Creating a good interior for a large space is not a problem. It is much more challenging to showcase ingenuity in a limited area that needs to combine several rooms in one: a bedroom, a living room, and a study.
For a skilled professional, such an interior should not be a challenge. Many designers are capable of turning even the smallest room into a functional and cozy space that accommodates everything necessary.
We offer you to explore several examples of such solutions.
15 square meters on the roof in Beirut
It may seem incredible that 15 square meters can hold the same as a much larger space. Eliemetni Studio from Lebanon turned a tiny apartment on the highest floor into a real suite.
The apartment is intended for Airbnb rentals, but it doesn't mean that comfort should be overlooked. Multi-functional furniture, a spacious bed (which looks smaller than it actually is), and all the necessary interior items, including tables and chairs for guests.
Every millimeter of the apartment is utilized, providing workspaces and relaxation areas. The designers put in tremendous effort.
Apartment X in Taipei
This apartment, unlike the previous one, is a residence. The KC Design Studio team made sure that a person living in a small area does not feel cramped and has all the necessary items for comfortable living.
Grouping was the solution. All areas are divided into specific parts, each serving a specific functionality.
For example, the kitchen with a transforming table. The work surface easily converts into a large dining table when needed. Similar solutions can be found throughout the apartment, preserving space without compromising on possibilities.
Four-meter ceilings allowed for a bedroom to be built on the second floor, further expanding the zones. The primary materials of the apartment are concrete and black iron.
Japanese public housing with an unusual layout
Japan never ceases to amaze with its interior solutions. Even government housing receives unique treatment. 246 identical apartments in a public residential complex were arranged in a way that a small space can comfortably accommodate a family of several people.
According to the project's idea, tenants can change the layout to suit their convenience using plywood blocks as walls.
Partitions are only left in the bathroom and kitchen areas to ensure privacy. Hollow niches are designed into the interior for storage of belongings and various household items.
Micro-apartments for young people in Seoul
In Seoul, a sixteen-story building houses apartments for young renters. The entire building resembles a free co-working space where young people can live and work in a pleasant atmosphere.
Any apartment here can be customized. The basic interiors are minimalistic and unassuming. The free, white design adds a sense of "airiness" to the space.
As with any residential area, it includes a kitchen, bathroom, and a space for work and relaxation. The apartments also boast excellent lighting, which further enhances the feeling of spaciousness.
Compact Slim Fit with everything necessary in the Netherlands
The Ana Rocha Architecture studio proved that comfort is possible even on a very narrow plot. It's all about setting priorities right. The residential space in Almere-Port, Netherlands, looks quite unusual - long and thin. Instead of expanding the perimeter, the designers built the building upwards with three floors.
The result is 50 square meters, each planned down to the tiniest detail. The house features ample lighting through large windows on each floor, offering a stunning view of the park.
To conserve heat and electricity, the house is covered with birch panels, and each floor can be isolated from the others.
These are just a few examples of how small spaces can be utilized. With time, such solutions will become more common as the housing issue is already quite acute. Well-planned micro-apartments are a wonderful alternative to larger residences.
What These Projects Share
- Height as a resource: a second level, a mezzanine, or floor-to-ceiling storage.
- Furniture that transforms: a counter that becomes a dining table, a sofa bed, a platform with storage.
- Light and pale surfaces that make the space feel larger.
- Clear zoning, even in 15 square meters.
The same ideas apply to Seattle studios, condos, and backyard cottages. See our articles 8 interesting design solutions and mezzanine floors, and our space planning and functional zoning service.
