Micro Design &​

Urban Living
TABLE OF C ON T E NT S
Introduction 3

Small space living movement​ 4

Lighting 5

Multi-purpose furniture 7

Small space appliances 9

Storage solutions 10

Color schemes 11

Vertical space 12

Conclusion 13

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Introduction: Micro
Design & Urban Living​
Micro design is becoming more and more popular as many people are moving
away from traditional housing and downsizing to a smaller space. Designers are
being challenged to come up with creative ways to design smaller homes while
still offering clients a beautiful and functional space.​

The rules for designing small houses and micro condos are different from
those that apply to traditional homes. The space is limited and requires unique
solutions to make the most of it. Every square inch counts and must be utilized
to maximize functionality. ​

This eBook will cover micro design solutions and concepts that will help you
cater to clients living an urban lifestyle.​

This eBook will include:​

• Lighting​
• Multipurpose furniture​
• Small space appliances​
• Storage solutions​
• Color schemes​
• Vertical space

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Small space living movement​
People all over the world are moving away from rural areas and migrating to urban centers.
According to the United Nations, approximately 55% of the world’s population now lives in cities vs.
just 30% in 1950. And the numbers are growing every year.​

The more we move toward urban living, the more the issues of sustainability and housing arise.
There isn’t enough space in urban areas to accommodate the growing population, which is why
smaller, more affordable housing is becoming popular.​

The small space living movement in not solely based on urban space shortages, however. It’s no
secret that our planet is suffering due to the overexploitation of its natural resources and rampant
pollution, and many people are starting to realize that their living habits are negatively affecting the
world around them.​

Living in smaller spaces is not only more affordable, it’s also more sustainable.​

Generally, only 40% of a big house is used to its full potential. Families spend most of their time
in the kitchen, bathroom, bedroom and living room. Formal dining rooms, second living rooms and
spare bedrooms are rarely used.​

The younger generation of home buyers is realizing that having a big home and paying huge
mortgages is just not working anymore. They’re looking for smaller alternatives, which is why
learning how to cater to small space dwellers is crucial for modern-day designers.

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Lighting
Lighting is everything when it comes to micro design, or any design for that
matter. It has the greatest impact on an interior space, and it has the power to
change one’s perception of a room.

Natural light​
Natural light is one of the most important elements in a micro home. However,
it’s not always readily available. Whether there aren’t enough windows or they’re
just facing the wrong direction, it’s challenging to remedy especially if your
client lives in an apartment building where the outside infrastructure cannot be
modified.​

However, you can still work with what you have. Make sure none of the
windows are obstructed to let as much light in as possible, consider installing
a mirror across the window to bounce light around the room, and opt for sheer
curtains (or none at all) instead of thick or blackout ones.

Flush mount lighting​

A small space doesn’t necessarily mean you can only choose small light fixtures.
In order not to take up too much overhead space, you can opt for a bold flush
mount light fixture that will act as a statement piece in the room.​These work
well in living areas as that is where there is generally the most space, even in a
micro home.

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Under cabinet lighting​
Task lighting such as under cabinet lighting is especially useful in small kitchens. Under cabinet
lighting is a lifesaver as it helps people perform tasks on their counter, and the best part is it doesn’t
use up any space as it can be installed directly underneath cabinets.​

Sconces​
Sconces are perfect for micro homes. They do not take up any floor space as they are mounted on
walls, and they’re great for task lighting.​

Sconces can be used in living rooms, bedrooms, and bathrooms. For example, they can be placed
on either side of a bathroom mirror or on either side of a bed to facilitate nighttime reading.

Track lighting​
This type of lighting is ideal if you want to provide your client with ample lighting throughout a large
portion of their home. Track lighting can be installed in the living room and run through the dining
area and kitchen since urban micro homes tend to have open floor plans.​

Light direction​
Light direction plays a big role in illuminating a small space. If lights are positioned strategically,
they can illuminate a much larger surface. For example, lamps can be placed next to bright walls
so that the light reflects and bounces off, recessed lights can be tilted toward bright walls to avoid
overhead glare while still providing ample light, etc.

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Multipurpose furniture
Designing a micro home requires ingenuity. Since you do not have a lot of space
to work with, you have to be strategic about the furniture you choose. And
that’s where multipurpose furniture becomes your secret weapon.

Coffee table with built-in storage

Storage is everything in a home with limited space. Storage helps keep the
home decluttered, and small homes cannot afford any clutter.

A coffee table with built-in storage is a great way to give your clients the
extra storage space they desperately need. They can use it to store books,
magazines, kids’ toys, blankets, and other small items.

