Small Urban Apartment Makeover

Browse pictures of a 375-square-foot apartment makeover with savvy space-planning tips.

By: Brian Patrick Flynn

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Cramped and Colorless

With no space for a sofa or desk, Sacramento Street blogger Caitlin relied on the art of space planning and smart design to turn her small, colorless studio apartment into a multiuse home, complete with a dining room, bedroom, living room and workspace.

Careful Floor Planning

Classifying Caitlin's apartment as a studio, one-bedroom or junior one-bedroom is difficult to determine due to its uncommon layout. Upon entry, the dining room opens onto the sleeping area, thus making the proper placement of living room furniture challenging.

Double-Duty Dining Room

The dining room's built-ins offered concealed and display storage. A wide-open space in the center of the area provided space for a round dining table with seating for six.

Stretching Storage

To maximize use of the home's built-ins, Caitlin displays her extensive collection of vintage dishware and serving ware.

Shelf Help

For extra storage in her dining room, Caitlin added bookshelves that keep her favorite things on display. When choosing ready-made shelves intended to convey a designer look, select shelves with thicker profiles and classic colors. Classic white finishes work well with many styles and virtually any color scheme.

Stylish Arrangement

Caitlin chose an armless sofa to add lounge space to the corner of her multipurpose room without taking up valuable visual space. By pairing the armless two-seater with a clear glass-topped vintage end table, she was able to add proper seating while still keeping the room open and airy.

Foyer Accessories

Caitlin's collection of jewelry is on display above a small dresser nestled between the hallway entrance and the double French doors. Since jewelry offers color, sheen, texture and shape, it can be arranged to double as home accessories.

Smart Door Design

A pair of French doors separates the bedroom from the dining room. Glass panels provide privacy, without sacrificing natural light.

A Hard-Working Station

In order to fit in a workstation that wouldn't overpower any particular area, Caitlin's choice is a classic, streamlined Parsons desk. Although it appears to house a glossy white computer monitor, it actually houses Caitlin’s TV.

Utilizing Niches

Every square foot of Caitlin's apartment has been put to good use, even spaces below furniture pieces. To keep thick, comfy blankets within arm's reach of her bed and armless sofa, Caitlin keeps them tucked neatly below her Parsons desk.

Perfect Balance

Keeping in mind how important scale and proportion are to the proper space plan of her multipurpose room, Caitlin chose a queen-sized bed instead of a king, then used small antique end tables as nightstands.