City living has many perks. Cities are walkable and full of culture, providing endless dining and entertainment options. However, these perks come at a cost, with most city dwellers living in small, compact apartments or homes.
Fortunately, many space-saving designs are available to make even the most compact living space feel larger than life. From multifunctional furniture to innovative storage solutions that make the most of every nook and cranny, here are nine ways to transform a small space into a stylish, urban retreat.
One key to transforming a small space into a tidy, organized, and stylish retreat is good storage. Multi-use furniture, added shelving and modular storage solutions are fantastic ways to store the things you don’t need daily while also providing display areas for nicer objects, decor, and accessories.
Whether you’re a bookworm with a collection of novels to display, a mesophile with records to keep in place, a knick-knack collector, or any other hobbyist, a unique storage solution that fits your lifestyle can help you maximize every inch of your space.
The most popular storage solutions for small spaces include:
Many of these storage solutions come in endless configurations, colors and styles. They often give you autonomy over the design to fit your space, whether an open floor plan or awkward spaces like sloped ceilings, narrow hallways or tight alcoves.
In small urban spaces with limited floor space, utilizing vertical space for greenery is a game changer. By suspending plants from ceilings, walls or window sills, bare surfaces can be transformed into lush, green sanctuaries that infuse the home with depth and visual interest.
For example, hang a tiered macrame planter in an empty corner to bring the space to life. A hanging planter can be any color, shape or size. Wires, chains, yarn and rope are just a few materials that can be used to hold a planter with a hook attached to the ceiling or the wall.
In narrow hallways, you can add a metal rod or towel bar to hang plant holders using S-hooks. This keeps them accessible for easy watering and flexible for adding new plants.
However, it is essential to keep in mind how much sunlight your apartment or home gets, as this will determine the types of plants that will thrive in your space.
If you get limited sunlight, try plants like heartleaf philodendrons, spider plants or wax plants. If you have ample sunlight, utilize jasmine vines, jade plants or aloe plants. While these plants like sunlight, be sure that they get indirect exposure to avoid burning their leaves.
Room dividers can make all the difference in open-concept spaces. These dividers are visual and physical separators, creating distinct functional zones without needing permanent walls.
For example, strategically placing dividers between the bedroom and living room can establish a sense of privacy and intimacy while maintaining an open, airy atmosphere. You can buy a room divider, or you can DIY your own.
When working with an open floor plan, a pair of bookshelves is a unique way to separate areas while giving you functional storage. A bamboo screen divides a room with a sense of privacy while still letting light peek through. For areas with limited doors, curtains create privacy and a pop of color and texture.
For a bigger renovation project, you can also add sliding barn doors or pocket doors to save space. Barn doors give you complete privacy, while pocket doors with glass windows let a little light flow through the space. Both options take up way less space than swinging doors.
Transforming a balcony into a serene urban oasis can help boost a home’s exterior and create a retreat — even amidst the hustle and bustle of city life.
To choose the perfect set of outdoor furniture, picture the vibe you would like to showcase. Are you looking for relaxing, cozy vibes? Or a place that gives you a fun burst of creativity as you work from home? Are you looking to entertain on a whim? Once you assess your space limitations and know your desired aesthetic, you can start building your mini oasis.
Opt for comfy, space-saving furniture, like foldable chairs or a compact bistro set, that can be easily tucked away when not in use. Furniture that can pull double duty is even better. Poufs are great for adding extra seating when needed, and if you add a tray on top, it turns into a side table.
Complement your outdoor patio decor with small or medium planters, dazzling lights and whimsical lanterns. String lights and hanging lanterns give you a cozy feel and can be hung on rails, walls and umbrella poles.
Adding an outdoor rug helps anchor your outdoor space. Choosing a large rug that extends beyond your patio furniture makes the space feel larger than it is. Go neutral for a minimalist look, or go all in with a bright color or pattern to make a statement.
