Awkward apartment layout
12 awkward living room layout ideas that will give you instant stylish solutions
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By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.We spend many hours chilling in our living rooms and a well-designed layout will make it feel warm and welcoming for ourselves and visitors. This is of course, when the living room is a regular easy-to-design shape, but some can be challenging especially if the property is old, has slanted walls, irregular walls or is a super small living room design.
‘An awkwardly proportioned living room can be difficult to plan and arrange. The best option is to celebrate the quirks of the room and embrace the unique shape to maximize the space available,’ say Jen & Mar, co-founders of Interior Fox .
So where do we begin with an awkward living room layout? ‘Start with the largest items first, such as the sofa. This helps you determine where the remaining items will go. Think about the different functions of the room and create two to three different areas, such as the TV watching area, reading area, and something else, perhaps a talking area with two or three seats. Contrary to popular belief, you don't have to have your furniture against the walls. Don't be afraid to pull them out and push them into the center of the room more,’ says Aaron Lebowski, certified interior designer at Juliei Salone .
Mastering an awkward living room layout is possible, as there’s always a solution for every design, it’s about using clever interior design tips and tricks to achieve a stylish space that works perfectly for you.
1. Zone open living spaces
(Image credit: Lindye Galloway Studio + Shop/Chad Mellon)
If you live in an apartment it can be hard to juggle the different elements that are needed within the living, kitchen and dining spaces. A simple way round this is to zone one of the areas. In the case of this smart apartment, the living room area is defined by the large rug – note the key pieces of furniture are on the rug. Then, to the right sits the dining table and extra seating which is in its own space by the opposite wall.
2. Choose furniture that can easily be moved
(Image credit: Interior Fox )
Consider using more ‘separates’ so one couch and two armchairs instead of two couches as Jen & Mar, co-founders of Interior Fox explain below:
‘Smaller pieces of furniture are much easier to position, however versatile and less bulky items are a better option. Coffee tables are often considered as essential, when actually a side table that can be easily moved around the room could be a much better option.
Alternatively, a soft ottoman footstool is another great option, pop a tray on top to balance drinks, while also using it for extra storage or for additional seating when guests visit.’
3. Pull the couch away from the wall
(Image credit: Ikea )
If your living space doesn’t have many solid walls – like this room from Ikea, then pull the couch away from the wall and place it opposite the TV, if you have one, or window. This will create a cozier seating space in the middle and you can use the outer wall for storage. Make sure there’s enough room to walk around and add a small side table. The end result will be a workable living room that feels more purposeful.
4. Keep the flow
(Image credit: Joshua Smith Inc/Lance Gerber)
When one room flows through to the other, or at least you want it to, then follow a couple of our top tips which will also help to configure your awkward living room layout in this instance. Firstly use the same floor throughout, this will help the eye visually, and secondly keep the same wall color.
The living room here is separate, yet there’s no door so you can see the dining room, note how the couch fabric matches the dining chairs for cohesion, tricks like this will distract you from awkwardly shaped spaces too.
‘Picking smaller seating pieces will allow the room to feel more open and avoid feeling cramped. Smaller seating also allows you to tuck pieces away into odd-shaped nooks, so no space is wasted,’ says Joshua Smith, principal designer and founder of Joshua Smith Inc .
5. Consider a circular layout
(Image credit: Kitesgrove)
Don’t be fixed with how you position your key furniture, this layout looks great in this space, the circular shape mimicked by the round tables looks stunning on the oversized vintage rug.
‘Making a home feel comfortable is always a priority when designing a space, as is creating something that feels unique to each individual. Incorporating a mix of pattern, print and texture creates a space that feels layered and nuanced, allowing key pieces and features of the room to come to foreground.
This can be particularly effective when curating different areas within one large open-plan living space,’ says Katie Lion, senior interior designer at Kitesgrove .
6. Choose the right couch
(Image credit: Lindye Galloway Studio + Shop/Chad Mellon)
‘Keeping in mind functionality, a living room is meant for gathering with guests so arranging furniture for togetherness is crucial,’ says Lindye Galloway, founder and CCO of Lindye Galloway Studio + Shop .
