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Experts argue that open plan layouts are not ideal for small apartments. Instead, they recommend strategic design choices like separating spaces and maximizing vertical storage to improve livability.
Design professionals warn that open plan layouts are not suitable for small homes, emphasizing tailored solutions to improve functionality and comfort. Their insights come ahead of a public talk at the National Gallery of Victoria, highlighting the importance of strategic design for tiny spaces.
Colin Chee, a Melbourne-based designer and founder of the YouTube channel Never Too Small, advocates for thoughtful, budget-conscious design in small apartments. He recommends moving into a space with existing furnishings and living in it before making permanent changes, to better understand the needs of the space. Chee also emphasizes the importance of using inexpensive, modular furniture and maximizing visual space with slim-profile pieces.
Tahj Rosmarin, another designer, installed a multifunctional, six-metre-long joinery piece in his North Melbourne apartment, serving as storage, seating, and display, at a cost of around $5,000. He advises against default open plan layouts, suggesting instead that creating visual connections through tactical openings—such as a cafeteria-style window—can enhance space without sacrificing separation. Claire Scorpo, a designer and architect, highlights the value of dividing small rooms with glass partitions and elevating beds to utilize vertical space efficiently, which helps maintain functionality for multiple users simultaneously.
Why It Matters
This advice is relevant as more Australians live in small apartments amid a housing crisis and urban density. Properly designed small spaces can significantly improve quality of life, offering better privacy, storage, and usability. Avoiding open plan layouts prevents the feeling of overcrowding and enhances comfort, which is crucial for mental health and daily living. The insights also challenge prevailing trends, encouraging a more nuanced approach to small-space design that balances openness with separation.
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Background
The discussion is set against a backdrop of increasing apartment construction in Australia, driven by housing shortages. Since 2010, there has been a rise in small-scale living, with many residents facing limited space and budget constraints. The trend toward open plan layouts gained popularity in the 1960s but is now being reconsidered by experts who advocate for more deliberate spatial strategies. Chee’s and Scorpo’s experiences reflect a broader movement toward functional, adaptable, and budget-friendly design solutions tailored for small homes.
“Homes will never be perfect, and small spaces take more time to understand. Regard your living space like a flatmate; with pros and cons, good days and bad.”
— Colin Chee
“Creating tactical openings like a cafeteria window connects spaces visually and functionally without costly demolition.”
— Tahj Rosmarin
“Open-plan living can only do one thing at once; dividing spaces with glass or elevating beds helps maintain functionality for multiple users.”
— Claire Scorpo
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What Remains Unclear
It is not yet clear how widely these design principles will be adopted by the broader housing market or whether new building regulations will influence small space layouts. The long-term effectiveness of these strategies in different contexts remains to be studied.
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What’s Next
The upcoming talk at the National Gallery of Victoria will further explore these design strategies, with experts sharing more detailed case studies. Additionally, there may be increased interest in modular and tactical design solutions among homeowners and developers seeking affordable, functional small homes.
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Key Questions
Why are open plan layouts not recommended for small apartments?
Open plan layouts can make small spaces feel overcrowded and lack privacy. Experts recommend separating areas to improve functionality and comfort.
What are some budget-friendly ways to optimize small spaces?
Using inexpensive, modular furniture, maximizing vertical storage, and creating visual connections with tactical openings are effective strategies.
How can small space living be made more comfortable?
Dividing rooms with glass partitions, elevating beds for storage, and carefully planning furniture placement help maintain privacy and usability.
Are these design principles applicable to new builds or only existing apartments?
While many tips are adaptable to existing spaces, some principles like tactical openings and vertical storage can influence new construction and renovation projects.
Source: Guardian Life
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