Small space interior design creating a well-designed and functional space in a modest area of just 12 square meters (~130 square feet) requires a tailored approach. By carefully selecting colors, textures, and furniture arrangements, while making the most of every inch, you can achieve a stylish and comfortable room. Small space interior design
Design features of a small room
Transforming a Small Room: Maximizing Style and Comfort with Architectural Features and Clever Design
With an objective assessment of architectural features and thoughtful design, accompanied by sketches of layouts, you can effortlessly transform a small room into a stylish and comfortable space. Embracing the compact dimensions, there are several valuable techniques you can employ to make the most of the available space:
- Color scheme: Opt for warm pastel shades to create a visually pleasing atmosphere. Add pops of color through vibrant textiles and interior accents to inject personality and interest.
- Space-saving solutions: Make use of vertical space by incorporating tall cabinets with mezzanines or shelving units. These provide ample storage for seasonal items, keeping the room clutter-free.
- Functional furniture: Choose furniture pieces that serve multiple purposes, such as a fold-out sofa or a bed with drawers underneath for storing bedding and blankets. Consider a pull-out table that can be tucked away when not in use to avoid overwhelming the space with bulky objects.
- Light and gloss: Strategically placed lighting fixtures and the use of glossy surfaces can visually enlarge the room. This creates an airy and inviting atmosphere, preventing the walls and ceiling from creating a sense of confinement.
- Zoning: Define different functional areas within the room to maximize its versatility. By creating separate zones for various activities or times of the day, the room’s appearance can be transformed to accommodate different needs and preferences.
Competent renovation of a 12 sqm room
When decorating a small bedroom with an area of 12 square meters, it is important to align the design with the owners’ aesthetic preferences and their vision for a sleep-inducing and relaxing environment. The first step is to determine the desired style, be it country, modern, classic, eclectic, or minimalistic.
Once the style is chosen, appropriate finishing materials can be selected to complement the overall theme. In a small space, it is crucial to consider the following general requirements for the renovation:
- Space Optimization: Maximize the available space by selecting furniture that is proportionate to the room’s dimensions. Choose multi-functional pieces that offer storage solutions, such as beds with built-in drawers or floating shelves, to keep the area organized and clutter-free.
- Color Palette: Opt for light and neutral colors to create an illusion of spaciousness. Soft tones like pastels or whites can visually expand the room, while also promoting a calming atmosphere conducive to rest.
- Lighting: Pay careful attention to lighting choices. Incorporate a mix of ambient, task, and accent lighting to provide sufficient brightness and create a cozy ambiance. Consider utilizing wall sconces or pendant lights to save space on bedside tables.
- Mirrors: Strategically placed mirrors can help create the illusion of a larger room by reflecting light and making the space appear more open. Consider using mirrored closet doors or incorporating a large mirror as a focal point.
- Storage Solutions: Utilize clever storage solutions, such as under-bed storage containers, hanging organizers, or built-in cabinets, to maximize the functionality of the room while minimizing clutter.
The general requirements for renovating a small area are straightforward:
Ceiling: Opt for simple stretch ceilings without intricate patterns or choose a basic paint finish. Stepped structures made of plasterboard can help conceal limited space, providing a clean and polished look.
Walls: There is room for creativity when it comes to the walls. Consider using wallpaper with simple designs or patterns. Another interesting option is to use different colors or textures on each wall. For instance, one wall could be adorned with decorative plaster, while the other three walls are painted in contrasting colors.
Floor: The floor serves as a backdrop for the room. There are numerous options available, such as parquet, laminate, or carpeting, catering to various preferences. In narrow rooms, elongated geometric patterns on floorboards can visually widen the space, and combining dark shades with a glossy white ceiling can create an airy atmosphere.
By following these general guidelines, a small area can be transformed into a visually appealing and functional space, tailored to individual tastes and maximizing the perception of space.
