The main difficulty when creating a design for small apartments lies in the small area of the apartment. Today there are a large number of techniques, the use of which allows you to design a one-room apartment of 38 square meters. m. truly unique. The right approach will allow you to turn even a one-room apartment or small house into a cozy space.
You can live comfortably in a small area, for which you need to carefully plan the interior and think through the furnishings down to the smallest detail.
Features of the interior design and layout of an apartment with an area of 38 sq. m.
When drawing up a design project for apartments of any size, it is recommended to use space zoning. You can do without it if a family lives in the apartment. In most cases, zoning is of a conditional nature; when it is carried out, color schemes are used and furniture is arranged. There is no need to use additional partitions. The main task is to expand the space. This approach ensures maximum expansion of space.
You can divide a room into functional zones using different floor levels, for example, placing a sleeping bed or workplace on the podium
When zoning, the interests and hobbies of the apartment owner or his family members must be taken into account.
When drawing up the project for apartment 38, redevelopment can be carried out. In one room you can combine a living room and a bedroom; the loggia can be insulated, converted into an office or any other functional room.
A project for the redevelopment of a one-room apartment, in which zones are separated - a living room, a kitchen-dining room and a full bedroom with a study
The basis of the basics is zoning
Zoning is the main technique of decorative designers. It allows you to visually divide the space into separate functional zones without affecting the overall style. In one-room apartments, zoning is indispensable. Only with its help can an apartment with a large functional load be made comfortable and convenient.
It is important to understand that zoning is most often conditional, determined by furniture, color and other content, and does not imply dividing the room with partitions into many tiny nooks.
Regardless of the area, work begins by compiling a list of required zones:
- Living room;
- Bedroom;
- Children's;
- Workroom (office, hobby corner);
- Recreation area (library);
- Dining room;
- Sports;
- Wardrobe.
This is just a sample list; it is not necessary for all zones to be present. Some people need an office, while others need a children's corner or a secluded place to relax.
Layout of rooms in an apartment and studio 38 sq. m.
Standard layout of a one-room apartment of 38 sq. m. involves repairs, which requires drawing up a real project. All rooms should be decorated in the same style; classics will be appropriate in any situation.
Painting walls in contrasting colors is one of the simplest techniques for zoning a common room.
Living room
A large number of functional areas in the living room can lead to the room looking cluttered. The optimal design option in this case is the Scandinavian style. In this case, you should give preference to neutral shades, wood, and there should be a minimum of furniture in the apartment. Light colors create a feeling of spaciousness in the apartment, the effect is enhanced by glossy surfaces. Floral ornaments will help increase the volume, so you should avoid them.
Bright living room in Scandinavian style with large windows without curtains
In the living room, it is recommended to prepare a sleeping area and place a bed. When zoning, it is recommended to use mirrored half-walls, television panels, transparent walls with screens, and partitions.
Additional storage space can be obtained by converting the window sill into a comfortable sofa with drawers inside
Kitchen
The average kitchen area in an apartment reaches 5-8 square meters. m. When living with a family, it is recommended to use a round table that can accommodate more people. A folding table or a table combined with a window sill will also help save space. The balcony can also be converted into an extension of the kitchen.
Lack of space in a small kitchen can be corrected by converting the window sill into a work surface
Hallway
When creating the design of a small corridor, it is recommended to abandon bulky furniture, which will save space. The installation of mirror surfaces, glossy floor and ceiling coverings will also help to visually expand the space.
A built-in wardrobe with mirrored doors is an excellent solution for a small hallway
Bathroom
Combining a bathroom and toilet will help increase the space. It is recommended to place the washing machine under the sink. When choosing a toilet, preference should be given to compact models; the tank can be hidden in the wall.
The combined bathroom makes it possible to install all the necessary equipment and appliances
Installing a shower instead of a bath will also help save space. Small ceramic tiles are considered the best finishing material; installing mirrors will also help expand the space.
A corner shower takes up the least amount of space.