When your living room is long and narrow, a sectional is going to be your best friend. The L-shaped sectional can neatly fit into a corner and make the most of the length by running it tight to the wall. Choose a slimline rectangular-shaped coffee table and keep the rest of the furniture simple and practical.
7. Split level choices
(Image credit: Maestri Studio/Jenifer McNeil Baker )
The downside to a split-level living room is that you are lacking in walls to create a solid ‘back’.
However, you can use your couch to create this, the upside is that it keeps the space light and airy. Keep things simple, in this area, the furniture only consists of the large couch and media center, sometimes this is all you need especially when space is tight.
8. Consider an unusual focal point
(Image credit: The Radiator Centre)
‘Try emphasizing an odd-shaped part of the room by using color, artwork or a statement radiator. Such is the range and style of radiators nowadays, don’t dismiss a small piece of wall because it looks like nothing will fit. There are plenty of clever designs that can take advantage of the smallest of walls.
Rather than trying to hide the awkward shaped part, make it stand out and use it as a focal feature. This can then be used as a starting point to arrange furniture around it,’ says Nick Duggan, director of The Radiator Centre .
9. Space challenged
(Image credit: Ikea )
When space really is tight and awkward, there are several options.
In this living room that’s got a sloped ceiling, the key is to keep the area light and airy. Painting the ceiling white is your best option, and if you want to add color then use it on the far wall.
We love the white couch and armchair in this living room by Ikea, both perfectly positioned in the center and grounded by the mushroom-colored wall. Choose living room storage such as a unit that’s open-backed so that you can see the wall color through it, these tricks help to create the illusion of space.
10. Use accents to your advantage
(Image credit: Habitat)
Large living rooms can be as challenging as smaller ones but in different ways. When walls in one room have various heights it can be hard to know where to start and vaulted ceilings can create a cavernous feel.
Focus your furniture around the center of the room and if you have a color scheme or an accent color, as is the case in this Habitat living room, use it there to tie it all together.
11. Keep your furniture light
(Image credit: English Blinds )
In an awkward living room layout, it can be worth keeping the furniture light in color, this can help to distract the eye a little and if the room is dark, as David Mason, home solution expert and owner of The Knobs Company explains:
‘Another tip is to use light-colored paint or wallpaper to make the room feel more spacious. And finally, don't be afraid to experiment with different arrangements until you find one that feels right.’
12. Start from the middle
(Image credit: Neptune)
With a long rectangular-shaped living room it’s best to start in the middle. Two couches opposite each other will work well and they don’t have to match, add in an armchair that ties in with one of them and you’ll have a cohesive and stylish look. A rug will anchor the scheme, keep it neutral if your couches are bright or patterned. Secondary furniture like the consoles can be kept to the edges and used for table lamps and plants.
How do I arrange an awkward living room?
‘One of the first things to consider is what pieces of furniture are required. If your room has alcoves or a bay window, look for furniture that will fit neatly into these spaces. Consider height and depth to ensure each piece doesn’t block light or protrude too far into the room, this will save on precious floor space.
If you’re struggling to find a piece of furniture that fits perfectly, it’s best to go bespoke. Tailored cabinetry and furniture will allow you to use every inch of space available including awkward nooks, which would otherwise be left unused,’ say Jen & Mar, co-founders of Interior Fox .
Where do you put the TV in an awkward living room?
‘Your TV should be situated away from direct sunlight, so ideally not opposite a window. Position where it can be seen from the comfiest spots of your living room, if this isn’t possible on a TV stand try mounting it on the wall. Consider investing in a frame TV, so when it is not in use it becomes a beautiful centerpiece, showcasing your favorite art,' say Jen & Mar.
‘If the sole purpose of the living room for your home or client's home is to have a cozy place to watch TV, I'd suggest putting it centered on the wall directly above the fireplace or in front of the couch for accessibility. If a TV is a secondary accessory of the space, it can be discreetly set on a sidewall,’ advises Lindye Galloway, founder and CCO of Lindye Galloway Studio + Shop .