Color in the design of small rooms of 12 squares meters
To make a small space visually appealing and overcome the limitations of its size, the choice of colors is crucial. When designing a 12 sq. m room, it is advisable to avoid bold color experiments and instead focus on a neutral palette. Neutral colors provide a sense of openness and can serve as a backdrop for interchangeable accent accessories, which can add visual interest to the space.
Colors have the power to create a specific atmosphere. For a cozy ambiance, warm colors are recommended. If you want to create an illusion of more space, light, cool shades from the gray and blue spectrum can be employed. In terms of modern design, a pure white, silver, or pale green background can be used for a 12 sq. m room.
While white is often associated with hospitals, it can actually create a peaceful and airy atmosphere in the home. However, if an all-white design feels too cold or detached, feel free to personalize it according to your own concept of comfort.
Incorporating an accent wall can help bring harmony to the room. It doesn’t necessarily have to be bright; you can draw attention to it using other methods, such as applying unique wallpaper or using textured materials. However, if you do opt for a vibrant color scheme, it’s important to ensure that the colors are synchronized throughout the interior. Let the chosen color repeat in elements like curtains, upholstery, textiles, and decorative items.
Using dark colors in a 12 sq. m room can be challenging, as they can make the space feel even smaller and potentially have a negative impact on the overall ambiance. However, if you’re keen on incorporating dark colors, you can find a compromise by using them as an accent. For instance, painting one wall in a shade of burnt umber while keeping the remaining walls in ivory can create a stylish and appealing look.
Finishing materials
In contemporary interior design, wallpapers are becoming increasingly popular for enhancing small spaces. Silk-screen printing is particularly favored, but decorative plaster and pastel colors can serve as alternative options. Pairing beige and sandy hues with shades like azure, chestnut, and hazel can create an appealing color combination.
When it comes to decorating small rooms with an area of 12 square meters, photo wallpapers are gaining popularity, especially those with a 3D effect that depicts landscape views. They can add depth and dimension to the space, creating an immersive visual experience.
In terms of ceiling decor, tension technologies such as stretch ceilings are highly relevant. Opting for a glossy film surface can make the room appear brighter and visually taller. While white is a popular choice, it’s not the only option, but it’s important to select a light color to maintain a spacious feel in the room.
Options for arranging furniture in a small room
Arranging furniture in a room is not a one-size-fits-all approach. The interior design process takes into account the unique characteristics of the space and the preferences of the occupants.
Creating a comfortable layout involves selecting a minimal set of furniture that serves the functions of the room. The arrangement can vary based on the following approaches:
- Symmetric: This arrangement involves placing a pair of furniture pieces in relation to the room’s center, such as a fireplace, TV, or chest of drawers. It creates a balanced and harmonious look.
- Asymmetric: In contrast to symmetry, an asymmetric arrangement embraces a more relaxed and informal style. It allows for a sense of freedom and creativity by intentionally avoiding strict order in the furniture placement.
- Circular: In a circular arrangement, furniture is positioned in a circular formation, often centered around a focal point like a chandelier. This layout encourages a sense of unity and facilitates easy conversation and interaction among occupants.
Ultimately, the goal is to create a furniture arrangement that suits the room’s function, enhances the overall aesthetics, and meets the personal preferences and needs of those using the space.
12 sqm room design by purpose
The style of the interior of a room of 12 square meters is the embodiment of design ideas, enclosed in the aesthetics of the geometry of the shapes and the color palette. The functional purpose of the premises directly affects its design and arrangement. Textiles, decor items, and lighting are selected taking into account the chosen direction.
Men’s bedroom – the brutal entourage
Contrary to the belief that men don’t care about their living environment and the colors of their wallpaper, recent interior design trends, such as the rugged loft and cozy country styles, have proven otherwise. The interior of a small men’s bedroom combines practicality in furnishings with attention to detail. The color palette is understated yet far from boring, featuring shades of white, beige, chocolate, brick-terracotta, deep blue, and purple, offering plenty of options to choose from.
Creating a sense of complete relaxation, the bedroom exudes a neutral atmosphere of home comfort. A few casually placed pillows on the bed, a poster featuring a favorite band, and sleek high-tech lamps with clean lines contribute to the overall aesthetic. This combination of practicality, personal touches, and a relaxed ambiance creates a space that is both functional and visually appealing for men.
