The Rise of Compact Luxury: Designing Small Urban Apartments to Meet High-End Expectations

As a home appliance consultant catering to luxury clients, I’ve seen firsthand how the trend towards urban living is changing apartment design. More people are opting for city living, but they still expect all the upscale finishes and amenities found in larger suburban homes. This poses an exciting challenge for designers to get creative with small spaces without sacrificing style or function. Based on our experience and recent insights at Masters, here’s an in-depth look at how compact luxury design is evolving in urban apartments.

Maximizing Every Square Inch

With less room to work with, every inch counts when designing small urban apartments. Today’s luxury buyers want spaces as meticulously designed as the products they purchase, from appliances to finishes.

In the kitchen, for example, integrating smart technology allows appliances to multitask. I’ve seen compact refrigerators equipped with adjustable temperature zones to store wine and control humidity for produce. Or ovens that steam, air fry, and cook traditional recipes at the touch of a button.

Strategic built-in storage also streamlines clutter in tight quarters. Custom cabinetry and shelving ensure items have a designated spot. I once visited a client who installed a hidden ironing station behind her living room art gallery. Creative solutions like this make the most of the available layout.

And don’t forget lighting! Proper illumination prevents cramped quarters from feeling too dark or cave-like. For a recent client, I recommended installing LED strips under the kitchen counters and inside cabinets. Now their glassware and dishes glitter like jewels when the doors open. It’s the little luxuries that make small spaces shine.

Embracing Multi-Functional Design

When working with less square footage, residents need flexible spaces that seamlessly transition between different uses throughout the day.

Murphy beds and convertible coffee tables allow living rooms to double as spare bedrooms when guests visit. One client told me how overjoyed her college-age son was to have his own Murphy bed in the family’s city apartment. He loved feeling like he had a space of his own when visiting on school breaks.

I’m also a big fan of round dining tables that easily collapse into consoles when not hosting. A few quick adjustments, and the dining room becomes a workspace or relaxation nook.

And don’t overlook dual-purpose rooms! For example, placing a sleek work desk in the corner of a bedroom creates an in-home office. Multi-functional spaces like these accommodate residents’ needs without requiring additional rooms.

Thoughtful Storage Solutions

Carefully designed and abundant storage ensures residents can keep belongings well-organized. For one client with an extensive shoe collection, I suggested custom built-in shelving along an entire wall just for shoes. Now every pair has a coveted spot front and center, almost like art.

Other smart storage solutions include kitchen cabinets that extend to the ceiling and pull-out pantries maximizing vertical space. In bathrooms, recessed medicine cabinets and sink-side storage keeps toiletries organized but out of sight.

I also advise using furnishings like ottomans and side tables with hidden interior storage. And don’t forget the value of a well-designed mudroom! This handy entryway hub keeps coats, bags, and shoes from piling up around the front door. A little strategic storage goes a long way in small urban apartments.

Embracing Sustainable Luxury

Eco-conscious residents expect sustainable features along with luxury appointments. ENERGY STAR certified appliances offer energy efficiency without sacrificing performance. Investing in a quality set can yield long-term utility savings—a major perk in compact urban apartments.

During one project, instead of granite, we opted for PaperStone countertops made from recycled paper. The richly patterned material offered the beauty of natural stone with an environmentally friendly pedigree.

Low-flow toilets, LED lighting, and triple-glazed windows also make spaces green while preserving a luxurious feel. I always keep sustainability in mind when outfitting small urban apartments for discerning clients.

Smart Home Technology

One of my favorite aspects of modern apartment design is integrating smart home tech into appliances and systems. With everything connected through mobile apps and voice control, residents can easily manage their homes.

Smart refrigerators allow adjusting temps, monitoring food supplies, and optimizing cooling while away with just a tap on your phone. Camera technology lets you peek inside without even opening the door!

Smart dishwashers send alerts when a cycle is finished, so no more guessing if dishes are clean. They can also automatically schedule runs during off-peak hours to save energy when it’s convenient.

I love recommending smart laundry pairs that allow starting cycles remotely. After a long day, it’s a relief to have freshly washed and dried clothes waiting when you walk in the door.

Smart ranges and cooktops take convenience up a notch by allowing remote operation. Residents can preheat an oven, monitor cook times, and adjust temperatures needed for a recipe straight from a smartphone.

Also see: This Year’s Kitchen Design Trends

With smart home tech integrated into appliances, residents enjoy maximum convenience and control. Intelligent appliances simplify everyday tasks and work around owners’ busy schedules. I recommend tech-savvy solutions at every turn to cater to my clients’ digital lifestyles. Smart appliances let them run their home from anywhere.

Thoughtful Soundproofing

With shared walls and ceilings, soundproofing is a significant consideration in multi-unit buildings. No one wants to hear noisy neighbors or footsteps overhead.

Strategic insulation, noise-reducing drywall, and acoustical sealants around outlets dampen sound transmission. Solid wood interior doors also minimally absorb sound compared to hollow alternatives. I advise clients to include upgraded soundproofing to ensure their urban oasis feels tranquil.

Anddon’t forget flooring material choices. Plush carpet helps absorb ambient noise and footsteps. I love how polished concrete or cork floors also dampen sound while offering urban appeal. The right flooring keeps apartments blissfully quiet.

Aesthetic Appeal

Of course, aesthetics remain paramount, even in compact quarters. Luxury buyers want high-end finishes that make a striking visual impact.

Textured wallpaper, bold patterns, and rich colors prevent bland or clinical finishes. One recent client incorporated a vibrant hand-painted citrus motif throughout their kitchen. It feels like an Italian villa tucked within their petite urban apartment!

Upgraded hardware and lighting fixtures also elevate the look. Options like matte black pulls, brass sconces, or satin nickel chandeliers inject personality. And nothing impresses like quality wood floors and custom tilework in baths.

I remind clients not to play it safe with finishes. Bold, luxurious aesthetics showcase their refined taste, even in small urban apartments.

The Impact on Builders and Designers

This rise in compact luxury design affects builders and designers, who must adapt to serve discerning urban clients. Supply chain issues, material costs, labor shortages and changing regulations present challenges. But opportunity awaits those who lean into emerging trends.

Embracing new technology is critical. Advanced 3D modeling and virtual walkthroughs allow clients to visualize and customize spaces digitally. Modular techniques like prefabricated components also improve efficiency and precision during construction.

Designers should pursue ongoing training to remain fluent in the latest building innovations and materials. Multifunctional, eco-friendly design caters to the target luxury market.

Builders should closely track supply needs to prevent project delays. Building good relationships with vendors ensures access to products. And keeping clients informed about timelines and potential setbacks preserves trust.

Most importantly, builders and designers must listen to what today’s urban clients want—state-of-the-art features that maximize livability within a compact footprint. Small space design isn’t limiting; it’s an exciting challenge!

The Future of Compact Urban Living

I’m fascinated watching compact luxury design evolve to meet buyer expectations. Urbanization continues trending up, driving innovation in multifunctional furniture, smart technology integrations, interior storage, and sustainable materials.

Home builders now have an opportunity to attract high-net-worth residents by designing small spaces that feel bespoke and luxurious. Following the latest trends and embracing this challenge leads to success.

The standard for urban living has definitely changed from cramped bachelor pads of the past. Today quality trumps quantity, with even the most modest apartments offering custom luxury tailor-made to owners’ tastes. I can’t wait to see—and help design—where compact luxury goes from here!