How do you place furniture in a small oddly-shaped living room?
‘Bring your furniture closer together to create a cozy space,’ says Aaron Lebowski, certified interior designer at Juliei Salone. ‘Offer your guests seating options for chatting or relaxing by the fire. Slide a game table into the corner so it's separate from the conversation area. Use mirrors to enhance small odd-shaped areas of the room so it appears more spacious.’
Mason adds ‘If you're using the space for working, you'll want to create a functional and comfortable environment. Arrange your furniture so that you have plenty of workspace and storage.
And be sure to include comfortable seating so that you can take breaks and relax.’
Sophie has been an interior stylist and journalist for over 22 years and has worked for many of the main interior magazines during that time both in-house and as a freelancer. On the side, as well as being the News Editor of indie magazine, 91, Sophie trained to be a florist in 2019 and launched The Prettiest Posy where she curates beautiful flowers for the modern bride.
16 Solutions to an Awkward Living Room Layout
Work your way around nooks, niches, and quirky corners
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A living room is the heart of the home. It’s where you relax and unwind after a long day, spend quality time with the family, entertain guests, and so much more. So when facing an awkward living room layout in your new home, what should you do?
Sometimes houses have architectural quirks, such as narrow floor plans and oddly shaped nooks, that can make it challenging to arrange furniture the way you want.
Fortunately, no matter the peculiar layout of the space, there’s always a creative design solution for it.
The trick to arranging furniture in an awkward living room is to embrace those structural deviations and allow them to inspire unique style and decor options. Read on to explore various scenarios of unconventional layouts along with our top tips and ideas to work with them.
1. L-Shaped Living/Dining Room
Photo: KatarzynBialasiewicz / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
The L shape is a fairly common room configuration in many homes, but it can still be a challenge figuring out the furniture placement. Depending on the areas’ sizes, you may be confused as to which portion is for the living room and which is the dining room.
Solution: Use the Wider Area for Living Space
Usually the portion of the L shape closest to the kitchen is designated for the dining room. However, sometimes the kitchen entrance may open to both. In this scenario, you’ll want to use space with more width as your living room area, which provides more room for furniture arrangement.
As for furniture options, an L-shaped sectional is ideal for this type of layout. It can help fill the space and create a barrier between the living and dining space, like in the example below.
2. Studio Apartment Living Room
Photo: urbazon / E+ / Getty Images
As one large room without interior walls, studio apartments have no distinct areas that designate sleeping from living and dining. Despite the shortage of square feet, you can work with what you have. The upside of a studio layout is that you’ll see every corner of the apartment and can map out ideas.
Solution: Use a Partition
Photo: KatarzynBialasiewicz / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
If you tend to have guests over, a partition can create privacy in a small space and help define a new area. You can take the DIY approach by hanging curtains, adding a portable folding screen, or using a standalone bookshelf to double as a room divider and storage solution.
3. Angled Fireplace
Photo: Tom Merton / OJO Images / Getty Images
Though an increasingly popular fireplace idea, the angled design can sometimes look awkward, depending on the size of a living room.
Since angled fireplaces often have odd adjacent walls, you may struggle with arranging furniture around it.
Solution: Create a Separate Focal Point
The corner fireplace doesn’t have to serve as the main focal point, opening up the room for endless options of different layouts. Instead, you can place the television on an adjacent wall as the second focal point, arranging the furniture toward both to create a cozy seating area.
4. Living Room With No Entryway
While some homes open to a foyer or narrow entryway before entering the living room, others do not. Instead, they may immediately open to the common area. This can make it difficult to streamline your entry and exit routine, including placement for coats and keys.
Solution: Use Furniture to Define an Entryway
Photo: FollowTheFlow / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
Furniture pieces, such as a slender console table along the back of a sofa, can create an entry passageway and provide some storage space.
The console table can be designated for placing small items—keys, wallet, cell phone, etc.— and the empty space beneath for a shoe rack or decorative storage basket.