Balcony
After insulation, a balcony or loggia can be used as a functional area when creating the design of an apartment of 38 square meters. m. It all depends on the location; the balcony area, when combined with the kitchen, can be used as a dining area. When placing the premises next to the living quarters, the loggia can be converted into an office or a place for games.
The insulated balcony can be used as a study
Hallway
The apartment starts from the hallway. If the corridor is small, then when planning its interior you will have to abandon bulky furniture and open shelves. This will save as much free space as possible. You can visually increase the area of the hallway with the help of mirrors and glossy coating on the floor and ceiling.
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Color options for apartments and studios of 38 sq. m.
When decorating a small apartment, it is necessary to use as many light colors as possible - the lighter the walls and ceiling, the wider the space and the more light in the room
In shades of gray
An apartment decorated in gray tones always looks elegant, especially when adding the same neutral shades. Gray goes well with beige; natural materials (stone, wood, plants) will help complement the design. Gray color perfectly emphasizes the finest textures; marble and silk should be used in such an interior.
The kitchen-living room area is designed in a modern style with a predominance of gray tones in decoration, textiles and furniture
In the sleeping area of the same studio apartment, the emphasis is placed on beige shades, and gray is given the role of accent
In bronze tones
Bronze is used quite rarely when creating interiors, although you can always choose calm tones rather than flashy shades.
At all times, objects made of bronze were of particular value.
- A bronze chandelier or wallpaper with a bronze print will be an excellent accent in any apartment. The design should be small and abstract; milky, light beige furniture also looks great in such an interior.
- A mirror frame, bed linen, and a vase will help complement the interior.
- Aged bronze goes well with dark colors, including blue and deep purple that transforms into gray.
Bronze decor emphasizes the wealth and taste of the apartment owners, creating a special atmosphere of luxury and comfort
In beige tones
Beige color is considered one of the most common when decorating space, photo of an apartment of 38 sq. m. photo design is ideal for decorating one room or an entire apartment. The shade is recommended to be combined with peach, lilac, natural materials, and wood.
White and beige combination in a classic interior
Plain beige interior in minimalist style
Neutral beige color includes a large number of shades, creating them will help you create a truly individual style. One of the advantages is also considered versatility and accessibility. When decorating an apartment in beige tones, preference should be given to furniture and flooring in lighter shades. In the bedroom, these tones will help you relax and unwind.
Bathroom
You can increase the functional area of the bathroom by combining the bathroom and toilet rooms. Where there was a door to the toilet, you can put a closet or a washing machine. To save space, you can install the washing machine under the sink, purchase a toilet with a more compact bowl, hide the cistern in the wall, or replace the standing bathtub with a sitting or shower stall. To decorate the walls in a small bathroom, it is better to use small tiles and decorate the walls with mirrors, which visually expand the space.
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Methods of zoning in an apartment of 38 square meters. m.
Options for zoning living space largely depend on the number of rooms in the apartment
One-room
When zoning an apartment, it is recommended to use partitions, arrangement of furniture, highlighting colors, it all depends on preferences and financial capabilities. In the bedroom combined with the living room, it is recommended to install matte partitions. Transparent or patterned structures can make any room brighter and more spacious. In this case, the sleeping place should be placed in a niche.
In a one-room apartment with an area of 38 square meters, you can organize a fairly spacious private area by separating the sleeping space with curtains
Another equally practical solution is a sliding glass partition, also complemented by blackout curtains.
Standard partitions can always be replaced with racks. If necessary, you can also combine the kitchen with the living room.
Two-room
The easiest way to convert a two-room apartment into a three-room apartment is to create a space for all generations. Partitions will help to divide the living room into two rooms; ideally, there will be one window in each room. A living-dining room can be obtained by combining the kitchen with the hallway, but you should be prepared to reduce the area of living rooms. Rounded walls will help place a dining table. A loggia can always be converted into a room for a child; insulation plays an important role.
