With over a decade’s worth of experience designing apartments there are some common themes I’ve noticed. Themes like how people think about apartments and how they live in them. So here are my top tips on how to live well in an apartment.
Size of space in your apartment
In Australia we love space. I’m not sure why. I think we associate lots of space with wealth and freedom. I think many people believe they need space to be happy. Especially families. Families think they need a bedroom for each child or a big backyard for example.
But actually, we only need to look to our European for successful apartment living. In Europe they’re masters at using the third space. A space outside their home. Like parks, piazzas, cafes and so on.
While we have space in Australia, we have limited habitable space. And limited neighbourhoods with amenities that contribute to an amenable lifestyle. Amenities like schools, public transport, parks, cafes and restaurants, health care and so on.
So it makes sense that many more people are choosing apartment living. Forgoing a house with backyard so that they can access lifestyle facilities.
Choosing to live in an apartment will mean getting comfortable with less space. Unless you have the budget for a large apartment or penthouse.
Size of furniture for an apartment
A successfully space is one that functions well as well as looks great. So if you’re furniture is too big then your apartment living room and bedrooms will not function well.
Interior design has a concept of negative space and positive space. Positive space is occupied by the furniture that communicates the key function of the space. For example, a sofa in a living room occupies positive space.
Negative space is the empty space around that piece of furniture that allows ample flow of movement.
That’s way in an apartment you might need a double bed instead of a queen size bed. Or a 2.5 seater sofa rather than a large modular piece.
To live well in an apartment, the size of furniture needs to be in balance. Scale and proportion are important in relation to each other and the space.
Clutter free apartment living
Another theme I notice in apartments is clutter. It seems to me that people who live in apartments don’t realise they have limited space. They accumulate lots of stuff.
Stuff which eventually takes over their space. For example, in a Southbank project I worked on, the client had gym equipment in their own apartment. This was despite the apartment building having a gym.
This is what I mean by expanding your concept of space when living in an apartment. Consider all appropriate third spaces you could spend time in. Such as gyms, parks, cafes and so on.
I’m not suggesting embracing a minimalist lifestyle but apartments, especially the wardrobes are generally small. You need to think about storage for your stuff. Consider when you’ll need it and when to do a clear out also.
Have a big picture perspective of how you live. Consider how much stuff you have. This approach will help you choose the right apartment in the right location. It ensures that you can live well in an apartment.