5. Under-Stair Space in Living Room
Photo: PC Photography / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
Does your home have empty space beneath the staircase? Instead of neglecting the area, you can transform this triangular crawl space into something more exciting than a typical storage closet.
Solution: Create a Cozy Nook
If it’s wide enough, you may be able to convert the space for a comfy daybed. Install a wall lamp and a few storage shelves, and you’ll have a cozy reading nook to relax and kick back with your favorite book.
6. Open Concept Layout
Photo: ExperienceInteriors / E+ / Getty Images
An open concept plan is where the living room space melts into the next, making it hard to pick and place furniture just right. Sectioned-off rooms have walls to help define where furniture goes, but not this layout.
The benefit, however, is that you can see the entire home and it looks more spacious.
Solution: Define the Zones
Photo: xavierarnau / E+ / Getty Images
Zones will establish the function of the space and help with choosing furniture and decor. Would you like a small play corner for the kids? Do you have a piano? Using these ideas as indicators, you’ll want to use furniture to establish those zones and traffic flow. You can also angle the seating and use area rugs as visual markers of each zone.
7. Split-Level Living Space
Photo: rudigobbo / E+ / Getty Images
A split-level home has staggered floor levels between different areas, such as the living room being a step or two lower than the dining room. Uniquely maintaining the open plan concept, it creates separate functional areas with visual appeal.
The split-level design also helps conceal geometric flaws of rooms. On the contrary, a split-level living and dining space can look unusual. They’re not two-story or single-story, but in between, and can look cluttered if not properly styled.
Solution: Design a Cohesive Look
Photo: FollowTheFlow / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
With a cohesive design, you can clearly define the functional areas: one for entertainment and lounging, and the other for undisturbed meals. To achieve this, choose a focal point for each area and build from there. A local interior decorator can help, such as with choosing the best backsplash or statement piece.
8. Round-Shaped Living Room
With such a unique shape, a round room can be a bit complex to design. Unlike general flat walls, round-shaped living rooms have no angles, and the curved walls can make it almost impossible to place furniture against them.
Solution: Use Curved Furniture and Accents
A round rug or table can serve as the centerpieces of your seating area, allowing you to arrange couches and armchairs around it. Also, consider floating the furniture toward the middle of the room. This will create a walkway along the curved walls and give the appearance of more space, such as in the example below.
9. Living Room Columns
Photo: alvarez / E+ / Getty Images
If your living room has load-bearing columns, also known as pillars, they’re most likely there for structural support and can’t be removed. Columns can add dramatic appeal and create an instant statement for your living area. While some are built in a convenient location, others may be a nuisance in the middle of the room since they block space.
Solution: Make the Columns Functional
Fortunately, columns can serve as visual dividers for a space. They can separate the entryway from the living room or indicate room transitions in an open concept living space. You can even decorate the columns to enhance their aesthetic appeal, such as with plants and wall art.
10. Recessed Wall in Living Room
More often than not, you’ll find a recessed wall in the living room that is designated for mounting a television or placing an entertainment center. This can pose a problem if the wall recess isn’t large enough for what you have or is in a random spot of the room that doesn’t work well with a seating arrangement.
Solution: Custom Storage Area
Photo: Aleksandra Zlatkovic / E+ / Getty Images
Instead of a TV, use that niche or alcove as a custom storage space. You can hire a local contractor to install wall shelves and use them for placing photos, books, baskets, and more.
11. Slanted Walls
Photo: Wicki58 / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
Unlike flat ceilings, A-framed homes and those with vaulted ceilings have slopes, often resulting in slanted walls in the living room.
Solution: Work
With the SlopeSince one portion of the wall is low, low-seated sofas and chairs along it will ensure no one hits their head. To create visual balance of the wall space, you can install custom storage solutions, like bookshelves along the slanted walls and even add a desk for a dedicated workspace.
Using a room corner for your home office? Stay motivated and productive with these fun workstation printables:
Download Home Office Printables Here12.
Awkward CornersPhoto: FilippoBacci / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
Do you have odd corners and edges in the living room that are aesthetically unpleasing? Sometimes uneven wall lengths create these, making it hard to fit anything in or around them.
