The features of designing a smart apartment

A compact area holds the maximum number of functional zones. They often transform from one into another. The sleeping and relaxation space turns into a daytime area for activity and socializing, and even a cooking zone.

Defining the "smart apartment" concept

Let's establish what a smart apartment is. It's a living space with an area of 18 to 30 m². The layout of a smart apartment is well thought out and compact. The advantages of smart apartments that make them popular with buyers:

• a quick return on investment;
• an affordable price;
• savings on utility bills;

The principles of designing a compact living space

A smart apartment project should be thought out down to the last detail. Zoning and transformation are the main principles in planning living spaces like these.

Auxiliary elements for achieving maximum functionality:

• sliding doors;
• folding furniture;
• screens;
• built-in appliances.

It's good when the appliances combine several functions — an oven-microwave, a washer-dryer, a TV-monitor.

Functionality and multifunctional zones

A small-area apartment should be as functional as possible. To achieve this, convertible furniture is used, along with various techniques that make it easy to change the purpose of any zone. At night the space turns into a bedroom, and during the day the bed folds away, freeing up room for daytime activity.

Ergonomics and space optimization

Ceiling height will help optimize the space. If it's high enough, you can set up a second tier. The following techniques will help visually enlarge the space:

• mirrored surfaces;
• folding the bed into a wardrobe;
• decorating the interior in a minimalist design.

Furniture is arranged with the best routes for moving around the apartment in mind. It's important to set up the storage zones correctly, making use of every centimeter of space.

Innovative solutions for smart apartments

Innovative ideas for smart apartments mean automating functions. Switching on and operating various devices is done by remote control. Lighting, heating, turning on audio and video devices, air conditioning and closing the curtains — all these operations can be moved onto a single remote.

Modular and convertible furniture

Modular and convertible furniture will help optimize a smart apartment's interior. Various lifting mechanisms, wheels for easy movement and folding into special cabinets make it possible to free up space at the right moment.

Systems for storing and organizing things

Built-in wardrobes are the best solution for smart apartments. Such a structure is installed from floor to ceiling. You need to provide at least three modules: one for clothes on rails, one with shelves, and a utility one for small appliances and items.

You can increase a wardrobe's functionality and capacity with the following fittings:

• pull-out drawers;
• shelves and baskets;
• a built-in ironing board;
• pull-down wardrobe rails for easy access to the upper shelves;
• organizers for small accessories.

A mirrored front would be fitting — it serves as both a decoration and a functional element. The doors should be sliding to save space.

"Smart home" technology in smart apartments

"Smart home" technology is a combination of various settings that make it possible to create special comfort for the home's residents. On top of that, it helps save time and resources. Such a system can manage and control certain household aspects. Among them:

• heating;
• lighting;
• ventilation and air conditioners;
• multimedia;
• appliances;
• security measures.

The system is best designed and built in at the renovation stage. But you can also do it later.

The stages of designing and delivering a smart apartment

At the planning stage, it's important to develop the project so that the technological solutions are integrated into the interior unobtrusively and harmoniously. The wiring should be concealed, and intelligent lighting requires special installation. When designing smart apartments, you should keep the following nuances in mind:

• large windows, preferably of a panoramic design, provide maximum daylight;
• high ceilings will help optimize the space by installing a second tier;
• a minimalist style and the use of light tones in the interior visually expand the space;
• it's important to allow for convertible furniture.

Doing all this yourself isn't easy, so it's better to turn to professionals.

Planning and budgeting

The renovation budget will depend on the complexity of the project, the chosen interior style and the quality of the materials. At the design stage, it's worth thinking through every aspect — from the rough work to the placement of the furniture.

Working with designers and architects

Renovating and finishing a small area is an extremely difficult task. There's no room for mistakes here, so the job is best left to professionals. Designers and architects are able to create maximum comfort in a minimal area.

The smart apartment as a reflection of the modern lifestyle

Today's buyers choose compact housing for the following advantages:

• affordability;
• savings on utilities;
• lower spending on energy and cleaning;
• a sound investment.

In the future, housing like this can be rented out.

The pros and cons of compact housing

A smart apartment is remarkably comfortable for one person to live in. This space can meet the needs of a student or someone living alone. Savings, convenience and safety are guaranteed in such an apartment. The downside is the lack of private space if two or more people live there, as well as the fact that all the zones — the kitchen, the bedroom, the hallway — are in a single space.

The prospects for the smart-apartment concept

Smart apartments are gaining in demand thanks to the fact that many people don't need much space and therefore don't want to overpay for area they won't use. Apartments like these will suit single pensioners, a young couple who aren't planning children, or a young person who lives alone without a partner.

Thanks to their affordability and the mobility of the population, demand for smart apartments will only grow.