Monaco’s real estate market is renowned for its sky-high price per square meter, and as space becomes an increasingly valuable commodity, making the most of your home is key. Whether you live in a cozy studio or a multi-room apartment, there are countless ways to create the illusion of more space.
In this guide, we’ll share practical interior design tips to help you maximize your living area. From clever furniture choices to optical illusions, discover how to transform even the smallest apartment into a bright, airy, and luxurious retreat.
1. Maximize Natural Light
- Mirrors: Strategically place mirrors to reflect light and make the room feel larger. A large mirror opposite a window can amplify daylight and create a sense of depth.
- Sheer Curtains: Replace heavy drapes with light, sheer curtains to allow maximum sunlight into the room. Pro tip: floor-to-ceiling curtains create an illusion of higher ceilings.
- Bright Color Palette: Use light, neutral colors on walls and ceilings to create an open, airy feel. Whites, soft grays, and pastel shades can make rooms appear larger.
- Layered Lighting: Use a combination of overhead, task, and accent lighting to brighten the space and avoid dark corners.
2. Invest in Multi-Functional Furniture
- Sofa Beds & Storage Ottomans: Opt for pieces that serve more than one purpose, like a sofa that doubles as a bed or an ottoman with hidden storage.
- Foldable or Expandable Tables: Use dining tables or desks that can be folded or expanded as needed, saving space when not in use.
- Built-In Storage Units: Opt for built-in furniture to maximize floor space, such as wall-mounted desks, fold-away beds, or custom cabinetry.
3. Embrace Minimalism: “Less is more”
- Declutter Regularly: Keep surfaces clear and store non-essential items to maintain a clean and open vibe.
- Streamlined Décor: Opt for one or two statement pieces rather than overcrowding with many small items.
- Hidden Storage Solutions: Use under-bed drawers, pull-out shelves, or furniture with concealed compartments.
Check our instagram post giving a feel of the minimalist japandi style prepared by our interior design team.
4. Create the Illusion of Height
- Vertical Shelving: Extend shelves up to the ceiling to draw the eye upward.
- Tall, Narrow Furniture: Choose tall, narrow bookshelves or cabinets to save floor space and add vertical interest.
- Vertical Stripes: Consider adding vertical stripes (through wallpaper or paint) to create the illusion of taller walls.
5. Opt for Reflective Surfaces
- Glossy Finishes: Use glossy or reflective finishes on furniture and countertops to bounce light around the room.
- Glass or Lucite Furniture: Include pieces like glass coffee tables or acrylic chairs, which visually take up less space and keep the room feeling open.
6. Use Rugs, Colored Walls or Wallpaper to Define Spaces
- Area Rugs: Use rugs to delineate different areas within an open-plan layout, such as separating a living area from a dining space, without the need for physical dividers.
- Lighter Colors: Choose rugs in lighter shades to maintain an airy feel, and avoid overly dark or heavy patterns that can make the space seem smaller.
7. Optimize Storage in Every Corner
- Under-Stair Storage: If your apartment has stairs, use the space underneath for built-in storage, like a small desk, bookshelves, or cupboards.
- Above Door Shelving: Install shelves above door frames to store less frequently used items, freeing up more visible areas.
- Corner Furniture: Maximize corner shelves or cabinets to make use of awkward spaces that often go unused.
8. Think Vertically for Greenery
- Hanging Plants: Opt for hanging plants or wall-mounted planters to add greenery without sacrificing floor space.
- Vertical Gardens: Consider a small vertical garden on a wall to bring in natural elements without crowding the room.
9. Prime Estate’s Bonus Tips
- Floating Furniture Layout: If it’s possible, avoid pushing all furniture against the walls. Sometimes floating pieces, like a centrally placed sofa, can create a better flow and sense of space.
- Create Pathways: Arrange furniture to maintain clear walkways, making the apartment feel more accessible.
- Furniture with Legs: Furniture that sits directly on the floor can make a room feel boxed in. Choose elevated furniture such as sofas, chairs, and tables with visible legs can give the illusion of more floor space.
- Flexible TV Setup: Consider mounting your TV on an adjustable wall bracket. This allows you to arrange your furniture more creatively, like positioning the sofa at an angle instead of directly facing the screen. It also helps maintain a smooth flow of movement and keeps the space feeling open and airy.
Making your Monaco apartment feel more spacious doesn’t require a total overhaul – just thoughtful design choices.
Need professional help? At Prime Estate, we go beyond finding your property – we ensure it feels like home. From moodboards and 3D designs to fabric and furniture sourcing, our interior design team brings your vision to life. With our network of brand partners, we offer turnkey solutions for a seamless and hassle-free setup.
Contact us today to create a home that fits your vibe and makes the most of your space.
Visit our Interior Design page for more information.