Solution: Conceal Corners With Decor
Photo: djedzura / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
Instead of neglecting the odd corner, soften the look with a tall, refreshing houseplant. Plants help fill empty spaces and revitalize the room, especially if you’re a fan of maximalist decor.
13. Vaulted Ceilings
Photo: djedzura / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
Since vaulted ceilings extend into the roof space, they can make a room appear more grand and spacious. The advantages of vaulted ceilings are that their height allows for more natural light, and they typically have exposed beams that add rustic style. The downside is that higher ceilings can also work against you, since the extra vertical space can throw off the look of a room.
Solution: Take Advantage of Vertical Space
Complement the height by placing artwork above eye level and installing larger, longer light fixtures. You can also find a skylight installer near you to add embedded windows as a luxurious aesthetic touch.
14. Tiny Living Room Space
Photo: in4mal / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
Unless you live alone and rarely have guests over, a small living room usually doesn’t have enough wall space or room to comfortably sit and walk around.
Solution: Downsize the Furniture
Photo: in4mal / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
Using tiny house inspiration, you can embrace the small space by downsizing. Since large, bulky furniture in a small space can look overcrowded, opt for loveseats, chairs, and smaller sofas. Low-height loveseats and other furniture with thin legs also help the room appear more spacious.
Remember, there are no rules that enforce a designated area as your living room.
Maybe you’ve recently converted your garage into a living space. You can reserve that for your living room and repurpose the smaller room into a den or multipurpose area.
15. Living Room With Multiple Entryways
Photo: HRAUN / E+ / Getty Images
A living room with two or more entryways may constrain the wall area typically used for placing furniture. In this case, you’ll have to be careful not to obstruct the entrances with seating positions.
Solution: Float the Furniture to the Center
Photo: lechatnoir / E+ / Getty Images
Since you can’t place furniture along the walls, centering them will create space around it and help determine the flow of traffic. You can also define the space with area rugs to physically form walkways and make the seating areas appear more intimate.
16. Rectangle Living Room Layout
While long and narrow spaces are common, the layout can be challenging to arrange furniture around. Even with an elongated seating area, a rectangular living room, also known as a great room, can still have a lot of leftover space.
Solution: Arrange Separate Seating Areas
The upside to having extended floor space is extra room for an additional seating area. For example, you can designate one side of the living room for the main lounging and TV area using a couch and loveseat, while the other side serves as a decorative area with two accent chairs and a small side table.
When creating separate seating areas, give each one a focal wall to define the zone. For example, you can have the decorative seating area facing the fireplace or a statement artwork.
Awkward living room layouts can be tricky, but with careful thought and planning, you’ll discover the best arrangement for your space. Thankfully, you can also find an interior designer near you to help analyze and develop solutions for you.
Unsuccessful layouts of apartments
Photo: Atyanova Natalia / DOMOSTROYRF The layout of an apartment is one of the most important selection criteria when buying. Many in our country grew up in typical housing that could hardly be called comfortable: tiny kitchenettes, walk-through rooms, cramped hallways, small balconies.
That is why, when acquiring new housing, you want to distance yourself as much as possible from such planning imperfections.
The time when cities were built with the same type of houses is over: now every developer is trying to find his own individual concept and achieve the best combination of price and quality. However, the problem of unsuccessful layouts has not gone away - moreover, they are found even in new buildings with very expensive apartments. nine0003
Understanding that the layout is uncomfortable does not always work out right away - sometimes, in order to feel all the “charms”, you need to live in an apartment for a while or try to make repairs in it. Diana Lyubashevskaya, director of the architectural bureau PointPro Architects (Rostov-on-Don), told DOMOSTROYRF.RU about how to avoid such disappointments. She presented the most unfortunate layouts offered by modern developers and gave advice for those who want to choose a comfortable apartment. nine0003
"Inconveniences" of modern apartments
- Communications in the center of the apartment
It is very inconvenient when ventilation shafts or sewer risers are located near the entrance - this prevents changes in configurations, makes redevelopment and repair very difficult.
