TL;DR
Experts in small space design caution against default open-plan layouts, recommending tailored solutions like tactical openings and vertical storage. Confirmed insights come from professionals Colin Chee, Claire Scorpo, and Tahj Rosmarin, based on their personal experiences and industry advice.
Design professionals warn that open-plan layouts are not ideal for small homes, advocating for tailored, multifunctional solutions instead. This advice comes from experts Colin Chee, Claire Scorpo, and Tahj Rosmarin, who emphasize that such layouts can make small spaces feel cramped and less functional. For more tips, see 16 Dos and Don’ts to Avoid Going Overboard on Your Overland Truck Build.
Colin Chee, a Melbourne-based designer and YouTube content creator, shared that rushing into a fully furnished small space can be counterproductive. He recommends living in a space first, then gradually customizing with secondhand and budget-friendly furniture to understand what works best. You can explore 8 Best Air Purifier For Open Plan Living In 2026 for improving air quality in open-plan spaces. Chee’s own apartment, just 40 square meters, was transformed with a budget of $5,000, utilizing modular systems and clever furniture choices like separating the fridge and freezer to maximize space.
Tahj Rosmarin installed a six-meter-long multifunctional joinery piece in his North Melbourne apartment, which serves as storage, seating, and shelving, eliminating the need for additional furniture. He advises against default open-plan designs, citing that they often make small homes feel pokey. Instead, Rosmarin created a ‘tactical opening’ between the kitchen and living area, which improves visual connection while hiding mess.
Claire Scorpo, an architect, focused on creating functional zones within her tiny 23-square-meter apartment. She downsized her bed to a double and elevated it to include storage space underneath, using affordable DIY hacks from Ikea and Bunnings. She emphasizes the importance of vertical space and separate functional areas, such as dividing the bathroom with a glass partition, to improve usability and comfort in small homes. For additional design insights, visit 16 Dos and Don’ts to Avoid Going Overboard on Your Overland Truck Build.
Why It Matters
This advice matters because as urban housing shortages push more Australians into small apartments, effective design becomes crucial for livability. Moving away from open-plan layouts toward more tailored, multifunctional solutions can significantly improve comfort, privacy, and usability in small spaces, impacting future housing trends and individual quality of life.
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Background
The discussion reflects a broader shift in small space design, moving away from the popular open-plan trend of the 1960s and 70s, which often made small homes feel cramped. Industry professionals have increasingly emphasized the importance of tactical design choices, such as creating visual separation and maximizing vertical storage, to improve functionality. Learn more about 16 Dos and Don’ts to Avoid Going Overboard on Your Overland Truck Build. This approach aligns with recent trends in affordable, DIY-friendly solutions for small dwellings, especially amid rising housing costs and limited space availability.
“Homes will never be perfect, and small spaces take more time to understand. Regard your living space like a flatmate—pros and cons, good days and bad.”
— Colin Chee
“Creating tactical openings between rooms helps connect spaces without the cost and disruption of demolishing walls. It also helps hide mess and makes the home feel larger.”
— Tahj Rosmarin
“Open-plan living often only works for one function at a time in small spaces. Separating areas with clever design keeps the home functional and sane.”
— Claire Scorpo
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What Remains Unclear
It is not yet clear how widely these design principles will be adopted by homeowners or developers, or how they will influence future small space architecture. Specific cost-effectiveness and long-term durability of DIY solutions remain to be studied.
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What’s Next
Next steps include the upcoming ‘Small Spaces, Big Living’ talk at the National Gallery of Victoria, where these experts will further discuss practical design strategies. Industry trends may shift towards more tailored, multifunctional solutions as more residents and builders recognize the limitations of open-plan layouts in small homes.
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Key Questions
Why are open-plan layouts not recommended for small spaces?
Open-plan layouts can make small homes feel cramped and less functional because they lack privacy and defined zones, which are essential for comfort and usability in limited space.
What are some effective design strategies for small homes?
Using vertical space for storage, creating separate zones with partitions, installing multifunctional furniture, and living in a space before customizing are proven strategies to enhance small home livability.
How affordable are these design solutions?
Many solutions, like elevating beds or creating tactical openings, can be achieved with budget-friendly materials from stores like Ikea and Bunnings, often costing around $5,000 or less.
Are these ideas applicable to all small homes?
While many principles are adaptable, the effectiveness depends on individual space layout and personal needs. Consulting with design professionals can help tailor solutions to specific homes.
Source: Guardian Life