Redevelopment of a two-room apartment into a three-room apartment is a popular solution for a young couple or a family with a child
Studios
When designing a studio, you should worry in advance about separating the kitchen-dining, working and sleeping spaces.
The advantages of a studio apartment will be appreciated by lovers of free space
The following materials are used for zoning:
- plasterboard, fabric, glass partitions;
- furniture, shelving;
- colors, texture of finishing materials;
- different levels (podiums, ceiling).
Lightweight partitions do an excellent job of zoning space and do not require any special expenses
All of the above methods can be used simultaneously or separately, the design of a one-room apartment is 38 sq. m. photo depends on the imagination of the home owner.
Modern design of a studio apartment
Usually, when renovating one-room apartments, the main problem lies in the size and apparent limited space. It is doubly difficult for families with children. Therefore, the primary task is to increase the dimensions, at least visually. A more radical option would be a complete change in appearance - demolition of walls and redevelopment. Studios in which the kitchen, living room and hall become one whole are becoming increasingly popular. Of course, it is fashionable and practical, but very expensive. A less labor-intensive option would be to demolish one wall, for example, combining a kitchen with a hallway or a room with a balcony.
The choice of color scheme is perhaps one of the most important points. Probably everyone knows that light shades visually enlarge the space. Even if someone doesn’t think the one-room apartment is too small, it’s better to give preference to pastel colors. In the future, the decor will not look too monotonous or neutral, because it will definitely contain brighter accents: curtains, pillows, upholstery, decor. Their bright colors are enough to enliven even white-painted walls.
The optimal solution for a modern one-room apartment would be light green, sand, cream, gray, brown, blue or yellow.
When thinking through the design, it is important to decide on the original style and take into account that some of them simply cannot be fully reproduced in a small area. You should immediately give up classics, country, antique or American. Minimalist trends will be optimal: Scandinavian, also Swedish, style, hi-tech, eclecticism. A modern apartment should also use modern materials for decoration and decoration. Hinged doors can be replaced with sliding partitions or completely abandoned in favor of arches.
Selection of furniture and textiles for decorating an apartment of 38 sq. m.
When designing a studio of 38 sq. m. photo it is recommended to use light colors. If necessary, such an interior can always be diluted with colorful accents. The interior will gain vibrancy and individuality due to bright curtains, curtains, paintings, and flowers. Arranging furniture around the perimeter is no longer relevant, especially if the goal is to save free space. A good option is to separate the kitchen and dining space with a bar counter. The best option is also considered to be the use of built-in technology. When separating the bedroom from the living room, you should use a wardrobe.
Cabinet furniture made in the form of an arch is perfect for storing things, inside of which you can place a TV, sofa or bed.
The choice of textiles depends on the interior; the shades must be combined. Oriental motifs are perfectly complemented by draperies. Japanese style involves the use of bamboo blinds. Maintaining order in the apartment plays an important role; things should always be in their place.
Examples with photographs
Here is an example of the layout of an apartment of 38 square meters. m., which involves the arrangement of a living room, a kitchen-dining area, a full-fledged place to sleep and a work space.
Design of a one-room apartment with an area of 38 square meters. m. involves converting the window sill into a small sofa, inside of which there are built-in drawers for storing things.
Painting walls with contrasting shades, as shown in this photo, is the easiest way to zoning a 38-square space.
Photo ideas for original interior design
Do you need a design project?
Professionals in the field of interior design are sure that you cannot begin any renovation work without preparing a design project. This is not just a picture that will demonstrate what the interior will look like in the future. This is a real multi-stage work that takes into account absolutely everything:
- allows you to create an estimate;
- calculate the cost of repairs;
- establish the optimal sequence of work;
- determine the style;
- highlight functional areas;
- select the necessary furniture and arrange it.
The complexity of creating a design project for a one-room apartment of 38 square meters depends on the volume of renovation work. If you need to furnish an apartment in a new building from scratch, the project should be as complete as possible. If this is a residential apartment that requires only minor changes, for example, the arrangement of a children's area, the work, accordingly, will not be so global.