- Elongated rooms
“Trailer” rooms almost always look uncomfortable, and creating a beautiful interior in them is problematic even for a designer. The far part of such a room is usually poorly lit, and the walls near the windows do not make it possible to conveniently organize storage. nine0003
- Private residential areas are closer than family areas
For example, the doors to the bedrooms are literally next to the entrance to the apartment. An atmosphere of a “passage courtyard” is created; it will be difficult to fully relax in such rooms due to constant noise.
- Load-bearing walls in the center of the apartment
When load-bearing walls encircle literally every room, this greatly limits the possibilities for repairs. It is simply unrealistic to make redevelopment in such an apartment, because the demolition of a load-bearing wall is a violation of the law, because it is dangerous for the building.
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- Small hallway
The climate in Russia is predominantly harsh, the amount of warm clothes and shoes is appropriate. There should be enough space in the hallway to store them, especially if several people live in the apartment. After a spacious closet for coats and down jackets is placed in the tiny hallway, it will be possible to enter it only sideways.
- Very large hallway
If you do not live in a palace, but in an apartment of a modest area, then a hallway the size of a room is hardly needed. Such excessive splendor is inappropriate and impractical.
- Limited windows
Clients of architectural firms often want to remake a one-room apartment into a two-room apartment, a two-room apartment into a three-room apartment, etc. natural lighting. nine0003
- Small bathroom without expansion
According to the law, it is possible to expand the "wet zone" only through the corridor. If the bathroom and the corridor are small, then life is uncomfortable, and nothing can be done about it. In such a bathroom, you can’t put either appliances or furniture for storing accessories.
- Complex room geometry
It is difficult to furnish such a room even for a designer, let alone "amateurs". In geometrically complex rooms, "dead zones" are often formed that do not carry any functionality. It turns out that the buyer paid for the area, but cannot use it for his own benefit.
- Dead zones
Some apartments have little-functional nooks and crannies - when the load-bearing structures are rebuilt from the enclosing walls. Even for storage, it is difficult to use such an area; as a result, it either simply “disappears” or causes discomfort. nine0003
Advantages of modern apartments
Photo: Atyanova Natalia / DOMOSTROYRF- When choosing an apartment, you should pay attention to a number of characteristics that usually make housing comfortable, cozy and easy to arrange.
- Flexible layouts. Families tend to expand, so it is convenient when the layout of the apartment allows you to change the functionality of the premises. Flexibility is, first of all, the absence of load-bearing structures and engineering communications in the middle of the apartment; nine0015 Simple shapes and proportions of rooms. Such a room can be well designed even on its own, and the designer will “squeeze” the maximum of aesthetics and functionality out of it;
- Quality materials and well executed construction work. If everything is done “a blunder”, during repairs it is often necessary to “compress” an already modest space;
- Possibility of arrangement of utility zones. Apartment buyers are increasingly coming to the conclusion that the living space should not be cluttered, so having space for a dressing room and a mini-laundry room is a big plus; nine0018
- Large balconies. There you can place a storage area, organize a beautiful lounge area, study or creative workshop.
The most functional is the layout of closed and open walls;
- Comfortable windows. In the kitchen, it is best when the height of the window sill matches the height of the work surface. In the bedroom, large windows with a low window sill will allow you to equip an additional place for relaxation and contemplation.
According to Diana Lyubashevskaya, a good designer is able to correct almost any developer's mistakes, but for the customer, this is unnecessary complexity and expense. And if it is possible to avoid them, it is better to do so. nine0003
Author: Anna Sinarevskaya
When using materials reference to Domostroyrf.ru is obligatory.
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12 apartment planning flaws that designers consider the most difficult to work with
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02/09/2021
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nine0002 We learned from designers and architects Anna Novopoltseva, Galina and Igor Berezkin, Alexandra Hartke and Dina Udaltsova which planning features they consider the most inconvenient.Project by Alexandra Hartke. Photo: Evgeny Gnesin
nine0008 1 Load-bearing columns, beams and other structuresAll the pros agreed that the presence of load-bearing columns and beams greatly complicates the task of redevelopment and optimization of space.
