Interior Design for Compact Spaces

According to a 2020 survey by a top US real estate company Fidelity National Financial, an overwhelming 86% of participants would consider purchasing a tiny house as their first home rather than a large, spacious one, while 84% agreed it would make a great retirement living option. The most compelling factors in their decision-making process were that smaller living spaces offer a simpler, more minimalist lifestyle, are more ecologically friendly, and are more cost effective than traditional homes.

Consider “The Nest” tucked away in the gorgeous landscape of Hocking Hills, Ohio, in the United States. Despite its small interior, an open floor plan integrates the kitchen, dining, and living areas into one open space, maximizing the overall square footage. Taking advantage of strategic window placement and sizing, including sliding glass doors that help reflect light, will help make the interior feel much larger. Bright colors, on the other hand, infuse more energy; however, don’t hesitate to incorporate small splashes of color into a section or corner through fixtures such as a chair, painting, or rug. While color and lighting contribute to the atmosphere, taking advantage of built-in cabinets or seating arrangements to hide excess clutter is just as important in creating a balanced and inviting living space.

Did you know that using vertical space is a practical way to elevate the overall aesthetic? In fact, long-slatted building materials such as wood and bamboo are commonly used in many small home designs for this purpose, in addition to being durable and environmentally friendly. This Chilean “3 x 3 Retreat” cabin designed by Estudio Diagonal Architects that sits in La Union city’s rainforest epitomizes how to optimize vertical space in a simple way. Decorating your home with plants will add a calming yet lively essence to your surroundings while boosting your mental and emotional well-being.