There are many benefits to apartment life, and while you may have a smaller space to play with (a huge plus when it comes to cleaning and maintenance!), there’s no limit to the amount of fun you can have designing the interior of your home – especially if you keep the following tips in mind.

Furniture
There are several ways to increase the sense of space when choosing furniture for a small apartment or studio.

* Select a few big pieces rather than a lot of small pieces that can make the space feel cluttered.
* Look for items that are multi-functional, e.g. an ottoman that can be used as a coffee table as well as extra seating when friends come around, or a dining room table that’s able to double as a desk.
* Be clever with pieces like fold-away chairs that can be stashed in a cupboard between uses or a smaller dining room table that can be extended to accommodate more guests.
* Choose furniture with legs (e.g. a couch or cabinet) as this allows your eyes to travel through the item, creating an added sense of space.

Television
TV units can take up a significant amount of floor space, so think about mounting your TV on the wall instead. If you do go this route, it’s worth getting an electrician in to chase the wires into the wall to create a seamless finish.

Artwork
Hanging a large statement artwork can make a space feel bigger rather than smaller. In fact, having artwork that’s too small can make the furniture look bigger than it is and throw off the balance in a room.

Mirrors
These create a wonderful sense of depth, which immediately makes a room feel more open. Placed near a large window, they bring the outdoors in, creating the feeling that the apartment extends beyond its four walls.

Carpets
Creating clearly defined spaces increases the sense of space in a room, and this is easily achieved by using carpets to demarcate sitting areas, eating areas etc.

Partitions
These are another excellent way to separate spaces. And using materials that allow light to filter through – like glass or slatted wood – can help the space to feel more airy.

Colour
While dark colours can be used to great effect in small spaces, as a general rule it’s best to stick to lighter colours on the wall and keep bold colours for accent walls.

Upholstery
Dramatic colours can also be used in your furniture choices, as long as you follow this good advice from The Spruce: “Use the darker or bolder colors in your pallet to ground your space, keeping them at eye level or below. This will allow your eye – and your ceiling – to soar, making the room appear larger.” When it comes to couches and chairs, it’s a good idea to use plain fabrics and accessorise with patterns.

Plants
According to Apartment Therapy, “When strategically placed, dramatic houseplants that hang down low, sweep the ceiling, and spread out will draw the eye, highlighting vertical space or a second floor.” So make a shopping list of your favourite indoor varieties and head to your local nursery. 

Considering an apartment in Cape Town?
Harbour Arch borders the Cape Town CBD and will epitomise the principles of new urban living, offering residents the opportunity to live, work, play, relax, and stay in a safe, convenient, enjoyable and sustainable community-focused environment. For more information, contact us today on 087 809 0000 or click here to get in touch with a sales consultant.