Drop-leaf or extendable table

Drop-leaf or extendable tables are ideal in small spaces because they can
accommodate two people when they’re not extended and up to eight
(sometimes more) should your clients want to host a dinner party. It’s a great
space-saver, especially for a two-person household.

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Bookcase and desk combo
This may seem unconventional, but bookcase and desk combos are actually
a thing and they work perfectly in micro homes. Essentially, it’s a ladder-
type bookcase that rests on the wall, and the bottom shelf is wide and large
enough to be used as a workstation.

Bench with storage

Instead of traditional dining chairs, why not opt for a bench with built-in
storage? You can design the space so that the dining table is near a wall, and
you can place the bench against the wall and a couple of chairs on the other
side of the table. That way the space underneath the bench can be used as
extra storage.

Loft bed
Although a loft bed alone doesn’t serve a dual purpose, the space underneath
certainly does. By elevating your client’s bed, you’ll be able to use the space
to create either a work area, lounge area, or even a closet.

If your client isn’t fond of a loft bed, you can opt for a murphy bed that can be
stowed away to create more living space.

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Small space appliances
No micro design is complete without micro appliances. Since small space
living is becoming more and more popular, appliance manufacturers are
producing and selling appliances that fit the needs of apartment and condo
dwellers.

Here’s a list of appliances that can be used in

micro homes:

• Slim-line refrigerators
• Mini refrigerators
• Built-in microwave ovens
• Wall ovens
• 20-24” freestanding ranges
• Built-in cooktops
• Countertop dishwashers
• 8” wide dishwasher
• Stackable 24” wide washer & dryer
• Washer/dryer combo

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Storage solutions
Storage is everything in a micro home. Without proper storage, a small space
would feel uncomfortably small and crowded, so it’s important you give your
clients plenty of storage to declutter.

As previously mentioned, there is multipurpose furniture with built-in storage

that are extremely useful in small homes, and there are other storage
solutions you can offer as well.

Kitchen Living room

• Deep drawers • Coffee table/ottoman with storage
• Lazy susan in corner cabinets • Wall media unit
• Pull-out trays • Built-in bookcase
• Under island storage • Open shelves

Bedroom​ Bathroom
• Bed with drawers • Open shelving above toilet
• Side tables with drawers​ • Under sink cabinets
• Narrow dressers​ • Storage ladder
• Custom closet​ • Wicker baskets
• Built-in cabinet
• Shower niche

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Color schemes
The color scheme used in a small home can make or break the space. You
want to use colors that will open up a room, making it feel bigger than it
actually is. But that doesn’t necessarily mean all walls have to be painted
white.

In fact, using white throughout the entire micro home will make it feel stark
and unwelcoming, and contrary to popular belief, dark colors will make it feel
warm and cozy as opposed to small and cramped.

Saturated hues such as rich navy blue are great for small spaces, as long
as they are balanced out with softer neutrals throughout the rest of the
room. Similarly, white walls work well in a small home, as long as there are
saturated accent colors and textiles, too.

Another tip to make the space look bigger is to paint the wall and trim the
same color. That way, there is no obvious separation between the two,
giving the illusion that the ceiling is taller than it actually is.

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Vertical space
The greatest secret to a successful micro home design is using as much
vertical space as you possibly can without overcrowding the room.

Vertical space can be used for storage solutions,

for example:
• Shelves
• Floating cabinets
• Floating media units
• Wall hooks and ceiling hooks
• Racks
• Storage ladders
• Pegboards
• Narrow dressers

• And more

Vertical space compensates for the lack of horizontal space, and it should be
used to its full potential. You can also hang a mirror or two in a small space to
help the light bounce around and to make the space feel a little bigger.

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Conclusion
Micro Design & Urban Living
As you begin designing a small space, keep in mind 5 key takeaways from this eBook.

Key takeaways:

1 Proper lighting works wonders in a micro home. Even if there isn’t a lot of natural light to
work with, you can substitute it with reflective techniques and artificial light.

2 The best way to make the most of a small space is by choosing multipurpose furniture.
That way, you can save on square footage without sacrificing key furniture items.

3 Since urban living is becoming more and more popular, major brands are beginning to carry
smaller appliances to accommodate the needs of apartment and condo dwellers.

4 Storage is the #1 priority in a small home. Since space is scarce, you need to come up with
clever storage solutions to compensate. One of the best ways to add extra storage is to
use as much vertical space as you can without overcrowding the walls.

5 Never underestimate the power of color. By choosing the right color scheme, you can
make a micro home look much bigger than it actually is. Mixing strong hues with neutrals
works best in a micro home.

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