Main objectives of the design project:
- Detailed measurements of apartment premises, drawing up a plan. This information will be needed for a more detailed study of further changes, calculation of materials, lighting and other things.
- Schemes for demolition and construction of partitions, if any are planned. At this stage, it is important to consider the ergonomics of movement around the apartment, taking into account current norms and regulations.
- Layout plan for communications and electrical wiring.
- Selection of finishing materials, determination of style, choice of colors and finishing materials.
- Selection and arrangement of furniture, decor, accessories.
Design projects today are rarely drawn by hand, so the work is done in special computer programs. Many of them are freely available on the Internet and allow you to create a three-dimensional model of the future interior of photographic quality. However, it is better to work together with a specialist who knows all the intricacies of his business and important nuances that, as a rule, ordinary users do not know.
Bathroom with shower tray
In the bathroom, Pamesa Deco floor tiles (DC Hofer tiles, Pamesa collection), Mainzu wall tiles (Luxor collection)
The bathroom is an oasis of white aesthetics and ethnic design. This kind of interior can easily be found in an apartment in Madrid, Barcelona or Rome. White tiles create a light backdrop, ideal for a small space, while ethnic pattern tiles for wall borders and floors add originality. The blue molding under the ceiling looks very interesting, and for the shower the designer ordered a construction pallet so that the drain would be directly in the floor.
Bathroom with high tray shower and trendy finishes
Washing machine in the bathroom under the countertop
The bathroom is also interesting because the washing machine is located under the countertop. This is very convenient, since the sink turns out to be solid, with a spacious work surface, and the washing machine looks more elegant.
Methods for delimiting zones
You can divide a room in a variety of ways, but you don’t have to use everything at once or just one specific method. It is important to find some kind of middle ground. Let's look at the most popular zoning options, which are considered the most effective today.
Furniture and textiles
It just so happens that we are used to placing furniture around the perimeter, but sometimes it is worth reconsidering conservative views. Furniture arrangement is one of the simplest and most convenient ways to zoning an apartment. The living room can be separated from the bedroom by a tall, narrow wardrobe, the doors of which face the bed. The seating area with the kitchen will be separated by a sofa or bar counter, and a workspace limiter can be a shelving unit or a table with a shelf.
Zoning with curtains is not the latest design technique, but this option will not be suitable for every interior. The choice of textiles that will serve as partitions often depends on the chosen style. In classic interiors, this can be a thick canopy on the ceiling cornice, oriental style will be complemented by multi-layered flowing draperies, and Japanese style will be emphasized by bamboo blinds.
Color and finish
In terms of its execution, this is one of the most difficult and not always successful techniques when it comes to a one-room apartment. Here, the principles of zoning and tips for visually increasing space collide and even contradict each other. In a small area, too bright color transitions and finishing with different textures will not be appropriate. The boundary can be drawn on the floor, for example, by adding a carpet and highlighting the required area.
Partitions
Mobile screens and stationary partitions, in addition to zoning, perform a decorative function, and therefore must correspond to the general style of the interior. There are a huge number of options for their execution. If you don’t have any specific ideas, you’ll have to devote a single hour to looking at photos on the Internet and sorting through different design options. It is also worth considering that in a one-room apartment the partition should take up little space and visually expand the space. Most often they use plastic, drywall or mirror surfaces.
You can hide an entire cozy room behind a thin screen door. Various materials for the canvas can be used:
- tree;
- plywood;
- MDF;
- plastic;
- glass.
Floor, ceiling and light
If the height of the walls allows, you can arrange a podium to separate the working, sleeping area or children's area. From the point of view of convenience, lighting should be organized so that each individual functional area is as independent as possible. They use different levels of lighting, lamps of different light spectrums, backlights, etc. Light alone is not enough to highlight individual functional areas; it can only be an additional tool.
