July 27, 2021
Arranging a small apartment is a real resourcefulness test. On the one hand, it should have all the necessary equipment and furniture, and on the other, no one wants to live in an apartment densely packed with things. This article tries to figure out how to arrange a one-room apartment comfortably.
One-room apartment layout features
The key to choosing a one-room apartment with the best layout is to study the location of the housing premises on the plan, calculate their optimal sizes in case of redevelopment, the amount of natural light during the day, the possibility of ergonomic use of the available space and its arrangement. The living room, kitchen and bathroom are the areas that require the most attention.
Living room
In a one-room apartment, the living room is also a bedroom at the same time. This is the main and only room where you’re going to spend most of your time at home, which means that it requires the most functional available space use. It is good if the front door does not open right into the living room, but to the hall, but often there is no hall in small apartments. If the total area is 25 sq. m, the living room area is usually 13-15 sq. m plus a balcony, which, if desired, can be made a part of the living room, expanding the latter by a few more meters.
Kitchen
Kitchen is a room, where, while arranged, it is easy to make a planning mistake. It is important to take into account many things here: connecting water and sewerage, connecting a gas or electric stove, the position of electrical outlets, exhaust ducts. Usually, the developer considers the issue of communications at the stage of construction and completion of a building, while with household appliances it can be more difficult. However, the solution will be compact, or slim, equipment models here. A slim washer, stove and refrigerator will not completely dissolve in the interior of the kitchen, but will take up much less space than their full-size counterparts instead. To arrange furniture, you can safely choose the classic U-, C- and L-shaped arrangement options, using a table with a folding table top and chairs that will replace the kitchen sofa.
Bathroom
A bathroom is an area that locates a bath or shower, toilet, washbasin, washing machine, and a small base cabinet or several wall cabinets. When arranging the interior, it is necessary to take into account the water and sewage connections, as well as the pipe drainage system, which are responsible for the correct drainage of water from the bath or shower, washbasin, toilet bowl and washing machine. If the bathroom rooms a toilet, the minimum area is usually 5 sq. m. If the bathroom and toilet are separate rooms, the inner space with the toilet should not be less than 1.5 sq. m.
The choice of the optimal room size depends on the particular family needs. Properly designed housing always has a clear division into zones of activity and recreation. Not only a clear layout, correct placement and compact dimensions of furniture are important, but also a correctly chosen design.
Style of a one-room apartment: which one is suitable
There are a large number of interior styles, but not all of them are suitable for a cosy one-room apartment. Here are a few of them that might be right for your apartment.
Scandinavian style
The Scandinavian style is easily recognizable by its bright, well-lit interior, which is dominated by white, sometimes combined with grey or ecru. Accents in shades of blue, heather and yellow add variety to the composition. The Scandinavian-style walls are smooth, matte, sole-coloured, and in the ideal case the floors are made of natural wood with a visible texture. Decorations made from natural wood, rugs, blankets and thick weaving pillows are perfect for the decor. The furniture is utility and simple, made of natural materials, light wood or white. Accessories and decorations play an important role in the Scandinavian style, giving a touch of brightness to the interior. Decorations made of rough stone, cotton, linen or wool are welcome.
Mediterranean style
The Mediterranean style is not so popular in Ukraine, but it nurtures a special cosy atmosphere that may be simply necessary in a rather cold local climate. Warm colours prevail here: ocher, yellow, orange, solid wood furniture, natural fabrics. Rich furniture motifs and stone tiles creating colourful mosaics and patterns on the floor and walls are the hallmarks of this style. The decorations are simple – made of wood or light-coloured fabrics.
Country style
Rustic interior elements are inextricably linked with nature. A characteristic feature of the style is simplicity and unpretentiousness. The predominant colours are white, natural shades of wood, shades of brick, green, blue and red. Decorations are made of wood, linen and wool. Figurines, cuckoo clocks, paintings depicting rural life, plants in ceramic pots – this will undoubtedly emphasize the unique atmosphere of your interior. Consider wickerwork, linen tablecloths, dried herbs and flowers for decor, and handmade rugs on the floor.
Minimalism style
Minimalism in the interior means harmony, peace and order. The interior is functional, with attention to the quality of all elements and their materials. The shapes are simple, the colours are soothing, monochromatic, differing only in shades. It is advisable to leave a minimum of furniture in the rooms. Trick of the light is important here as it emphasizes the materials, textures and surfaces used. Minimalism associates with concrete, glass, wood and smooth stone. If you don't like minimalism, treat it as a basis for further decoration of your interior. You can add more embellishments in bold colours and try something different.
Boho style
Home Boho style is perfect for individualists and rebellious people. Boho is a combination of different elements, warm shades with brighter and cooler colours, such as turquoise or pink. Geometric and floral patterns predominate. Decorations woven from strings, feathers and beads look fashionable in them. Variegated textiles with oriental and Indian motifs are suitable. Hammocks suspended from the ceiling look interesting. Boho style enjoys greenery and flowers – do not spare them for your interior.
Errors in fitting up a one-room apartment
Fitting up a studio or small apartment is never easy. Far too often, this is a chaotic process, which, unfortunately, rarely leads to the desired result. Here are some common mistakes when fitting up a one-room apartment.
Congestion of interior
When furnishing an apartment with limited space, you should not try to place all your furniture or appliances. Even if after moving from your old home you still have a sofa, but there is already a bed in the room, it is better to choose which will be more comfortable and stay with only one option. The same holds for household appliances. Leave only the items you really need, otherwise your studio apartment will look more like a warehouse.
Mixing different styles
If in large apartments different interior styles can still nice to look at, in small apartments this approach would hardly work. No need to mix Scandinavian style and Provence or Hi-tech with Minimalism. This will look out of place and increase the seeming filthiness of the housing. It is better to rely on the design of a one-room studio apartment in a certain style and add decorative elements that will create a harmonious whole.
Heavy curtains on the windows
In small apartments, window textiles in the form of heavy curtains, long frilled curtains will deprive you from precious light, optically reducing the space of the room. Focus on lightweight curtains or blinds. They will protect you from the sun on a warm day, but will not darken the room, which is very important.
Dark doors and floors
A very common mistake when arranging a small apartment is the choice of dark non-glazed doors and equally dark floors. Chestnut panels or mahogany interior doors will overload the interior and make the space visually smaller than it is. The best choice would be contemporary, white and glass door panels, as well as light coloured floors that reflect more light, which means the room will be much brighter.
No separate sleeping area
When you live in a studio apartment, the room serves as a dining room, kitchen, bedroom, and living room. If you want to live comfortably, you need to single out a relaxation area that will become your oasis of peace. Use a light box or bookcase to naturally divide the space. Avoid artificially arranged corners that will take away valuable room space.
