In the quest for a personalized living space, many are turning to their apartments, embracing the challenge of transforming generic, boxy interiors into unique, character-filled homes. This trend is particularly prominent in Australia, where the dream of homeownership is increasingly being recast in the form of white-cube, new-build apartments. But how can one infuse personality into these compact, often sterile spaces? The answer lies in a combination of creative finishes, strategic furniture choices, and storytelling through decoration. Here's a deep dive into the art of making your apartment feel like home.
The Challenge of Compact Living
The rise of compact living is a response to soaring land and construction costs. In Australia, high demand and limited supply encourage builders to create smaller, more affordable units. This shift has led to a proliferation of '5-over-1' buildings in the US and shared-space models in Europe, where apartments have always been smaller. But with this compactness comes the challenge of making each space feel unique and personal.
Personalizing Your Space
For Ben Mazey, an off-the-plan apartment owner and artist, the key to personalization lies in the details. He transformed his Melbourne apartment with the help of a designer friend, adding custom stainless-steel cabinetry and stone surfaces to the kitchen and bathroom. He even installed a bath, a personal wish, by redesigning the layout. Mazey's advice? "Paint’s straightforward, not that expensive and can absolutely transform a space." A simple coat of vibrant pistachio paint in his walk-in wardrobe added a unique touch, creating a "Carrie Bradshaw moment" of visual interest.
Visual Division and Softness
Cat Yenn, a designer and artist, shares her Sydney studio apartment with her partner and rescue chihuahua, Wonton. To avoid chaos and clutter, she embraced visual division, taking inspiration from small Italian apartments. "I took it to the extreme," she says, "I went curtain crazy." She crafted curtains for her fridge nook and exposed shelves, adding handmade touches that brought softness and warmth to the space. This approach to visual division can be a powerful tool in making a small apartment feel more spacious and personalized.
Leveraging Architectural Elements
Jono Fleming, a designer and stylist, moved into a new-build Sydney apartment nearly a decade ago, drawn by its quality architectural elements. Generous architraves, satin cornices, brick feature walls, and steel doors provided a stunning backdrop for his decorating choices. He transformed the brick wall in the living area into an ever-changing art wall, adorned with trailing ivy and an open shelf for cherished magazines and books. While adding brick or tiled feature walls may not be feasible for all, using paint or wallpaper can create an interesting backdrop, and subtle changes like new doors or handle replacements can make a significant difference.
Furniture and Storage Solutions
Fleming's favorite trick for open-plan living areas is placing two sideboards together, creating a cost-effective and stylish storage solution. "Give yourself styling and storage space," he advises. Open shelves, when grouped across a wall, offer opportunities to display potted plants, favorite books, souvenirs, artworks, and objects. In small spaces, multi-functional furniture is key. Stools and ottomans provide extra seating for guests, while extendable drop-leaf dining tables are ideal for entertainers. Mazey suggests exploring Facebook Marketplace for affordable, beautiful furniture, emphasizing that personalization doesn't have to break the bank.
Storytelling Through Decoration
Personal displays are essential to bringing character into a sterile space. Fleming and his husband, interior architect Ryan McGregor, fill their home with knick-knacks, ceramics, sculptures, and candles, each with a story. McGregor emphasizes the importance of storytelling through decoration, asking, "What is the story of your home?" Art and objects, he believes, are staples in creating a unique and meaningful living space. Yenn, a self-proclaimed "collector of chairs and trinkets," lives in a petite home, forcing her to be selective about her purchases. Her apartment, which also serves as her art studio, showcases her paintings in progress, a daily source of inspiration.
The Art of Personalization
In the end, personalization is about finding what works for you and your space. It's about embracing the challenge of compact living and transforming it into a unique, character-filled home. Whether it's through creative finishes, strategic furniture choices, or storytelling through decoration, the key is to infuse your space with your personality, making it a true reflection of who you are.
