” to your apartment or home, no matter what area  you put them in. This over sized rustic mirror placed behind the sofa of the living room is a perfect example, but the bedroom is another great place to use one! The frame is another great way to bring your personality into the room, so look for unique and interesting options to ensure that your mirror will help pull the room together.

Embrace Minimalism

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Now you don’t need to go and throw away everything you own to keep your space minimalist, but it embracing this look can definitely help to make your place feel a bit bigger. It may be tempting to want to showcase all of your belongings but sometimes less truly is more. Try to keep it simple. If the room is too small for your chest or drawers, side tables, and a desk then don’t cram it all in there anyway. Keep your essentials and put the rest aside. Downsizing can be a great way to de-clutter not only your home but your life!

xx Kelly