Tiny homes and small-sized apartments top the list of drawbacks of living in a metropolis. The compact homes challenge homemakers and designers to creatively maximise the spaces without compromising the aesthetics. From having sleek partitions to introducing bright colours to create an illusion of bigger spaces, these home decor ideas from AD archives will help add functionality to your tiny spaces while being pleasing to the eyes.
Simple Partition In This 425-Square-Foot Home In Mumbai
An old building in Mahalaxmi. Within it, an “extremely dated” 425-square-foot home in Mumbai. A leaky room and walls that weren’t finished well. This was the site handed over to Aakanksha Millan, principal designer of Studio 1mm. Rather than viewing the ‘ground reality’ as a limitation, the 31-year-old professional took it as a challenge to be resolved creatively. And more than that, she immediately noted the massive potential the tiny flat possessed, “to turn into something every millennial and Gen-Z would aspire to live in, regardless of its size!” - Rupali Sebastian
One of the impactful features of this Mumbai home is its simple sleek partition with a glass window that separates the living room and the bedroom, without challenging the design element, thereby creating an illusion of a bigger and brighter space.
Also read: AD Small Spaces: 9 most beautiful compact homes of 2023
A Sleek Multipurpose Table In This 460-Square-Foot Mumbai Rental
When it comes to rented apartments and tiny homes apprehension often hinders any design transformations. Yet, a Mumbai rental spanning 460 square feet challenges these inhibitions. Designed by Nishi Jain of Space.Object.Human Experience (S.O.HE) for her parents in their 50s, this space defies conventional constraints.
The oak wood main door of the home opens into the living room with an abstract artwork that doubles as a dining table. A unique and smart space solution is the dining table that uses the artwork on the wall as the tabletop while the legs of the table can be tucked into the wall, becoming an independent side table when not in use. - Kasturi Gadge
Also read: AD Small Spaces: A 624-square-foot sublime apartment with a “fresco-like” ceiling
Full-Size Mirrors On Storage Units In This 335-Square-Foot Apartment In France
Adjacent to the Grand-Théâtre in Bordeaux, on the third floor of a listed building, this small apartment in France manages to fit all the features of a large flat—a kitchen, bathroom, and separate bedroom, as well as lots of storage space—into only 355 square feet. “We had to make the space more fluid, allow as much light in as possible, and address the issue of the low, 2.25 metre-high, ceilings”, explains architect and designer Matthieu Récopé de Tilly, who was entrusted with the renovation along with interior designer Margot Le Métayer. -Nicholas Milon
One of the ways to make the space appear bigger was to introduce large mirrors in common areas, that visually enlarge the small space and reflect light. The same idea was adopted in the apartment that was finished in stained oak and covered in mirrors that reflected light and created an illusion of a bigger space.
Use Of Earthy Tones And White In This 450-Square-Foot Bengaluru Home
For IT professionals, navigating the fast-paced world, design practice House of Ruya took the principles of wabi-sabi aesthetic to wrap a young couple’s tiny 450-square-foot Bengaluru home in warm, natural tones and earthen textures that reflect light into the space and make it appear bigger, creating a soothing sanctuary away from the city’s bustle.
Throughout the home, a trinity of materials — concrete tiles, warm grey lime wash texture paint, and oak wood — harmoniously converge, draped in warm beige tones, resonating with a rawness that embodies imperfection—the very essence of wabi-sabi philosophy. - Ashna Lulla
A Compact Breakfast Counter In This 295-Square-Foot Studio Apartment In Mumbai
Multipurpose furniture and clever utilisation of space helped architects Disha Nayar and Umal Patil transform this 295-square-foot small space studio apartment into a fully functional home for a 30-something woman. Located in suburban Mumbai, the design practice D + U Architects jumped at the opportunity to design a studio that masters simplicity and light.
The architects tried to infuse the homeowners’ free-spirited vibe and fondness for hosting into the spatial planning and interior aesthetic of this home. They introduced a breakfast counter, separating the alcove from the living area and doubling up as an entrance foyer to the studio. -Ashna Lulla
Also read: AD Small Spaces: 5 uber stylish homes under 500 square feet