Making a Small
Flat Feel Spacious and Comfortable
A small flat can still feel big in comfort, joy, and
warmth. A 1BHK home may not give much space, but it
gives something more valuable. It is a chance to design
smartly, to make every corner count.
Every wall, window, and piece of furniture can serve
more than one purpose when designed thoughtfully. A
well-planned 1BHK interior does not just save space; it
creates peace.
Regardless of whether it's a recent acquisition or a
rented property, the secret is to find balance. It is
possible by using colours, furniture, storage and light,
to make the apartment feel larger and more spacious.
Let's learn how we can transform a compact 1BHK into an
expensive and sophisticated dwelling with a few easy,
small flat interior design tips.
1. Start with Space Planning
Space planning is at the heart of any good design. Take
a good look at your flat before you add furniture or
colours. There will be enough time to stress about
decor. Where does the light come in from? How much space
do you have for walking? Which area can serve more than
one purpose?
Clearly demarcate living, dining, and sleeping zones,
though physical partitions may not be present. This will
help keep the home organised and clutter-free. For
instance, a foldable dining table near the kitchen can
act as a work desk. A sofa cum bed in the living room
provides extra sleeping space for guests.
Even a 500 sq. ft. flat feels bigger when the layout is
smart.
2. Use Light Colours
Light shades have this magical power. They open up the
space.
White, cream, light beige, or soft pastel-colored walls
reflect natural light, thereby making your home airy.
You could also use one tone for all rooms to create
visual continuity. It gives the illusion of a greater
floor area.
Avoid dark and heavy colours on big walls. You can
always add colour through cushions, rugs, or small decor
items.
3. Let There Be Light
Light is one of the most powerful tools in design.
Natural sunlight adds life to every corner; keep windows
open and use light curtains that allow sunlight to
filter in.
For evenings, make use of layered lighting: ceiling
lights for brightness, floor lamps for warmth, and
under-cabinet lights in the kitchen for functionality.
Warm soft lights give even a small room an inviting and
peaceful appearance.
4. Multi-functional Furniture is a
Blessing
There is no room for bulkier furniture in a small flat.
Therefore, every piece must be used for more than one
purpose.
Choose a sofa cum bed, a coffee table with hidden
storage, or a wall-mounted study table.
Foldable chairs, extendable dining tables, and modular
wardrobes with sliding doors save space. The idea is to
keep furniture light, movable, and useful.
5. Use Mirrors to Create Magic
Mirrors are space creators, not just for checking your
reflection. Place a large mirror opposite a window and
instantly double the amount of light coming in. It will
also make the room appear deeper.
You can even maximise visual space by using mirrored
wardrobe doors or a mirror wall panel.
6. Smart Storage Solutions
In small flats, clutter is the greatest enemy. With
smart storage, keeping things organised is entirely
doable. Maximise storage by taking advantage of your
vertical walls. Install shelves, wall cabinets, and
hooks for bags and accessories.
Some great small apartment design ideas for hidden
organisation include under-bed storage, drawer steps,
and storage benches. Built-in wardrobes and modular
kitchen units help keep everything in its place without
eating up the walking space.
7. Keep It Minimal
Less truly is more when designing a 1BHK. Never stuff
the flat with lots of decor pieces or large furniture. A
clean, open layout feels much bigger and calmer.
Keep only the essentials. Anything that remains in the
space should have a purpose, even if that is purely to
add beauty.
8. Open Layout Works Wonders
If possible, break the unnecessary walls. An open layout
connects the living, dining, and kitchen areas and
provides a free-flowing feeling.
Partition the space smartly. Use a glass divider, a
wooden screen, or even open shelves instead of solid
walls. That way, light will travel freely, and zones can
be defined.
9. Bring Nature Indoors
When nature enters a small flat, it feels more alive.
Place a couple of house plants on shelves, window sills,
or on a tabletop. Plants purify the air and bring
calmness and freshness to the home.
Even a tiny balcony garden can be turned into a happy
nook of the house.
10. Add Personal Touches
A home feels spacious, not just in design but also in
emotion.
Hang pictures, travel souvenirs, or a couple of objects
that consist of pictures and tell a story. Also, use
soft and cosy fabrics. Put a rug under the coffee table
or warm cushions on the sofa.
A well-designed 1BHK doesn't need to be fancy; it needs
to feel like you.
1BHK Interior
Design: Mistakes to Avoid
Small apartments are very easy to decorate incorrectly.
Here are some common mistakes people make and how to
avoid them:
- Bulky furniture: As we mentioned in the first
suggestion, big, heavy furniture takes up space in
the room, and it makes the room feel cramped. Go
with light and compact furniture when possible.
- Too Many Colours: Mixing too many colours creates
visual chaos. Only two or three tones that blend
well should be used.
