Small Apartment Design
Living in an apartment often means working with compact and tight layouts — but small spaces don’t need to feel cramped. With thoughtful interior design, you can create a home that feels open, stylish, and functional. Whether you’re in a Sydney CBD apartment, a North Shore unit, or a Northern Beaches coastal flat, these smart design strategies will help you make the most of every square metre.
1. Embrace Multi-Functional Furniture
In small apartments, every piece of furniture should work harder. Think sofa beds, ottomans with hidden storage, extendable dining tables, and wall-mounted desks, built in banquettes for dinning spaces. These clever solutions allow you to enjoy flexibility without clutter.
2. Use Light and Colour Wisely
Light, neutral tones make a room feel larger and more inviting. Whites, soft greys, and warm beige tones work beautifully in small spaces. To prevent a flat look, layer textures — such as linen cushions, a wool rug, or timber accents. Adding mirrors opposite windows also enhances natural light and creates an illusion of depth. Effective use of wall lights will also add to the ambience and enhance the perceived perception of space within a small space.
3. Optimise Vertical Space
When floor space is limited, go up! Tall shelving, wall-mounted cabinets, and hanging plants draw the eye upward, giving the impression of more height. Built-in joinery is particularly effective in apartments, helping to reduce visual clutter.
4. Keep Layouts Open and Flexible
Avoid oversized furniture that blocks circulation. Instead, opt for streamlined pieces with slim profiles and raised legs to create a sense of airiness. Where possible, keep layouts open — even moving a sofa a few centimetres off the wall can create flow and breathing room.
5. Define Zones with Rugs and Lighting
Small apartments often feature open-plan living, which can feel undefined. Rugs are an excellent way to mark different areas, such as separating the lounge from the dining space. Layered lighting — including floor lamps, pendant lights, and under-cabinet strips — also helps create distinct zones without the need for additional walls or dividers.
6. Invest in Smart Storage Solutions
Clutter is the enemy of small spaces. Built-in wardrobes, under-bed drawers, and floating shelves keep belongings organised without taking up valuable room. For tiny kitchens, use pull-out pantry solutions or vertical spice racks to maximise efficiency. Consider compact appliances and built in fridge / dishwasher to further maximise the space and provide a unified look.
7. Add Personality with Thoughtful Styling
Even in a compact apartment, personality should shine through. A few statement artworks, textured cushions, or coastal-inspired décor pieces can transform the space without overwhelming it. Keep accessories minimal but intentional.
Refer to our Bridge Street Apartment for an apartment which has clever and intentional planning and design to maximise every square metre, plus many hidden features.
