One of the biggest challenges when moving into a home in Barcelona, especially in central areas or in older buildings, is the lack of space. Many of these homes, although full of character, have small areas and impractical layouts. If you have recently arrived in the city and are faced with a small home, don't worry: there are many renovation solutions that can help you maximize storage without sacrificing design or comfort. In this post we share practical and functional ideas to gain order and make the most of every square meter.
1. Vertical reforms: take advantage of walls and ceilings.
One of the most effective ways to create extra space is to think vertically. Instead of saturating the floor with furniture, you can take advantage of the height of the walls with open shelving from floor to ceiling, built-in cabinets or even mezzanines. These types of solutions do not detract from the useful surface area and allow you to store objects without invading passageways. In neighborhoods such as Eixample where many homes have high ceilings, this strategy is especially effective. A loft above the bathroom or foyer, for example, can provide valuable storage space for suitcases, out-of-season clothing or files.
2. Multifunctional and built-in furniture
In small spaces, each piece of furniture should provide more than one function. You can incorporate beds with storage underneath, sofas with chests, extendable tables or benches with internal space. Custom-made furniture also allows you to adapt every corner. However, if you are considering a comprehensive reform, we recommend considering the option of built-in furniture or custom furniture. Adapting the elements to the available space allows you to optimize every corner of the house, however complicated it may seem. In addition, by integrating them into the overall design of the reform, a more harmonious and light image is achieved.
3. Hidden storage and integration in the reform
One of the great advantages of planning a complete renovation is that you can completely redesign the functionality of the spaces. Hidden storage is an increasingly popular strategy, as it allows you to maintain order without visually overloading the rooms. Some ideas we apply at Buildpat include: cabinets behind invisible panels, drawers hidden in stair treads, storage in wide hallways, or even custom-created recesses between beams or pillars.
4. Kitchens and bathrooms: key areas for better organization
Kitchens and bathrooms are the two rooms where storage becomes essential on a daily basis.
In the bathrooms, opting for suspended furniture, vertical shelves or niches recessed in the wall allows to gain space without overloading the environment. In small kitchens, every centimeter counts. Full-extension cabinets, modular systems and overhead cupboards are essential resources. You can also incorporate solutions such as hidden spice racks, rotating corner modules or sliding baskets.
If you are considering a renovation in this area, we recommend that you read our article on "Kitchen renovation: design, finish and budget in 2025"where you will find more specific ideas to transform your kitchen into a functional and aesthetic space.
Conclusion
Living in a small apartment does not have to be uncomfortable. With a well thought-out renovation adapted to your habits and lifestyle, you can transform a small apartment into a practical, tidy home with personality.
At Buildpat, we have a technical team specialized in integral reforms in Barcelona, which analyzes each case to propose customized solutions. If you have just moved to the city and want to optimize your new space, contact us here or visit our website for our technical team to assess your space and propose a tailor-made plan. We will be happy to help you redesign your home with intelligence and style.
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