Whether you’re decorating a tiny studio or optimizing a 55 sqm duplex, modern apartment design today is all about function and style in compact spaces. As the cost of living in cities increases and as the desire to find low cost solutions becomes even more popular, most applicable are smart interiors. In this article, we explore inspired design ideas for city apartments—ranging from Japandi studios to creative lofts—that prove size doesn’t limit great design.
1. Japandi Studio: Minimalist Serenity in Small Spaces
A Japandi studio combines Japanese and Scandinavian aesthetics—natural wood, neutral tones, and decluttered elegance. This style is a perfect choice when it comes to a 35m2 or 20 sqm studio mainly thriving on simplicity, multi-purpose furniture, and ambient lighting. Interior experts like Niki Brantmark (My Scandinavian Home) emphasize the calming impact of this fusion, especially in small studio layouts where balance matters most.
2. Studio Loft with Industrial Touch
For those in a studio loft, adding industrial elements like exposed brick, matte black fixtures, and metal-framed shelving creates instant character. This is effective in 50 square meter rooms particularly with cells being vertical. The layout feels open but structured—ideal for creatives and urban professionals who want a modern edge in a compact layout.
3. 1Bedroom Flex Living for Shortlet Appeal
Turning a 1bedroom into a flexible space adds appeal for platforms like Shortlet rentals or Airbnb. Mobile walls, sofa-beds, table-sets which can be folded help both tenants and hosts. The key here is a layout that feels like more than 2 rooms without needing more square footage—a technique praised by Apartment Therapy in their city living guides.
4. Acnh-Inspired Decor: Whimsical and Personalized
Gamers and fans of Acnh (Animal Crossing: New Horizons) love its cozy, hyper-curated interiors. An apartment design that incorporates that consists of pastel colors, wood panels, pillowy carpets, and as many plants as possible, especially when working with a limited area or layout with a flat design where personality is needed. This style invites joy and individuality, ideal for renters or creative personalities.
5. 20 Sqm Studio with Sliding Zones
In ultra-compact 20 sqm studio spaces, using sliding walls or curtains can separate sleep and living zones without sacrificing openness. The method of Korean interiors is popular where the use of micro-apartments prevails. Sliding solutions combined with under-bed storage or fold-down desks offer sleek functionality without crowding the space.
6. Modern Duplex with Open Vertical Connection
A duplex apartment offers vertical opportunity. Consider open staircases, skylights and mezzanine bedrooms. The central feature of design in a 55 sqm or 60 sqm layout can be the maximisation of the room of the double-height room as natural light and breathing space. Influenced by modern European flats, this style often pairs concrete with light wood and glass elements.
7. Low Cost Rectangle Layout with Smart Zoning
In a rectangle shaped low cost apartment, zoning is crucial. Keep storage against one wall, dining in the middle and demarcate the areas with rugs or lighting. Designers like Emily Henderson often recommend L-shaped sofas and ceiling-mounted curtains to add separation without building walls, especially in flat or studio settings.
8. 1b1b Setup with Light Play and Texture
A 1b1b (1 bedroom, 1 bathroom) unit can feel much bigger with the right finishes. Imagine curtains made of sheer material, reflective mirrors on walls and walls, light colours of the wood, and textures are combined. In small studio apartments or 55m2 apartments, variety in the tactile will render the space luxurious without creating bulkiness. Interior stylists like Sarah Sherman Samuel often layer linen, rattan, and pale tile for light, airy rooms.
9. Storey Layout with Split Function Levels
If you’re lucky to have a storey-based apartment (think split levels), design each half with purpose—sleep upstairs, live below. It is certainly best done in loft or duplex environments, in which separating functionality makes the apartment much more livable. This layout trend is gaining popularity in modern urban areas where creative zoning replaces excess space.
10. 35m2 Flat with Ikea Modular Systems
Designing a 35m2 flat is where Ikea truly shines. The space can be personalized by modular cabinetry, concealed wall beds, and wall-mounted storage without making a room look small. Mix plain walls and large accents or shelves to achieve an individuality. A favorite among small studio renters, especially in city cores where every square meter matters.