“When load-bearing walls take over almost every room, it causes great difficulties in repairs,” says Dina Udaltsova. “It is unrealistic to make redevelopment in such an apartment, because the demolition of a load-bearing wall is a violation of the law.”
“Most often there is a load-bearing column near the wall between two windows. We are always happy with her and know how to beat her with built-in shelving, mirrors and a bar counter. She, as it were, tells us a good option for zoning the kitchen and living room, - Alexander Hartke shares her experience.
- But not all load-bearing columns are so successful, we meet them less friendly at the entrance to the apartment or in the middle of the room. But still we strive to design the column so that it is not a flaw in the layout, but looks organic, as if it should be so. It is even more difficult if the opening to the room can only be between the supporting column and the ventilation duct - this greatly narrows the variability of the planning solution. nine0003
Anna Novopoltseva advises making the design features of the space the highlight of the project, highlighting it with color, lighting, making it part of the interior, sometimes even functional.
Igor and Galina Berezkin also recommend ways to beat load-bearing structures.
Photo by Igor and Galina Berezkin
An example of a load-bearing column in an apartment from a developer.
2 Bedroom close to the entrance
“Another disadvantage is that the doors to the bedrooms are quite close to the entrance to the apartment.
An atmosphere of a “passage courtyard” is created, it will be problematic to relax in such rooms because of the constant noise, ”says Dina Udaltsova. nine0003
Alexandra Hartke notes that the layout will be much more comfortable, where private rooms are separated from the space of the kitchen and living room.
3 Complicated geometry of a room
Aleksandra Hartke and Dina Udaltsova believe that it is more difficult to work with a geometrically complex space. In such rooms, "dead zones" are often formed, which do not carry any functionality. From an irregularly shaped layout, “squeezing out” the usable space will turn out to be less than from a regular-shaped apartment. And in apartments with complex geometry, most of the furniture will be made to order, according to the shape of the room. And this is an additional cost item in the estimate. nine0003
Architect Anna Novopoltseva adds: “Rounded walls in the layout can also seem like a problem. But with proper design, this can be solved, taking into account all the wishes of the customer.
”
Design project by Anna Novopoltseva
Design project by Anna Novopoltseva
4 Non-standard corridors
Non-standard corridors can be either too long and narrow corridors or too large halls. nine0003
According to Dina Udaltsova, a long and narrow corridor is an unsuccessful planning solution, since it is a non-functional space in which it is impossible to put a closet. “In addition, according to the law,” the designer says, “the wet zone can only be expanded through a corridor. If the bathroom and the corridor are small, nothing can be done about it. In such a bathroom you can’t put either appliances or storage systems. ”
Designer Alexandra Hartke talks about corridors that are too large: “Often, according to the BTI plan, corridors are equal in area to bedrooms. Then we go to all possible tricks and use them to the maximum for storage, in such cases we can do without a dressing room. Or we transform the layout - we increase the bathroom. nine0003
Anna Novopoltseva also has her own point of view regarding work with corridors.
5 Opening the front door inward
“According to fire safety regulations, the door should open outward, but in the case of narrow common corridors, the rule works the other way around. Often in narrow corridors, doors open inwards. This interferes with the design of the corridor space. It is logical to make a door that opens outward in the outermost apartments, because it does not fit the neighbors in case of emergency, but they do it the same way for everyone on the floor. But opening the door to the outside expands the layout options! And makes the hallway more spacious. In addition, changing a new door, sometimes quite decent, is costly and pitiful,” says designer Alexandra Hartke. nine0003
6 Inconvenient location of communications
Dina Udaltsova and Alexander Hartke agree that the inconvenient location of communications in the apartment is an unpleasant feature of the layout.
This prevents changes in the configuration of the premises and greatly complicates redevelopment and repair.
Project by Dina Udaltsova
Project by Dina Udaltsova
7 Narrow spaces
“Bedrooms are often narrow, and in such rooms it is not possible to traditionally arrange a bed with two bedside tables and with the ability to approach the bed from both sides,” says Alexandra Hartke. “You can only approach the bed from one side, and if the room is very narrow (less than two meters), you can only climb on it from the side of your feet.”
