Small Space, Big Feeling: Designing a 40m² Home That Breathes

 

You know that feeling when you walk into a space and, even though it’s tiny on paper, it somehow feels just right? Not cramped, not chaotic. Just… balanced. Like everything has a reason to be there. That’s the magic I want to talk about today.

 

Because let’s face it: space is luxury. In cities like London, Paris, Barcelona—it’s a currency more precious than gold. With prices per square metre reaching the stratosphere, homes are shrinking. But here’s the good news: shrinking space doesn’t mean shrinking soul.

As an interior designer (hello! I’m Miriam Prada, and I live in London), I’m constantly working with small flats, awkward corners, and creative briefs that ask me to “make it feel bigger”—without knocking down any walls. And I love that challenge. Because yes, space is limited. But style? That’s infinite.

 

1. Start With Light, But Go Beyond White

Let’s begin with the classic: light tones. But let’s not fall into the “everything white” trap. White can be clinical if not handled with care. What I adore is using warm neutrals, off-whites, chalky clays, pale taupes. These shades still bounce light, but they also bring depth and softness. Layer them. Let the eye move through different tones like a landscape at dusk.

Think of a small flat as a still life painting—you don’t need loud colours, just the right brushstrokes.

 

2. Float, Don’t Clutter

A golden rule: if it doesn’t need legs, don’t give it any. Floating furniture—especially in bathrooms and kitchens—allows the floor to breathe. And when the floor is visible, the room expands visually. A floating vanity, suspended shelves, a kitchen unit that looks like it’s levitating (hello, Bulthaup)—these aren’t just stylish, they’re spatial poetry.

And while we’re on floors: keep curtains long, from ceiling to floor. Anything short breaks the line and chops the room.

 

3. Less Pieces, More Presence

One of the biggest mistakes in small homes? Filling them with tiny furniture “because it fits.” Don’t. Treat your space with more respect. Choose one statement piece—a generous sofa, a big artwork, a full-length mirror—and let it anchor the room. It’s better to have one voice singing clearly than a choir of whispers.

A flat isn’t a dollhouse. Even a small one deserves boldness.

 

4. Transparent and Reflective Magic

Glass and acrylic are your best friends. Transparent dining chairs, coffee tables, or floating glass shelves open up the space without stealing visual room. Bonus: mirrors. Yes, it’s obvious, but when placed correctly—opposite a window, for instance—they double your light and your view.

Reflective materials work too. Think glossy tiles in the kitchen, metallic finishes on lamps, or even a high-sheen vase that dances with the light.

 

5. Lighting in Layers

Ceiling lights alone? Not enough. I always recommend three layers: ambient, task, and accent. It’s not about brightness—it’s about emotion. Add a lamp near the bed, a warm under-cabinet light in the kitchen, a dimmable pendant in the living area.

Light defines how we move through space. It tells a story. In a small home, that story should feel gentle, inviting, and never rushed.

 

6. Let Geometry Work for You

In narrow flats, horizontal lines can work like a visual exhale. A long low bookshelf, a horizontal artwork, even a striped rug can create a sense of elongation. Avoid lots of vertical interruptions; instead, let the eye glide.

It’s like tricking the eye into seeing more than what’s there—architecture meets psychology.

 

7. Multifunctional is Non-Negotiable

In small homes, nothing should exist without purpose. A headboard with built-in shelving. A bench that stores shoes. A dining table that folds into the wall. These aren’t gimmicks—they’re survival tools. Design should work harder in small homes, and the best pieces are the ones that do more than one thing.

As I always say, “pretty” is great, but “pretty and practical”? That’s power.

 

8. Define Every Zone (Even If You Only Have One)

One of the simplest ways to make a small flat feel bigger? Define your zones. The bed shouldn’t spill into the sofa. The work desk shouldn’t face the TV. Even a subtle rug or a change in lighting can create boundaries.

Think of your flat like a novel—every chapter has its theme. Give each one its own page.

 

9. Go Monochrome, But With a Twist

Monochrome doesn’t mean boring. A tonal palette—think soft greys, warm beiges, or dusty greens—brings peace and cohesion. But then, add those punctuation marks. A cobalt blue cushion. A burnt orange ceramic lamp. A deep olive painting. Small pops, big joy.

Let the background soothe, and let the accents sing.

 

10. Order is the Ultimate Luxury

This might be the simplest and most underrated tip of all: keep it tidy. In small spaces, clutter grows like ivy. Be ruthless. Store what you need, display what you love. When everything has its place, the space breathes. And you do too.

 

So that’s it for this week. Remember: design isn’t about square metres—it’s about how you feel in a room. A 40m² flat can feel like a palace if it’s designed with intention, warmth, and a bit of cleverness.

 

Thank you for spending a little time with me. I’m Miriam Prada, interior designer, London-based and forever obsessed with making spaces feel like home.

Come back next week. 

MP

 

If want to watch this story, watch HERE, Please note that this is in Spanish, but you can auto-translate the subtitles. 

 

1. Open YouTube: Go to the YouTube website or open the YouTube app.

2. Play the Video: Start playing the video with subtitles available.

3. Click on the “CC” Button: This is the “Closed Captions” button on the bottom-right of the video player. If subtitles are available, they will appear.

4. Click on the Settings Gear Icon: This is also on the bottom-right, next to the “CC” button.

5. Select “Subtitles/CC”: Click on “Subtitles/CC” from the settings menu.

6. Choose “Auto-Translate”: After selecting “Subtitles/CC,” you’ll see an option that says “Auto-translate.” Click it.

7. Choose Your Language: A list of available languages will appear. Select the language you’d like to translate the subtitles into.

8. Enjoy: The subtitles will now be translated into your selected language!

That’s it! You can now watch videos with auto-translated subtitles.