Elegant spaces: 2-bedroom apartment design ideas vs larger apartments
Every square inch counts when it comes to apartment design, whether it’s a compact one-bedroom or a spacious four-bedroom luxury apartment. But while some design considerations remain consistent across any apartment design – like airflow, natural light, views, and storage – each apartment type presents its own opportunities and challenges.
John Taylor, Head of Product and Design at Lendlease, shares his insights on how we approach the challenges and opportunities of varying apartment sizes by following smart apartment design principles that balance functionality and aesthetics.
In smaller apartments, like one and two bedrooms, the key to successful design lies in efficient space utilisation.
“The skill and expertise of the developer comes into play with a small apartment,” John says.
He emphasises the importance of minimal circulation space and clever design solutions when considering one-bedroom apartment design ideas and two-bedroom apartment designs.
“For instance, we incorporate drawer units in wardrobes and ensure utilities like laundry cupboards are located near bathrooms to minimise noise,” John says.
Even in smaller spaces, thoughtful design can achieve a sense of sophistication, like a one-bedroom apartment floor plan. John emphasises the importance of maintaining a balance between living and bedroom areas and using the golden rectangle rule to ensure room proportions facilitate functional layouts.
The golden rectangle rule in apartment design uses the golden ratio to create aesthetically pleasing and balanced spaces through proportions, layouts, furniture placement and visual elements.
A careful selection of finishes like timber and natural stone adds a luxurious interior design feel.
“Attention and considered detail is the key to luxury,” John says. “Tactility and depth of texture give body and substance to materials. Timeless, lighter, natural warm tones will reflect light within the residence, and strategic positioning of lighting assists in creating warmth while being functional. For example, bathroom lighting is strategically located to avoid shadows on your face.”
Two-bedroom apartment design ideas: versatile and market-ready
While one-bedroom apartment designs appeal to singles and couples, two-bedroom apartment floor plans offer extra versatility, making them attractive to a broad market segment.
“They’re ideal for two professionals seeking independent living areas or young families,” says John.
The design of smaller apartments focuses on flexible living spaces and often includes innovative storage solutions, like concealed cupboards in island benches and extensive mirror cabinets in bathrooms. You don’t need to sacrifice the special touches that help create a beautiful home just because you’re downsizing.
Three-bedroom apartment design: challenges and opportunities
Moving up to three-bedroom apartment floor plans, the design challenges include balancing living zones to ensure privacy and the best aspects and views from all rooms.
“It goes without saying we prioritise living rooms and thoughtful kitchen designs followed by the primary bedroom for the prime aspect,” John says.
Luxury apartment floor plans with three bedrooms allow for the inclusion of multi-purpose or flexible rooms, which can serve as studies, guest rooms, or facilitate multi-generational living. High-quality amenities like butlers’ pantries and wine cellars are also more feasible in these larger layouts.
Four-bedroom luxury apartment floor plans
“Space is the ultimate luxury when it comes to four-bedroom apartments,” John says.
These larger apartments are designed to create separate living zones to enhance privacy and reduce noise. The layout ensures that activities like family gatherings or entertainment are well accommodated, with the living room, dining room and kitchen acting as the hub of the home.
“We endeavour to design spaces that are easy to navigate, intuitive and respond to the best aspects and views,” John says. “We ‘test’ our designs with appropriate scale furniture so our customers are confident they can furnish easily.”
By employing strategic design principles, focusing on functionality and luxury, and adapting to the specific needs of different market segments, we’re able to create living spaces in apartments of all sizes that not only meet – but exceed – the expectations of modern urban dwellers.
Whether designing a snug one-bedroom haven or a spacious four-bedroom apartment, the focus remains on creating a space that feels like home.
Read more about our new developments at One Sydney Harbour, One Circular Quay and Collins Wharf Melbourne.