One of my favorite things about the interior design process is discovering the unique challenges that each home has. Whether it’s a quirky layout, not enough windows (too many windows), an unusual fireplace, it’s important to identify what the limitations are in a space and plan to use this to your advantage. And this principle is the most critical when it comes to “tiny homes”.

Whether you’re living in a studio apartment or minimal square foot home, space is at a premium and understanding how to work with this unique challenge is key to getting the most out of your home.

Best Design Tips for Studio Apartment Living

I was recently asked by Redfin to share my insight about designing for smaller homes. Here are 3 things I start with when designing for a small space:

Crush the Clutter

This one may seem pretty obvious, but living in a smaller space, means being ruthless about clutter. After all, there’s not a lot of space and having it filled with all kinds of decorative items, collections, and miscellaneous knick-knacks can quickly make a home feel overwhelming. Your eye yearns for negative space to rest in. I’m not telling you that you have to get rid of everything you love, but it’s important to be intentional about what is taking up space in your home. When you can, put things in storage and seasonally rotate things through your home.

Functional Furnishings

The smaller your square footage, the harder the things in that space have to work. It’s a luxury for an ottoman to just be an ottoman. Look for furniture pieces that can offer more than one use in your home. A cabinet that can double as a bar cart and offers storage, can be an MVP in a studio apartment.

Small Homes Need Big Style

Large homes have the luxury of playing with space when it comes to interior design, but there’s something truly magical about a tiny home with big style. And my favorite way to infuse a studio apartment with style is to think vertically. Painting the walls in a bold colors, adding fun drapery fabric, and displaying your favorite art are all fantastic ways to give a small space, big style. And the best part…. These ideas don’t take up any valuable real estate on the floor.

Opting to live in a tiny home or studio apartment requires some serious intentionality. Decluttering and living more minimally will be key to keeping harmony in your home, but it doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style.

Of course the tips offered here are by no means an exhaustive list for studio apartment design. For more ideas on what other designers suggest, check out Maximize Your Space: Studio Apartment Design Ideas 500 Square Feet