Small But Mighty!
It’s been a busy start to the year with properties hitting the market and we’re not slowing down anytime soon! Today we have three gorgeous new listings going live, a character home in Newtown, a one bedroom apartment in Thorndon and another one bedroom apartment in the heart of the city on Leeds Street.
With two inner-city one bedroom apartments coming to the market today, I wanted to share some of the tips and tricks I’ve learnt over the years for making the most of a more compact space. For some of us the idea of living a more minimalist life in 50sqm apartment is daunting, where would all of my stuff go!? But in reality, it’s far more manageable than you might think and there are so many ways to make the most of a smaller space.
So, if you’ve been thinking of transitioning to apartment living, but you’re apprehensive about downsizing, read on…
01 - Mirrors
Mirrors aren’t just useful for a final look before you head out the door, they’re also a powerful tool to make your space feel bigger, brighter and reflect views from surrounding windows. Our listing at 601/111 Molesworth Street is the perfect example of this, with a circular mirror hanging above the sofa that reflects both natural light and the gorgeous views outside, making the entire space feel more expansive.
Whether it’s a smaller decorative mirror or a large wall mirror, this little hack can make a big impact and it’s perfect for apartment living, especially in areas where the natural light is lacking.
02 - Hidden Storage & Dual Use Furniture
This tip may seem somewhat obvious, but it can’t be overstated. One of the biggest compromises that comes with apartment living is lack of storage, but luckily there is a plethora of furniture pieces out there for this exact dilemma. Whether it’s an ottoman with hidden storage, large plastic bins that slide under the bed for seasonal clothing items or books, getting creative with storage and dual use furniture is a must.
If you love having friends and family over, but you’re worried about not having the space to host, consider an extendable dining table (there are some gorgeous mid-century options out there if you have the time to hunt around). Small stools and seats can be repurposed around your apartment and then utilised to seat your guests when the opportunity arises.
Living in a smaller space can force you to really take stock of your belongings and live a more minimalist life, most of us have more stuff than we know what to do with! So, use this as an opportunity to lighten the load and let go of what no longer serves you. There’s something very comforting about having everything you need in its place and no miscellaneous piles (or rooms) of clutter taking up useful space.
03 - Decor - Less Is More
In line with the previous tip, less really is more when it comes to decorating a compact space. I love a decorative lamp, pot plant or ceramic as much as the next person, but these smaller items can really close in a space when you have too many of them. Being selective about these smaller decor pieces and really curating the vibe of your space gives you plenty of breathing room, even in the smallest of spaces. This goes for artwork and furniture as well, think quality and impact over quantity.
04 - The Power Of Lighting
Lighting is important no matter how big or small your space is, but especially in apartments, as you’ll often be starting with just the overhead lights to illuminate your space, not exactly providing a moody atmosphere.
Lamps are your best friend, standing lamps, table lamps and whilst you don’t want to clutter the space, selecting lamps that you love the look of even when they’re switched off during the day means they can double as an art piece of sorts. Warm or even subtle coloured bulbs also help to make your space feel extra cosy in the evening and create a vibe that is unique to you and your apartment.
05 - Furniture Orientation
Possibly one of the most crucial elements of decorating an apartment is your furniture choice and orientation. A sofa that’s too big can close the space in, but equally one that’s too small can make the proportions feel off. The desire to utilize every square metre in an apartment can sometimes lead to far more furniture pieces than you actually need.
Start with the basics: a sofa, a coffee table, a dining table and a bed. Once these necessities are in place you can start bringing in smaller, more decorative pieces like stools, ottomans or plants and fill in the gaps. The great thing about working with less furniture is that rearranging becomes a much more simple job, so if you’re not feeling a certain orientation of your table, simply play around with the placement until you find something that feels right.
Of course, all apartments have different layouts, with unique limitations to furniture orientation with fixed doors or windows on different walls. But, if you can, planning your layout based on the windows and natural light in your space will most likely be the best orientation, a lot of this is instinctual, but don’t be afraid to play around with it and make changes-that’s all part of the fun!