
Prioritize design decisions with an impact/effort graph to target high impact, low effort changes for small apartments; visualize outcomes with sketches or 3D models.
Prioritize design decisions with an impact-effort graph to pursue high-impact, low-effort changes, and visualize layouts with sketches or 3D modeling to foresee cross-room effects.
Sketch floor plans at scales like 1:50 or 1:25 to reveal space, opportunities, living patterns, and movement; immerse in sketching with transparent paper, rulers, and pens.
Sketch on the floor plan to reveal space realities, opportunities, and constraints, using large iterative sketches with transparent paper and mechanical pens at 1:25 and 1:50 scales.
Master sketching floor plans for small apartments, using scaled prints from 1:25 to 1:100, then move to cad and SketchUp 3d sketches to test layouts and flows.
Identify non-load-bearing walls and remove them with structural engineer approval to create more natural light and space in a small apartment, while considering privacy and city permit implications.
Identify corridors and natural paths to access the bathroom, kitchen, bedroom, living room, and windows, then separate spaces with a freestanding shelf to create zones and privacy.
Discover how to create order in small apartments by aligning furniture to walls, axes, and corners, using guiding elements to define living, kitchen, entryway, and storage zones.
Explore compactness around the bed in small apartments through space-saving furniture that combines storage drawers, a table, seating, and a defined niche.
Explore two compact bedroom solutions: raise the floor for hidden storage and a daybed, or use a higher 45 cm platform with deeper drawers and a workspace by the window.
Explore partitions for small apartments using curtains, sound absorbing drapery, ceiling dividers, and shelf or projector canvas dividers to create flexible privacy while preserving light and space.
Explore partitions for small apartments, including ceiling-hung dividers and glass panels. Assess bed and storage integration, weight considerations, and options like curtains to balance privacy.
Maximize storage in small apartments by placing wardrobes in the entryway with clearance, using surfaces that cover entire walls, and balancing open and closed shelves for a compact, flexible space.
Explore how flexible furniture transforms small apartments, using modular couches, movable coffee tables, a lift-up bed, and multi-functional storage to reconfigure living spaces for day and night.
Use optical illusions to make small apartments feel larger by storing in the ceiling and in the floor, avoiding excess wardrobes and freeing walls while aligning storage with living zones.
Place mirrors to fool the brain into seeing a bigger space by anchoring them to symmetry lines and key sightlines, align with furniture, and avoid oversized mirrors in small rooms.
Explore ten design variations for kitchen and living room layouts in small apartments, focusing on customizable furniture, space constraints, and how details meet residents' needs.
Learn practical design for small apartments, sketch floor plans with Neufert's standard dimensions, and plan furniture spacing. Explore Pinterest boards for inspiration and post questions in the comments.
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:
Where can I store all my belongings in such a limited space?
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!
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.
The focus of the course:
Small spaces often demand ingenious, compact or flexible solutions to make life at home truly pleasant. 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 renting and decorating 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.