If you like to entertain, add a rolling bar cart. It’s great for using when you need it and storing it away when you don’t. You can stay stocked with all your drink, snacking and hangout essentials
Mirrors are the answer to creating the illusion of a larger space. Thanks to their ability to amplify natural light by reflecting it throughout the room, placing mirrors opposite windows or other sources of natural light helps bounce sunlight deeper into a space. This natural light makes small rooms feel larger and contributes to a more inviting space.
Placing a large mirror above a focal point, like a sofa or a mantel, is a simple way to make a statement. Or, layer a collection of small and medium-sized mirrors placed at different heights to encourage eyes to move upward and make ceilings appear taller.
Adding more than one mirror to a room is a design trick to keep everything looking open and bright. Other shiny objects, like glass, metal, crystal or acrylic, help reflect more light and add glamour to a room.
Wall-mounted desks are designed to maximize space efficiency by utilizing vertical wall space. This space-saving design is especially beneficial in compact spaces where every inch counts, helping to optimize the layout and functionality of the living space without sacrificing style or comfort.
Also known as floating or folding desks, this versatile option can be installed at any desired height, making them a desirable choice for people of all ages, sizes and abilities.
Adding decorative and functional accessories can add personality to your mounted desk. Art and plants bring color and texture while shelves, drawers, baskets and lighting add functionality. It’s the perfect mix of practicality and personality.
The balcony can be an extension of the indoor living space, where city dwellers can relax, unwind and reconnect with nature.
Infuse a balcony oasis with personal touches. Incorporate artwork and decorative accents like a cozy reading nook, a mini herb garden or a tranquil meditation space. Opt for color palettes that match the overall vision, whether that involves adding a clean look with white siding or incorporating a bold elegance with dark vinyl siding.
If you want to invest in entertaining solutions to enjoy your balcony even more, there are several options that will take up very little space.
If you’re an avid sports fan or a dedicated movie watcher, invest in a wall-mounted screen and projector so you can enjoy all your favorites outside. This can easily be taken down and stored away when you’re not using it, or you can quickly set it up inside if the weather keeps you from enjoying your outdoor space. In addition, wall-mounted speakers may be a good option for those who like to enjoy surround-sound for movies, games, music or podcasts.
Under-bed storage solutions help maximize every square inch of a living environment. Your bed doesn’t just have to be for sleeping — it can also be used for hidden space-saving storage.
Under-bed storage bins or boxes can hold clothing, bedding, shoes or other items, keeping them neatly organized and easily accessible. Depending on their contents, you can use hardened bins or soft bins. If you have hardwood floors, bins on wheels provide easy access to everything you need without breaking a sweat hauling bulky items out.
If it’s time to upgrade your bed, opt for a platform-style bed with built-in drawers at the base. Some platforms come with open shelving to add extra storage with baskets of your choice. Utilize even more vertical space by installing a captain’s bed. These beds are lofted with built-in shelving and space for a dresser underneath.
For less of an investment, you can always purchase risers to increase the space if your current bed isn’t tall enough for under-bed storage.
If it’s bulky items you’re looking to store underneath your bed, vacuum-storage bags are a great solution. They allow you to suction excess air out of bulky bedding or out-of-season clothes bags to reduce their size tremendously while protecting them from dust and moisture.
Plants and greenery are essential for creating a lush and inviting outdoor oasis. To elevate an outdoor space, choose various plants that thrive in a balcony's lighting conditions, such as herbs, succulents or flowering plants.
Vertical gardens, hanging baskets and potted plants instantly add layers of texture and color, transforming a balcony into a vibrant urban jungle.
Optimizing a space goes beyond interior design — it also extends to a home’s exterior. That's why choosing the right materials for siding and soffit is essential.
With Rollex's siding and soffit, it is possible to achieve the perfect balance of durability, versatility and visual appeal. Our high-quality materials enhance the aesthetic appeal of a home while providing long-lasting protection against the elements, ensuring it remains beautiful and functional for years to come. Whether renovating an exterior or starting a new project, Rollex is here to help with unrivaled quality and craftsmanship. Check out our comprehensive siding and soffit selection to choose the best option for your next project.