The Art of Small Space Living: 1 BHK Interior Design Ideas That You Can Steal!

With more people moving into smaller spaces, a 1 BHK apartment is becoming a popular choice in today’s cities. Young professionals, couples and small families find that these compact homes are perfect for their first home. And while living in small spaces might seem challenging at first, with some clever design hacks and thoughtful planning, your 1 BHK can be a cosy space that is close to your heart!

So what’s the secret to small space living? It’s all about knowing exactly how to make every square inch count—and we’re here to help you do just that! Here are some creative 1 BHK interior design ideas that will help you create an Instaworthy home, without sacrificing style or pinching your wallet. Read on to discover the hidden potential in every corner, and get some really big ideas for your small home!

Paint Magic for a Spacious Feel

Paint can dramatically transform how your 1 BHK interior design feels. Light colours will make your space appear larger, while dark shades will have the opposite effect—which is why a neutral palette based on whites, gentle beiges or soft greys will make your small apartment instantly feel large and spacious. You can even consider tricking the eye, using vertical stripes of paint to enhance ceiling height or horizontal ones to widen the space visually.

Again, painting the ceiling a shade lighter will draw the eye up and create an illusion of greater height. It’s also important to maintain colour continuity between rooms for a visual connection that makes spaces flow into each other.

Smart Storage Solutions for a Clutter-free Space

When space is at a premium, it’s important to use every inch. Think smart, and find ways to carve out extra storage wherever possible! Drawers under the bed, a loft above the wardrobe, or a sectional sofa with storage below are ingenious ideas that will go a long way.

When you can’t go wide, go vertical instead. Storage off the floor—floating shelves, or an entertainment unit that’s fixed on the wall—will not feel heavy and bulky. Plan the kitchen with pull-out pantry units, magnetic knife strips, and vertical organisers for the best use of space. Put the backsplash to good use, and install a pegboard or a rail with hooks to hang cups and kitchen tools. In the bathroom, too, floating vanities will make the room appear more spacious.

Make Your Furniture Work Smarter!

Multifunctional furniture is your new best friend when it comes to your 1 BHK interior design! Think of a sleek sofa that can be extended out into a comfortable double bed at night. Or, a dining table that can be pulled down from the wall, and can transform into a work desk when you’re done eating on it! Nesting tables that can be tucked away when not in use are a great idea too, as also ottomans with hidden storage.

In the bedroom, think vertical. Bunk beds occupy a smaller footprint (and all kids are sure to love them!). You could also try a loft bed with seating or a workstation below. In the bathroom, a mirror with a slender cabinet just behind is a two-in-one idea that adds valuable storage for bathroom essentials.

Open-Plan Living with Dividers

Open-plan living is a great idea for a small home, as it extends visual sightlines and doesn’t cut up the space into compartments. You might feel the need to create zones and demarcate spaces, however, and this is where room dividers come in useful. Try separating your dining and living areas with a stylish bookshelf, or add a glass partition that lends transparency even as it defines functional areas. Sliding frosted panels that can open up when you want the full space are a lovely idea too!

Play With Mirrors

Strategic use of mirrors is the best way of making a 1 BHK interior design feel twice its size! Try placing a large mirror opposite a window to bounce natural light throughout the room and create the illusion of extra space. Make sure to position it in so that it reflects lovely views.

You can get as creative as you’d like with a gallery wall of smaller mirrors in different shapes for visual interest, or install floor-to-ceiling mirror panels to double the perceived size of your room in an instant. Mirrored wardrobe shutters in your bedroom add style while hiding storage.

Loved Our Ideas?

Loved our 1 BHK flat interior design ideas, and want to know more? Step into your nearest HomeLane Experience Centre to meet our talented designers, and get bespoke designs for your home. We’ve got plenty more innovative designs waiting for you! Get personalised consultations, state-of-the-art 3D visualisations and expert guidance every step of the way.

FAQs

What is the cost of a 1 BHK interior design​?

1 BHK interior design from HomeLane starts at INR 2.4 lakhs for Essential interiors, INR 3.5 lakhs for Comfort interiors, and INR 4.2 lakhs for Luxury interiors. Please note that these are approximate estimates only and will change based on the specifics of your design.

What are some tips to make a 1 BHK home interior design appear spacious?

Here are some tried-and-tested tips to make your 1 BHK home interior design appear spacious and airy:

• Use light, neutral colours on walls and ceilings.
• Reflective surfaces, such as high gloss finishes, glass and mirrors, will add brightness.
• Choose lightweight furniture on spindle legs, rather than bulky ones with a heavy footprint.
• Wherever possible, leave windows bare or use sheer curtains to allow sunlight to come in.
• Draw the eye upwards with vertical storage solutions.
• Multifunctional furniture and expandable furniture create a sense of space.
• Organise your belongings and reduce clutter.
• Monochrome or two-tone palettes add consistency, making your room appear spacious.

Which colour is best for a 1 BHK flat interior design?

Soft pastels and neutral colours like white, beige or grey will maximise space, creating a light and airy feel, and make your 1 BHK apartment seem larger than it is. If you find neutral shades too dull, you can add pops of vibrancy through bold accent colours or carefully chosen accessories.

What are some space-saving furniture solutions for a 1 BHK apartment?

Multifunctional and space-saving furniture helps to make the most of every inch of space in your small apartment. Here are some examples:

• A convertible sofa bed provides comfortable seating while doubling up as a guest bed in a pinch.
• A bed with pull-out drawers below offers valuable under-bed storage for seasonal items.
• A wall-mounted foldable desk is a compact home office, and can be folded up when not in use.
• Floating shelves use vertical wall space effectively.
• A drop-leaf dining table against the wall can be expanded only during meals.
• Stackable dining chairs and nested side tables occupy a smaller footprint, saving space.
• Sliding wardrobe doors are a better option than a wardrobe with hinged doors, as they save on the swing space in front.
• A centre table with an adjustable top can be used as a work desk.

How do I maximise kitchen space in a small 1 BHK flat interior design?

Here are effective ways to maximise kitchen space in a small 1 BHK flat interior design:

• Floor-to-ceiling cupboards make full use of the available vertical space for storage. Add a second run of upper cabinets to store items that are not used frequently.
• Put the backsplash to good use. Install magnetic strips for knives, add a pegboard for kitchen tools, and hang coffee mugs on hooks.
• Organisers help to keep items neatly contained within drawers.
• A foldable worktop extension offers extra counter space when needed.
• Choose slim appliances that are built-in, rather than countertop models that are often bulky.
• Install extra storage racks on the inside of cabinet shutters.
• Push-to-open narrow drawers can be installed in the toe-kick space to hold flat baking trays, slender pans and so on.
• A ceiling-mounted pot rack works well if the ceiling is not too tall.
• Make corner spaces more efficient by installing carousel units or Magic Corners.