Since you are removing walls, how about getting rid of the bedroom wall (make sure it's not load bearing) and creating a loft bed area? That would almost double your living room area. You can also eliminate needing a bedroom by having a daybed work double duty as both your couch and bed.

Regarding storage, the first task at hand may be the purge. Be ruthless. Anything you have had for over a year, donate. We need many fewer items than we think. Decluttering is different than organizing. Decluttering comes first, then the organizing. In a tiny space, think like a boat designer. Boats are designed with precision space accuracy, given their limited square footage. Every item has a purpose. If it doesn't, out it goes! Make sure to take full advantage of your vertical space. Get narrow floor to ceiling storage units in frosted plexiglass doors so you hide what's inside but you can still get a sense of the space inside. That being said, don't fill up every square inch. The idea of negative space says you have to let the eyes rest. Keep in mind that you'll also need clothes hanging space, so when you get the storage units, be sure to get a hanging option. There are things you can put on the walls, such as a pegboard for the kitchen pots, pans and any other kitchen item. See what your kitchen storage allows for and go from there.

Regarding furniture, get low profile seating units so you don't have high backs or large curved arm rests. If you get rid of the bedroom wall as I recommended, you can float a couch the the back facing the kitchen so you create a sort of "room" for the kitchen. You'll have to play with where to place the couch to see how much room you want for each of the kitchen and the living areas. Put a narrow sofa table behind the couch to create a landing space when you come in the door for keys, messenger bag, etc., as well as an additional counter space for the kitchen. If you get the sofa table the same height as the kitchen counters, that will make kitchen tasks even easier! Put two narrow upholstered chairs at either end of the couch, about three feet diagonally from the front end corners of couch. For lighting, (at minimum) get a table lamp or wall sconce in each corner at chest height. Decorating will include wall art from a local artist or art.com.

Thank you for the thoughts and detailed response!

Unfortunately I think we would have to have some sort of wall/bedroom area - possibly having a kid in the next few months and need some separation of space! Trying to figure out how we should place/arrange the walls to maximize utility.


Love the purging thoughts :)

The current floor plan as drawn opens to a hallway, not the bedroom. If that is not correct, you may want to change it.

Are any of the interior walls loadbearing?

Do you have a budget range in mind?

No interior walls are load bearing.

Budget is flexible but $50-75k.

The current layout the bathroom opens to the hallway - seems like an inefficient use of space. Trying to get a more efficient design. The bottom schematic is just with a bunch of walls removed for easier visualization.

Hi Siddarth,

Congrats on your new home! Looks like the bath already opens to the common area. You can try a piece of furniture for the island, which can double for extra storage underneath.

Without seeing pictures I can't be certain, but I would suggest a built in unit in the bedroom surrounding the radiator/AC Unit. This would add hidden storage as well.

The plan seems straightforward and does not seem as though you need serious construction done.

If you'd like to chat more you can email me at tina@tinaramchandani.com.

Good luck with your home!

Tina

How much are you planning to spend? Then consider is that amount worth putting into a 500 sf place?

You could take another approach. First, yes, do purge and get rid of everything you don't use.

Next, buy great furniture and art make your home look fabulous without doing the major wall thing. Get great bedding so you won't be shy about having friends walk thru BR to get to the bath.

Here are some ideas for space saving. Don't forget storage drawers under the bed.

Kitchen island

Replace kitchen cabinets and be sure they go to the ceiling. Get storage drawers and pull out shelves.

I don't see any closets in your floor plan? Surely there must be some closets. OK, there's one in the BR.

Xqs

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Some amazing ideas.