These Small Shoebox Apartments Are Big On Style And Saving Space

Shoebox apartments, which are ubiquitous in cities like Hong Kong and Japan, are known for being notoriously small. Meant for no more than one or two occupants, a typical shoebox unit, also known as “Micky Mouse” apartments, ranges from 100 to 500 sq ft. In 2013, there were reportedly 2,600 such units in Singapore.

While we hope that apartments in Singapore don’t get drastically smaller, there are some things we can learn from tiny shoebox apartments. Here are 16 ways to maximise space and style, as seen from these petite homes:

https://www.womensweekly.com.sg/gallery/style/home-ideas/steal-space-saving-tricks-shoebox-apartments/

Go big with wall art

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This 450sqf shoebox apartment in East Coast has a luxurious, Cuban-inspired look. This homeowner was inspired by Ernest Hemingway’s Cuban plantation home for his apartment. An oversized statement art piece, which hangs on the wall in the living area, makes the room feel larger by filling up the empty space and creates the illusion of a bigger wall.

Design: Aiden T

Opt for floor-to-ceiling shelves

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A large bookcase in a dark finish complements the chevron American walnut flooring, and houses the owner’s books and knick knacks. Extending the carpentry to the ceiling also enhances the space by tricking the eye, making the ceiling appear higher than it really is.

Design: Aiden T

Make each room stand out

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Instead of tearing down walls of this shoebox apartment, the designer went for an enfilade layout; having several dedicated rooms create the illusion of a bigger space.

Design: Aiden T

Don't scrimp on mirrors

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To create the illusion of more space in the kitchen, a wall is lined with an antique mirror wall. To achieve the chevron pattern, each mirror was individually set in a metal frame.

Design: Aiden T

Partitions only

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The owner of this 500sqf conservation shophouse apartment in River Valley was drawn to its iconic shophouse windows. The central divider cleverly separates the bedroom from the living room, while keeping the layout open so the space feels larger and more airy.

Design: Kyoob-ID and Yellow Boots

Go for clever design features

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Yes, the television sits on a swivel panel, so the homeowner can watch TV in the bedroom or living room. A swivel TV means you don’t have to spend on two sets, which saves space and money.

Increase natural light

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Despite its compact size, the home does not look claustrophobic because of the traditional shophouse windows that front the apartment, bringing in lots of sunlight.

Design: Kyoob-ID and Yellow Boots

Create privacy with curtains

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Taking inspiration from boutique hotels in Hong Kong, the design team proposed the use of curtains to partition the spaces in the home, offering privacy as and when needed.

Design: HUE D

Swap doors for curtains

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Curtains are used in the main bedroom as well, this time to conceal the wardrobe area on the right instead of conventional cabinetry that might take up a bit of space.

Design: HUE D

Opt for foldable furniture

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An extendable dining table offers more flexibility, and can be moved to one side when not in use. Here are more space-saving furniture pieces you can consider.

Design: HUE D

Choose glass furniture

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For this apartment in Buona Vista, it helped that the homeowner has an eye for design. Every item has been carefully selected, such as a see-through glass table so “you don’t feel that it’s there”.

Zone spaces with clean lines

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The homeowner, whose renovation and furniture cost under $18,000, says: “I didn’t want the home to be a big, open area. I broke up the space and chose a design with clean, basic lines, so guests don’t actually realise how small the home is.”

Make your TV wall functional

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Naval architecture graduate Jay Chia has always had an interest in design and an eye for detail, so when it came to designing his own home in Alexandra, he knew what he wanted – a cosy contemporary-style space with dark hues and earthy tones. The customised full-height TV console doubles as a display cabinet where Jay showcases home accessories and books.

Have a statement headboard

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He kept his bedroom simple, using Marimekko fabric as artwork, positioned within a black frame that takes the place of a headboard.

Customise your furnishings

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Despite the small space in this Scandi-style apartment in Chai Wan, Hong Kong, the interior designers and homeowners did not limit themselves when it came to the design. Storage was a key concern here, and customising cabinetry for that purpose was a must. In the living room, the TV console is designed with overhead cabinets as well as a sliding door next to it that hides a nook, which provides more storage space.

Design: Jaak

Use similar materials to connect rooms

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The design of the TV console extends to the kitchen cabinetry for a seamless look that connects both areas. A dining table in a wood accent sits between the living room and kitchen, and offers more seats in this common area especially when the homeowners invite guests over.

Design: Jaak

Text: Domenica Tan, Home & Decor Singapore

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These Small Shoebox Apartments Are Big On Style And Saving Space

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