Whether it is a matter of budgeting in an expensive urban market or a purposeful lifestyle choice for those minimalists who want to eliminate clutter, living in small spaces is an increasingly popular option. Just in the last few weeks, this blog has featured posts on super small homes, tiny spaces with open floor plans, and apartments measuring less than 40 square meters. Here again we go inside three urban apartments that offer all the amenities and comforts of much larger spaces. The designers featured here have been careful to choose only those elements that make the space either beautiful or functional, and in many cases, both.
One key tenet of small space design is the use of light colors.
This artist's loft in St. Petersburg, from designer Anton Zaytsev, uses a lot of white and neutral choices to keep the space feeling open and airy.
The design also takes full advantage of the apartment's 4-meter high ceilings with windows, shelving, and intricate light fixtures that give the entire space an elegant and eclectic feeling.
At only 70 square meters (750 square feet), what this apartment lacks in area, it makes up for in artistic flair.
Even the bathroom has its own cheeky decor, from this saucy pinup model decal to the decadently dark claw foot tub.
It is interesting to note that this artist's loft is part of a three apartment 'set' in a renovated building overlooking the Neva River. This is the smaller of the three "art apartments," each of which is attached by a common corridor in the building.
The second apartment featured is from designer Artem Yevstigneev.
The one-room apartment measures 54 square meters (580 square feet) and has a very distinctive nautical theme.
The nautical theme not only offers a space unique to the resident's preferences, but fits perfectly with the small space. A boat can be luxurious but must use all space efficiently.
The home includes a bedroom, with a study that can be cordoned off by a sliding interior door.
Even the bathroom suits the theme with a floating pedestal sink and plenty of glass.
The final home was designed by Olga Kataevskaya. Another key theory of interior design for small spaces is to keep distinct rooms separate. This 47 square meter (500 square feet) home manages to do so with both furnitures and partitions.
The use of a projection screen, against a stunning red accent wall, is another way to save floor space since no television stand or entertainment center is necessary.
A floor to ceiling shelving unit offers plenty of stylish storage space.
The apartment, located in Kiev, is in a renovated Stalinist building.
Its tropical colors that pop up throughout the space are truly transporting.
And the kitchen is unforgettable with an incredible tropical backsplash helping any visitor pay no mind to the area of the home and focus all attention on the bright and boisterous details.
The use of a glass partition between the bedroom and living area allows light and air to flow freely, but still affords privacy when required.
A walk in closet may seem like a luxury in a space this small, but when there is room to organize everything, everything can actually stay organized.
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