On a double shift

Divisha Saran

As prices of real estate in metros and tier II cities continue to soar, people are moving into smaller and affordable apartments. Since the space is limited, these micro units — sometimes even alluded to as doll’s houses — throw up a unique challenge of equipping these with all the home essentials.  

One solution is to go minimalistic and use less furniture, but doing that would mean compromising with the decor of the house. The ideal alternative is to make optimum use of the space, which means, even utilising the walls. Conventional furniture and gadgets are being replaced with multipurpose pieces that not just make modest places livable, but also interesting.

The new-age furniture

Microscopic living is becoming the norm of the day. In many new residential complexes, a studio apartment is often 300 square feet or smaller in size. However, small space doesn’t necessarily mean crummy or cramped area. In fact, bedsits can be done in a very interesting way with the help of space-saving tables, chairs, sofas, bookcases and beds. 

Interior designers understand the challenges of space constraints. They are making the most of the vertical space by taking wall-mounted shelving all the way up to the ceiling. Thanks to these designers, a sofa also doubles up as a bed with a reversible inner-spring mattress. A coffee table turns into a dining table in seconds, a chair comes with an inbuilt bookshelf and a chaise lounge comes with  arms that gives the occupant a choice to recline and relax.

Multiple features of these pieces reflect what people are demanding in terms of furniture these days. The basic idea is to save space and yet make the house look inviting.

Suit the purpose

Designers are creating multifunctional rooms. Here, a working desk transforms into a dining or coffee table or a bed disappears vertically into the wall, revealing a couch under it and instantly converting the bedroom into a cosy living room.

Sometimes referred to as metamorphic pieces, multifunctional furniture is taking big strides to fill up a practical need of optimum space usage. It is not surprising to see recliners turning into beds, bookshelves turning into tables. A sofa taking the shape of a bathtub is though surprising, but even this is possible!

Even electronics are designed to suit the needs of those dwelling in small apartments. There are mini-microwaves that come fitted with a handle just in case one wants to carry it to the table or put it near the bed. Tea-makers and coffee percolators can be mounted on walls, thus saving precious surface space. And magnetically charged spoons, forks and knives can be stuck on the side of a refrigerator. 

Storage solutions

One of the most imaginative and basic space savers being used these days in the kitchen is a pegboard fitted with hooks, which is ideal for hanging small pots, pans and other utensils. The pegboard is usually installed near the work area, so that all cooking tools are just at an arm’s length. This is not just a convenient storage solution, but it also frees up the drawers and cabinets to store crockery and cutlery.

In a tiny apartment, the staircase should double up as an innovative storage area. Each step of the staircase in many modern micro-flats comes with inbuilt drawers that can be used to store shoes, school bags, sports gear, accessories and other paraphernalia that would otherwise clutter the house. The space can also be utilised to create an attractive bookcase. Also put on display vinyl records and other collectibles or use it as a display window for artefacts.

 Whether it is the staircase or bathroom, bedroom, drawing room or kitchen, designers are using imagination to turn cramped living quarters into cozy retreats. Indeed, small apartments are getting a major makeover as far as storage space is concerned. 

It is important to be practical, flexible and clever while doing up the house, especially when you do not have luxury of space.