Women’s bedroom – romantic tenderness
The design of a small female bedroom offers a wide range of color palettes, ranging from light and airy tones to rich and vibrant hues like wine, emerald, and plum. Any style can be incorporated, as long as the room is not overwhelmed with bulky furniture. Key elements in a women’s bedroom include a spacious wardrobe with a mirror, a dresser with a dedicated shelf for cosmetics, and a comfortable bed.
However, excessive use of soft pillows and excessive draperies should be avoided. Instead, focus on incorporating original lampshade designs and soft textiles to add a touch of homey charm to the interior. The goal is to create a space that balances elegance, functionality, and a cozy ambiance for a relaxing and inviting atmosphere.
Shared bedroom
Designing a double bedroom within a limited space of 12 square meters requires careful consideration of the occupants’ habits and needs. Determine whether the space will primarily be used for relaxation or if a designated work area is necessary. Additionally, assess the storage requirements of the room. Warm shades are recommended for the color scheme, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
Implementing multi-level lighting, such as a central chandelier and boudoir-style lamps, adds to the room’s ambiance, particularly for romantic occasions. Consider using a soft screen to separate the working area if needed. When it comes to decor, keep it minimal with a couple of photo frames showcasing loved ones and perhaps a small figurine or vase of flowers. Striking a balance between functionality and comfort will allow the double bedroom to serve as a special and harmonious space for its occupants.
Children bedroom
A child’s bedroom serves multiple purposes, including sleeping, playing, and studying. When designing a child’s bedroom, it’s important to consider their age and preferences. Younger children and preschoolers often enjoy photo wallpaper featuring their favorite cartoon characters and fairy tales.
For older children, such as high school boys and girls, incorporating elements related to their hobbies and interests is key. This could involve superhero posters for boys or floral and animal prints for girls. Teenagers may want to personalize their bedroom based on their passion for sports, music, or art.
When selecting colors, it’s essential to strike a balance between subdued and vibrant shades. Safety is of utmost importance in a children’s bedroom, so all finishing materials, textiles, and furniture should meet appropriate safety standards. Creating a space that reflects the child’s personality while ensuring their well-being is the ultimate goal in designing a child’s bedroom.
A living room of 12 square meters
The limited size of a room has a direct impact on its design. In a small living room measuring 12 sq. m, complex furniture designs with curved facades and bulky structures are not suitable. Instead, opt for minimalist designs with glossy surfaces for dressers, cabinets, and upholstered furniture featuring simple geometric shapes.
To visually expand the space, choose textured finishing materials in light shades. Consider using print wallpaper depicting three-dimensional images of nature or city panoramas to create the illusion of a higher ceiling and add depth to the room. Contrasting color combinations between the ceiling and floor can also contribute to the sense of depth, while bright shades in decor items can serve as eye-catching accents in the right places.
In a small living room, the focal point is often a fireplace or a large TV, around which the rest of the interior is arranged. It’s important to consider the number of family members when designing the space, ensuring that there is enough room for everyone to feel comfortable.
Small space zoning
Dividing a small room into different zones is a crucial design technique that helps address various interior challenges.
Space zoning serves several purposes:
- Creating a private area: This can involve setting up a mini-office in the kitchen or a playroom within the living room.
- Allocating space with different functional purposes: For example, creating separate areas for relaxation and sports activities within a nursery.
- Adapting the room’s configuration based on time of day: This is useful when the living room needs to transform into a bedroom during nighttime.
Zoning a small space can be achieved through different methods, such as using screens, partitions, furniture, or optical illusions involving light and color.
Using light partitions made of plasterboard allows for the creation of private areas within the room. Folding screens made of bamboo, fabric, or paper offer more mobility and are suitable for temporary zoning, such as separating the workspace within a children’s bedroom. Additionally, decorative elements like beads or chains can serve as both functional and visually appealing accents, delineating a dining area within the living room.
