Layout Tips for Small Apartments

Likely, we've all had one. A tiny little apartment that made us wonder, "How did I ever live there?" Whether you're living in a micro space, such as a 200-square-foot studio I once lived in, or merely a smallish space, you want to make the most of what you've got.

If it's a rental unit, your options may be limited by landlord rules and budget constraints. If you're in New York City, a small apartment in a rent-controlled building is like gold and many renters stay for years. In such cases, spending on built-in units makes more sense. However, in most of the country, rental units are more temporary. Either way, it's all about clearly understanding your needs and making sure they are met.

It's incredibly important to be clear about what you need and design your space to fit those needs. What is your lifestyle? If fashion is a priority for you, appropriate space for clothes will be very important. If you watched "Sex and the City," you will recall Carrie's hallway turned clothes closet with room for hanging clothes and space for lots of shoeboxes. In the television show, this space was a short hallway open to the main living space on one end and the bathroom on the other. There were built-in drawers and partitions with rods. While the typical renter might not install a fully custom closet, one could certainly install rods for hanging clothes and add shelving for flat fold clothing and shoes. On the other hand, if you're a little more low maintenance, you may only need flat storage for your jogging clothes and a simple bureau will suffice.

If you're a hobbyist or you work from home (or both!) you will need flat workspace with appropriate storage and good lighting.

Once you've determined your needs and figured out what you need to do to meet them, there are additional steps one can take to maximize the space.

• Multi-tasking furniture. Furniture that serves multiple purposes is key. Storage ottomans, coffee tables with drawers, platform beds with under bed storage all serve a main purpose and provide much needed storage.
• No door should go unused. There are many products available than can hang on the fronts and backs of doors from shoe storage bags to ironing boards. Make the most use of every square inch possible. A door can also serve as a bulletin board, chalkboard or vanity mirror. Get creative!
• Trick the eye. Mirrors, glass or Lucite furniture and reflective surfaces such as highly polished woods all serve to visually expand a space.
• Differentiate "zones" within the small space. The eating zone can be highlighted with a different paint color on one wall, or a rug in the living room space will create a room within a room. If painting walls isn't a possibility, there are removable wall decals that will do the trick, or, paint large artists canvases and hang on the walls to create the feel of a painted wall.
• Get organized and stay organized.

A small space requires creativity and ingenuity. Have fun with it and you will have fun in it.

Photo credit: HydraPropertyGroup's photostream on Flickr.