Small Apartment Layout Help

2 months ago

I’m looking for some advice on how to arrange furniture in my small apartment. I love a modern cozy minimalist style but need help figuring out how to make the space both stylish and functional. I’m considering an L-shaped sofa but I’m not sure how to position it for comfort and flow. I also want to add bar stools at my kitchen counter but I’m not sure which style would work best to complement the space.

There’s also a small area between my bedroom and bathroom, and I’m unsure what to do with it. I was thinking of adding storage like a wardrobe or shelves, setting up a small desk or vanity, or creating a seating nook with a chair and lamp. I’d love to hear suggestions on what might work best, as well as any photos or product recommendations that could help bring my vision to life.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

PRO
Maryna Drobot at Cinnamon Space
2 months ago
last modified: 2 months ago
Hi Loretta,
I had a couple of questions before we move forward:
1. Is the entrance to the apartment through the kitchen?
2. How much are you prepared to change structurally, if at all?
3. What’s your main goal for this space? Are you looking to simply style it, or are you considering a remodel to improve the overall flow and function?
Let me know your thoughts!
0
weines
2 months ago
There's a lot of compact furniture with great storage capacity now. I think you should definitely consider it.
Related Discussions
Need help with Garage Design / Layout
Q
Comments (3)
HI Keerthi, the project turned out well, apart from the main house, I built a 9m x 6m building which I split in 2. The front 4.5m x 6m area is used for pressuried water system, gas burner and a multi fuel burner all to one side and fuels to the other. The is a door going into rear of building the same size. Theres a 3m wide by 1.2m window to the back of the bulding looking out into the garden with a glass door to the side. Its a fabulous plastered games room and may be used as a music practice room at some stage. There is a 600m floored attic for storage. I didnt get any feedback off site but still get great ideas for finishes within Houzz. Regards
...See More
Help with Kitchen/Dining area layout - new build
Q
Comments (1)
I think I would have one set off steps down and move the dividing presses to the side where your sink is, making it a peninsula. That would make for a nice L shaped banquette seating area where your blank wall is, and the gallery backdrop would be great there. You could also have a nice long table as opposed to the small square one. I also hope you don't mind me saying that I think you need to reconsider the placement of your hob. It's right beside a door which will be awkward and you have your back to the room when entertaining. You will have such a nice kitchen that you should make the most of it for entertaining. Even you consider putting it on the island facing the dining area?
...See More
Need help for layout of new extension
Q
Comments (1)
If I'm being honest, I'm really not sure on this layout. You have services on both sides of the extension, which even with my limited knowledge of building is expense that you could avoid. Do you need a laundry and a utility, or could you combine them.? Also I hate the idea of a toilet off the kitchen. The garage also looks small. Could you take out the door on the garage and make that the bathroom off your corridor, and make the corridor your utility. Then you have all the space free where the new bathroom and utility are. If you want more space for the utility and bathroom I would suggest bringing that wall in (make kitchen and dining narrower) and that would have the advantage of making your study wider. One other point is that leaving the study there with a window to the side will make the kitchen very dark.
...See More
Small Living room, awkward layout
Q
Comments (0)
Hi, I'm trying to rearrange my living room but having a bit of difficulty. The room has 3 doors in it (1 hall door, 1 kitchen door & 1 door for under the stairs). There's also a fireplace and then one large window. I'm trying to create space for while already having the likes of our tv, 2 & 3 seater sofas so to have the room prepared for when Christmas rolls around! Any help or advice would be great, I will put up a pic later :) Thanks, Aisling
...See More
Loretta
Original Author
last month
Hi, thank you both for your response.

To answer your questions Maryna,
1. Yes, the entrance to the apartment is through the kitchen.
2. As for structural changes, I’m not planning any major renovations like moving walls or reconfiguring the space. I’m mainly focused on furniture placement, storage solutions, and styling to make it feel functional and inviting.
3. Since the apartment is unfurnished, I’m excited to furnish and design it from scratch. I’d love to create minimalist space that feels open and easy to move through.
A little more about the space although it was mentioned in my post: there’s a small area between the bedroom and bathroom that I’m considering turning into either a storage zone, a small desk/vanity area, or maybe even a cozy reading nook. Or simply a mirror? The apartment also gets a good amount of natural light, especially during the day, so I’d love to make the most of that and keep the space feeling bright and airy. I’m also thinking about using mirrors to help open up the space, but I’d want to be careful not to overdo it finding the right placement and style will be important.

As I mentioned I’m looking at getting an L-shaped sofa and adding bar stools at the kitchen counter as well, but I’m still figuring out the best sizes, styles, and layout to make everything flow nicely.

I’d love to hear any ideas you have or anything else you think could help bring the space together!

Thanks again,
Loretta
0
Betty Boo
last month
Loretta, having a blank canvas is very exciting but also a bit daunting. If you have room for an L shaped sofa it would sit well in the top left with the bottom of the L parallel to your breakfast bar and still leave room for bar stools. If your bed was turned to face the two pictures you’d have room for bedside tables then you could place a wardrobe and dressing table on the wall opposite your bed. Is the door to your right as you enter the flat a storage cupboard? If you needed more storage I would add basket storage, such as the IKEA Kallax with as many baskets as you need. I think that space is a bit small and dark for a dressing table or reading nook. Of course it’s best to live in the space first to see what you actually need.
PRO
Maryna Drobot at Cinnamon Space
last month
last modified: last month
I recommend choosing a chaise sofa rather than a full corner sofa, as the living room width appears to be approximately 2.5–3 metres based on the floor plan. A chaise will feel more open and proportional to the space.

I would consider integrating the hallway nook into the bedroom to create a walk-in wardrobe. This maximises storage and optimises layout flow.

Than add a floor-to-ceiling mirror on the newly created wall between the bathroom and bedroom doors. This will enhance natural light and give the illusion of more space.

Alternatively it would be better as a Workspace Option: Instead of a reading nook (which sits far from natural light), a small desk in that area may be more practical—offering better focus and usability for work or study.

Design Style Direction: Organic Minimalism

Calm. Natural. Intentional.
A serene aesthetic rooted in Scandinavian and Japandi principles, this style blends simplicity with warmth.

Colour Palette: Soft neutrals – warm whites, beige, oat, and stone

Materials: Natural wood, linen, boucle, ceramic, and soft stone

Atmosphere: Clean lines and uncluttered spaces create a sense of peace and spaciousness

Mood: A calming retreat that prioritises wellbeing and slow living

Where simplicity meets luxury—designed to slow you down and soothe your senses.

Would you like me to create some visuals or put together a shopping list with furniture and décor selections tailored to the concept?
0

Small Apartment Layout Help

Comments (5)

Maryna Drobot at Cinnamon Space

weines

Related Discussions

Loretta
Original Author

Betty Boo

Maryna Drobot at Cinnamon Space

COMPANY

EXPLORE HOUZZ

CONNECT WITH US

Small Apartment Layout Help

Comments (5)

Maryna Drobot at Cinnamon Space

weines

Related Discussions

LorettaOriginal Author

Betty Boo

Maryna Drobot at Cinnamon Space

COMPANY

EXPLORE HOUZZ

CONNECT WITH US

Loretta
Original Author