In addition to the bedroom, according to Alexandra Hartke, narrow hallways also cause inconvenience. In a good layout, there should be enough distance from the wall to the front door to place a closet there. But this is not always the case, sometimes the door is in the corner. There is a solution for narrow corridors: the architect advises making a narrow niche for the closet at the expense of the room next to the hallway.
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Anna Novopoltseva talks about narrow and elongated studio apartments with one window. And he advises not to split up such a space with partitions in order to preserve natural light, but to zone it. “This can be done through the ergonomic arrangement of furniture, the creation of mobile, light-transmitting partitions, screens, and the installation of custom-made furniture. You can also divide the space with color and various finishing materials, highlighting each zone and thereby marking its boundaries. Lighting also plays an important role, which will also help with accents and zoning. A large decor or a plant in a floor planter can be an excellent solution in terms of visual zoning,” the architect believes. nine0003
Design project by Anna Novopoltseva
Design project by Anna Novopoltseva
Design project by Anna Novopoltseva
8 Outdoor units of air conditioners inside the apartment
Alexandra Hartke: “I consider the developer’s idea to put an outdoor unit in the apartment, on the balcony, unsuccessful.
Yes, a balcony is a non-residential space, but few people have it empty, it can be used as a summer place to relax or work, and a huge outdoor unit greatly limits the possible options for arranging furniture. nine0003
9 Many balconies
The main problem is the unlawfulness of combining the balcony and the area of the apartment.
10 Non-standard number of windows
For rooms with a large number of windows, Alexandra Hartke advises placing a sofa or bed near one of the windows, and opposite the TV, or vice versa (in this case, the TV can be made on a leg).
The designer considers the lack of windows to be the biggest problem. “A lot of windows gives the opportunity and hope for the appearance of another “unplanned” room (for example, redevelopment from a kopeck piece to a three-room apartment). From a corner apartment with five windows of 60 sq. m, you can make a three-ruble note, and from a vest of the same area with three windows, you get only a two-room apartment, ”says Alexandra Hartke.
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Project by Alexandra Hartke. Photo: Evgeny Gnesin
Project by Alexandra Hartke. Photo: Evgeny Gnesin
11 Too small footage
Unfortunately, these are realities that we have to put up with.
Anna Novopoltseva: “Now you can often find very small studios with an area of 16 (sometimes less) to 25 square meters. m. Most often, such studios are chosen by students or young couples, so in addition to modest dimensions, on which you need to fit everything for life, you also need to take into account a limited budget. nine0003
Anna advises to adhere to the following rules when working with such premises: “It is better, of course, to trust a professional who will save every millimeter of space and help create coziness and comfort even on 18 square meters, but if you still decide to act on your own, try to order built-in wardrobes, transformable furniture, to minimize the content of the kitchen, to combine it with a working area and a recreation area.
If you want a full-fledged sleeping place, it can be done on the podium, while adding storage functions or a small workplace here. nine0003
Design project by Anna Novopoltseva
Design project by Anna Novopoltseva
According to designers Galina and Igor Berezkin, a small kitchen area always becomes a difficult task for designing. The technical equipment of the kitchen area should be complete and comfortable, despite the modest dimensions of the room. In such projects, every square centimeter counts. Built-in mini-appliances come to the rescue - for example, an oven can be 45 cm wide, and it is better to replace the hob with a two-burner or wall-mounted version, which will allow you to free the countertop in between cooking. nine0003
“In our project of a Scandinavian-style studio apartment, the kitchen area was only 3.5 square meters. m, while it housed a full set of household appliances and even a built-in washing machine.
And the accent retro refrigerator invariably creates a sunny mood and energizes you for the whole day,” Galina and Igor share.
Design project by Galina and Igor Berezkin
12 Small kitchen with gas
To expand a small kitchen, it is often combined with a living room. But if gas is carried out, this can be done only if a number of conditions are met. nine0003
Prepared by
Elena Perlova
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