Overall, proper space zoning in a small room helps maximize its functionality and creates a visually appealing and well-organized living space.
Decor for room decoration
In a limited room space of 12 sq. m, it is important to adhere to specific design guidelines. Avoid using heavy curtain fabrics with folds and instead opt for monochromatic curtains with a horizontal geometric pattern, which will suit the modest dimensions of the room.
To maintain a balanced color scheme, incorporate pillows of different shapes, bedspreads, and imitation animal skins.
In small spaces, stylish decor items play a significant role. Consider choosing antique or ultra-modern wall clocks, 3D paintings, original wall panels, classic photo frames, and unique figurines in unconventional shapes. However, be cautious not to overcrowd surfaces with too many items.
A small room can be adorned with a single-color pastel rug with a medium-length pile. A vibrant and plush rug can be used to decorate the functional area of the bedroom or nursery.
Remember that the overall perception of the interior is not solely dependent on the number of square meters. The atmosphere in a 12 sq. m room is influenced by a well-thought-out layout, carefully chosen colors, and maintaining proportionality. By making rational use of every centimeter, you can create a comfortable and visually pleasing space.
The choice of furniture for a room of 12 sq. m
Creating a well-designed and functional space in a small room of 12 sq. m requires careful consideration of furniture choices and arrangement. Here are some essential rules to keep in mind:
- Opt for light-colored furniture to create a sense of airiness and openness in the room.
- Choose narrow and elongated cabinets instead of bulky wardrobes or dressing rooms to maximize storage without overwhelming the space.
- Consider using mirrored panels on wardrobes to create an illusion of space and reflect light.
- Transparent furniture, such as chairs, tables, and shelves, can help maintain an uncluttered appearance in living rooms, halls, or kitchens.
- Select low-height sofas and armchairs to maintain a sense of proportion in the room.
- Look for furniture sets with glass or stained-glass elements and multiple shelves to add visual interest while maximizing storage options.
For a multi-functional living room of 12 sq. m, consider incorporating transforming furniture that allows easy conversion into a study, bedroom, or living space as needed.
Make the most of every inch by utilizing corner furniture designs that provide ample storage and functionality while optimizing space usage.
By following these guidelines, you can achieve a well-balanced and practical layout in a small room, making it both visually appealing and functional.
Design options of 12 sq. m rooms of various layouts
Indeed, in addition to size, the shape and proportions of a room can also present challenges when it comes to decorating. Let’s consider different scenarios:
- Correct square shape: In a room of 12 sq. m with a square shape, you have more flexibility for experimentation with both decoration and furniture placement. You can play with various design elements, colors, and furniture arrangements to create a visually pleasing and comfortable space.
- Narrow rectangular shape: A narrow rectangular room can easily feel gloomy if not properly decorated. To address this, it’s important to carefully consider every detail and make use of decor elements that can enhance the space. Mirrors can create an illusion of width, photo wallpapers with depth or perspective can add visual interest, and 3D paintings can bring a sense of dimension.
- High ceilings: If the room has high ceilings, additional techniques can be used to create a harmonious atmosphere. Decorating the ceiling in darker colors can help to visually lower the height and create a cozier ambiance. Consider incorporating decorative elements such as stucco molding, beams, or stained glass panels to add texture and interest to the ceiling area.
Conclusion + Photo Gallery
The correct 12 sq. m room design can transform the space beyond recognition. You will see that the small room is not as bad as it seemed at first. Adapting to your needs can be time-consuming, but the result will be worth all the costs, so feel free to start!
I joined Appartenville in February 2021 as a content editor. After studying English literature at university, I worked as an e-commerce website editor, content author, and purchasing intern for several independent luxury and lifestyle retail companies. My role at Appartenville combines my love, experience, and passion for the world of design and the desire to create inspiring written content. As for my personal style, I am a big fan of color and drawing, especially I like the pastel color scheme. I also enjoy discovering new trends, brands, and products, whether it’s fashion, interior design, or lifestyle my wish list for buying new things is endless.
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