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I believe everyone has, at some point, felt that their house is too small. There's a way to make space feel larger: "functional stacking." We've previously discussed this concept: integrating multiple functions into a single space, zoning areas for active and quiet areas, maintaining a sufficient footprint, and clearly defining the frequency of use. We've focused on these four aspects to achieve greater practicality in small apartments. Interested parties can check out our previous article by clicking the link below.
In addition to the four points mentioned above, today we will learn from two other aspects how we can make small apartments more practical.
Understand the concept of time difference
For example, if a room is already full and we have reached saturation in the superposition of functions in this room, then why not break out of the original limitations and consider it from another dimension, for example, we may also superimpose functions in time.
For example, a dining table can function as a desk in addition to dining. Since we know that dining, studying, or working are rarely done at the same time, we can fully tap into the functionality of the dining table and allow it to function at all times.
However, there are some things to be aware of when implementing this. If the two functions overlap in the same time period, they will affect each other. For example, if the study room at home is also a guest bedroom and it is used as a guest bedroom when guests come, then it would be inappropriate to continue to use the study room as an office.
External function
If you have already thought of some of the above methods, and your home really needs it but cannot install this function, what should you do? In fact, it is very simple, just put this function outside the home. In fact, many people regard their home as a private space and do not like outsiders to enter this exclusive space of their own. They put entertaining guests or some activities outside to keep the home exclusive. In addition, just like the second bedroom in the house, if it is really idle for almost a year, why not turn it into a study or cloakroom that is more suitable for you? When parents or friends come to visit temporarily, you can book a hotel for them and let them stay more comfortably.
And the advantage of living in the city is that it always provides us with a lot of convenience, without having to store all the functions in our own home. Cafes have replaced study rooms as places for work; restaurants have replaced kitchens and dining rooms as places for eating; board game bars have replaced living rooms as places for gatherings with friends. In this way, more space can be saved at home to accommodate your favorite large sofa, large double bed, and independent cloakroom. This is what it means to give up something in order to gain something. Some common functions in our lives are superimposed: dining + work + meeting = living and dining room. Treat a large dining table as the center of family life. You can eat, work, and do overtime, and children don’t have to lock themselves in a small room to do homework. When friends come to the house, they sit around the table under the lights, chatting, playing board games, and playing games together. The atmosphere is super strong.
Work + overnight guests + storage = a multifunctional room. Whether it's a reserved room or an "extra room" apartment, a multifunctional room can be created in addition to the bedroom. It can serve as a bed for overnight guests, a quiet or solitary workspace, or storage for rarely used household items and miscellaneous items. All of these functions can coexist in this space.
While implementing these six steps, you might encounter many questions: How do you define "enough"? What features can be eliminated? Every family's living habits are unique, so a one-size-fits-all approach isn't feasible. Therefore, before renovating, it's important to plan your space and develop a rough idea of what features you desire and truly need, making the limited space more practical.