- Poor Lighting: A single light in the middle of the
ceiling makes the corners dark. Layer lighting for
depth.
- Ignoring Vertical Space: The vertical space in a
room is also often overlooked. It is because people
commonly forget to make use of their walls for
shelves or hanging racks. This is where vertical
storage also saves floor space.
- Skipping Decluttering: Hoarding unnecessary items
keeps a small home messy. Declutter regularly.
- Overdecorating of Walls: Heavy wall art or a
plethora of frames will make rooms appear smaller.
Consider keeping the walls light and simple.
- Not Measuring Before Purchase: Items that appear
great in a store may not actually fit your space.
Always measure before purchase.
- Blocking Natural Light: Avoid heavy curtains or tall
cupboards near the window. Light is your biggest
asset when it comes to small homes.
Factors to
Consider While Hiring Decorators for a 1BHK Flat
Hiring the right decorator can make or break the look of
your home. A professional brings balance, function, and
creativity to a limited space. Here's what to consider
before finalising one:
- Experience in Designing Small Spaces: Not every
designer understands compact layouts. Choose someone
who has worked with 1BHK or studio flats.
- Portfolio and Reviews: Check past projects. Reviews
and before-and-after photos reveal their skills.
- Understanding Your Lifestyle: The decorator needs to
know how you live, whether you work from home,
entertain frequently, or need additional storage.
- Budget Transparency: Explicitly outline the total
budget breakdown with accurate design fees,
furniture, materials, and labour costs. Don't keep
any costs hidden.
- Use of Local Materials: A good decorator knows how
to combine inexpensive and locally sourced materials
to make something that appears far more expensive.
- Timeline and Communication: Make sure the decorator
agrees to deadlines, and they will keep in contact
with you throughout the process.
- After-service Support: Ask if they can help with the
post-completion touch-ups, or offer you tips for
maintaining the décor.
- Eco-friendly Approach: Many modern decorators also
recommend eco-sustainable materials and paints that
ensure that your home is environmentally friendly
and healthy.
Why Hire 123
Home Paints for a 1BHK Flat Interior Design
Designing a 1BHK requires heart, not just skill. At 123
Home Paints, we treat every home as a story-a story of
dreams, struggles, and pride.
We are a team that listens first and then designs. Every
detail - from wall colour to furniture placement - is
purposely crafted to create a small living space that
feels cheerful, balanced and stunning. Here's why 123
Home Paints is different:
- Complete Solutions: Every solution, from designing
the plan to furniture, lighting and painting, is
available in one location.
- Personalised Planning: Designs will be tailored to
your lifestyle, routines, and the limitations of
your space.
- Experienced Designers: Interior designers
experienced with modern, cost-effective,
space-saving solutions for small flats.
- Pricing Transparency: No bill shocks, hidden fees,
or surprises. Everything will be addressed before
the project begins.
- Quality Product: Long-port interiors only use
quality paints, fixtures, and finishes.
- Aftercare Services: Continued help and maintenance
tips to make sure your home is amazing for years to
come.
Yes, even the smallest of flats can be a designer's
dream with 123 Home Paints. As a flat interior designer
in Kolkata, we are stylish, functional, and very
personalised.
Conclusion
A flat that is 1BHK can appear large, not by adding
square feet but by having smart design approaches. The
right colours, simple furniture, open layouts, and
natural light can make all the difference.
Even a small home, if designed with heart and thought,
can feel like a palace. After hiring 123 Home Paints,
you will be ready to cosy up your 1BHK apartment. We
don't just design homes; we create stories-your story.
Let painting change your home today; call or visit 123
Home Paints.
FAQs
Q1. Can it create a sense of spaciousness with no
wall removal?
A. Yes, smart lighting, mirrors, and minimal furniture
can make even closed spaces appear open.
Q2. Which colours make small rooms appear
larger?
A. Yes, colours like white, cream and pastels of all
kinds can reflect light and give the feeling of a larger
room.
Q3. What kind of furniture would suit a 1BHK
flat?
A. Small flats call for compact, foldable, and
multi-purpose furniture.
Q4. How do I create storage in a 1BHK?
A. Save space with vertical walls, under-bed storage, and
modular cabinets.
Q5. Is it expensive to hire an interior decorator
for a 1BHK?
A. Not always. Different decorators, like 123 Home
Paints, have budget-friendly packages.
Q6. How long does it take to design a
1BHK?
A. The overall planning and execution period usually
takes about 3-6 weeks, depending on the work involved.
Q7. Can you use eco-friendly materials in a small
space?
A. Yes, sustainable paints, bamboo furniture and natural
fabric will all suit a small apartment very well.
Q8. Why is 123 Home Paints a smart choice for
decorating a 1BHK?
A. We can mix creativity with affordability and technical
skill to make small spaces usable in a residential
context.