In Singapore, where space is often at a premium, smart design solutions are essential for maximizing the functionality and comfort of small condos and homes. From efficient storage solutions to versatile furniture designs, here are several strategies for making the most of limited space in Singaporean residences.
Firstly, multifunctional furniture plays a pivotal role in optimizing space in small condos and homes. Investing in items like sofa beds, Murphy beds, and extendable dining tables allows residents to adapt their living spaces to various activities throughout the day. For example, a sofa bed can serve as a comfortable seating area during the day and transform into a cozy bed for guests at night, eliminating the need for a separate guest room.
Desmond Wong curated his 31st-floor apartment in Hong Kong to serve as a serene retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle. Employing a neutral color scheme, sheer curtains, and elevated furniture, he crafted an atmosphere of airiness and tranquility. Arched doorways further contribute to this ambiance by imparting a softness and cohesion to the interior. Textured wallpaper, blending seamlessly with the wall hues, infuses the space with an earthy warmth. Full-length patina mirrors adorning the wardrobe doors not only soften the incoming light but also add a touch of elegance to the surroundings.
Secondly, incorporating built-in storage solutions can help minimize clutter and create a sense of spaciousness in small living spaces. Customized wardrobes, cabinets, and shelving units can be strategically integrated into walls and underutilized areas to maximize storage capacity without encroaching on valuable floor space. Additionally, utilizing vertical storage solutions, such as wall-mounted shelves and overhead cabinets, helps make use of vertical space and keeps surfaces free from clutter.
High above the bustling streets of Mandaluyong City in the Philippines, a compact apartment serves as the residence for a family of five. Architect Josef Karol Egwaras ingeniously maximized the original floorplan, focusing on enhancing the open layout with smarter furniture and storage solutions. Notable additions include a versatile foldout dining table and an expandable double sofa bed, ensuring functionality without sacrificing space. In the bedroom, a raised platform bed conceals a pull-out mattress for the youngest child, while built-in storage and a work-from-home nook optimize efficiency. Inspired by the family’s colorful gravel bikes, Egwaras incorporated three primary hues — forest green, mustard yellow, and terracotta — throughout the apartment. These recurring colors signify each child, delineate individual storage areas, and infuse the small space with personality and vibrancy, creating a thoughtfully designed living environment.
Furthermore, adopting an open-concept layout can enhance the perceived size of small condos and homes in Singapore. Removing unnecessary walls and partitions can create a sense of continuity between different areas of the home, making the space feel larger and more cohesive. Additionally, incorporating features like sliding doors and pocket doors can provide privacy when needed while maintaining an open and airy ambiance.
In addition to physical design elements, the strategic use of color and lighting can also contribute to the illusion of space in small condos and homes. Opting for light, neutral color palettes on walls and furniture helps reflect natural light and creates a bright and airy atmosphere. Furthermore, incorporating mirrors and reflective surfaces can visually expand the space by bouncing light around the room.
Drawing inspiration from the serene ambiance of traditional Japanese Ryokans, interior designer Mae Prachasilcha has reimagined this central Bangkok apartment into a versatile urban retreat. The main living area embodies flexibility with a study corner, a convertible coffee table/dining table, and a custom-designed 3-seater modular sofa, ingeniously separated by sliding Japanese shoji doors. Adjacent to the living area, a wooden platform featuring four tatami mats serves as a secondary living room or a cozy tea room by day, effortlessly transforming into a sleeping area by night. The sliding panels provide privacy and maintain a cool atmosphere, while allowing natural light to permeate the space. Prachasilcha’s multifunctional approach infuses softness and functionality, creating a harmonious and adaptable living environment.
Finally, embracing a minimalist approach to decor and furnishings can help prevent small condos and homes from feeling overcrowded and claustrophobic. Selecting essential pieces of furniture and decor items that serve a purpose while maintaining a clean and uncluttered aesthetic is key to creating a sense of tranquility and balance in small living spaces.
Kumiko Ouchi has ingeniously transformed a small apartment in Tokyo’s Setagaya ward into a harmonious blend of home and workspace for her partner and their cat, Cochi. By eliminating most interior walls, Ouchi has created interconnected yet distinct areas within the space. The bedroom, strategically positioned at the rear for tranquility, contrasts with the hallway office leading to the open-plan living and kitchen area. The sunken living room features a custom-built 2.2m window bench and a bioethanol fireplace, while the adjacent L-shaped kitchen boasts a concrete-look finish, achieved with water-resistant plastering on wood. Despite its modest 46m2 footprint, Ouchi’s design exudes simplicity, warmth, and functionality, offering a spacious feel tailored to the lifestyle and preferences of its occupants.
Smart design solutions are essential for optimizing space and enhancing livability in small condos and homes in Singapore. By incorporating multifunctional furniture, built-in storage solutions, open-concept layouts, strategic color and lighting choices, and minimalist decor principles, residents can make the most of limited space without compromising on style or comfort.
In the heart of Amsterdam, designer Marijn Kruikemeier and partner Liya have transformed their once-empty shell into a contemporary haven. Despite a narrow floor plan, custom-built furniture adds functionality and flair, with a standout curved oak wall unit concealing a hidden bathroom and kitchen appliances. Seamlessly integrated into the living room, a floor-to-ceiling cabinet houses a concealed TV. The sunlit bedroom boasts a terracotta-coloured wardrobe and leads to a tranquil backyard, extending the couple’s living space in warmer months.
Despite their compact nature, condo units can still offer comfort and style with smart design solutions. These include doubling up on furniture functionality, keeping spaces tidy, and maximizing natural light to create a sense of openness. Additionally, strategic color choices, such as light and cool tones or monochromatic schemes, can visually expand the space.
The Boneca Apartment in Sydney, spanning a mere 24 square meters, defies its size with a luxurious and refined design by architect Brad Swartz. Through strategic realignment of the bathroom and kitchen, the space was optimized to create a long living and dining area, along with a screened sleeping alcove, all oriented to capitalize on the apartment’s view.
Utilizing mirrors, open shelving, and removing walls can further enhance the illusion of spaciousness. It’s essential to maintain a cohesive design with consistent colors and furnishings while avoiding bulky pieces that can overwhelm smaller spaces. By implementing these design strategies, condo dwellers can make the most of their compact living spaces without sacrificing comfort or style.
In the renovation of this Chippendale warehouse apartment by Folk Studio and interior designer Mariah Burton, a fresh start was taken by stripping the space down to its essence. With a focus on creating a first home that the owners could grow into, Burton drew inspiration from their interests and lifestyle. This included extending the kitchen into a workspace to accommodate remote work needs and crafting a large sofa to fit around the unique architectural features. Every element in the home was chosen with intentionality, from the muted color palette to the carefully restored shutters and doors, reflecting a blend of purpose and functionality throughout the space.
Smart design solutions are essential for optimizing space and enhancing livability in small condos and homes in Singapore. By incorporating multifunctional furniture, built-in storage solutions, open-concept layouts, strategic color and lighting choices, and minimalist decor principles, residents can make the most of limited space without compromising on style or comfort.