11. Tiny 2 Rooms Layout with Central Storage
A tiny apartment with 2 rooms can benefit from using a central storage unit as a divider. The permanent walls are avoided by erection of wardrobes or shelving between the sleeping and living areas. It is space economical and attractive in the context of a low cost environment such as a 55 sqm flat. Designers like IKEA’s Livet Hemma blog often feature these clever double-duty pieces.
12. Korean Layout with Hidden Tech
Korean apartment design often integrates smart home tech and hidden features. In a 50 sqm layout, you’ll find pop-up kitchen hoods, fold-away beds, and app-controlled lighting. These models incorporate upgrades with clean lines and at the same time with maximum functionality. This concept is becoming a go-to for modern compact apartments in global cities.
13. Rectangle Flat with Dual Entry Kitchen
In a rectangle shaped flat, placing a galley-style kitchen between the entrance and living room creates natural flow. The layout is conducive to both effective cooking and entertaining particularly within small studio-type typical size 35m2 homes. Pair it with open shelving or suspended pot racks for vertical function and charm.
14. Low Cost Storey Studio with Stair Storage
In a storey or split-level studio, under-stair storage becomes prime real estate. Shoe cabinets, bookshelves, and even compact laundry machines can tuck beneath modern wooden stairs. 55 sqm duplex apartments benefit from this often-overlooked feature, bringing both elegance and function.
15. 60 Sqm Japandi-Industrial Fusion
Mixing Japandi with industrial elements—such as black steel lighting, linen fabrics, and blonde wood—brings balance to a 60 sqm apartment. Perfect for a couple or narrow-room professional, the hybrid style will provide you the peace with a cutting edge. Interior blogger Cate St Hill frequently praises this combination for modern urban living.
16. Flat Layout with Corner Office Nook
Adding a compact corner office in a flat—especially a studio loft or 1b1b—creates productivity without intruding on living space. Floating desks, pegboards and in-built lighting would keep things clean. Perfect for remote workers or students in small studio homes.
17. Acnh Pastel Studio with Layered Rugs
Inspired by Acnh, a pastel-heavy studio with layered rugs, low seating, and hanging lights creates whimsy in tight quarters. Ideal for 20 sqm studios or tiny rentals, this design relies on cozy textures and cheerful colors for maximum charm without clutter.
18. Shortlet-Ready Flat with Foldable Dining
A Shortlet-ready flat under 50 sqm benefits from foldable dining tables that can tuck away when not in use. Tables mounted to walls or in the shape of drop-leaf islands are flexible and accepted to the use of everyday life as well as to party. This is particularly useful in low cost or Airbnb-style setups.
19. 1bedroom Japandi with Sliding Screens
A 1bedroom apartment in Japandi style benefits from sliding wood or shoji-style screens. They substitute the conventional doors and provide a freer space. Its use gives privacy with visual lightness in a 35m 2 or 55m 2 environment. A favorite design feature in Tokyo and Copenhagen alike.
20. 1b1b Flat with Hidden Laundry Nook
In a 1b1b flat, carving out a laundry nook behind bi-fold doors helps maximize convenience without sacrificing style. Together with wood cabinetry and a clean tile, it makes the design harmonious. Works well in a 55 sqm or 60 sqm layout.
21. Loft Apartment with Plant-Filled Mezzanine
A loft apartment with a mezzanine bedroom can double as a botanical retreat. Indoor plants on the edge of the staircase and mezzanine should be used; snake plants, ivy hanging over or figs fiddle. This design softens the space and adds oxygen-rich beauty to studio loft homes.
Conclusion
apartment design ideas that merge function with creativity, ideal for renters, homeowners, or anyone looking to upgrade their space on a smart scale. We’d love to hear your thoughts—do you have a favorite style or layout tip? Share it in the comments below and let’s inspire one another.
