BRISBANE APARTMENT LIVING: ELEVATING SPACES THROUGH INTERIOR DESIGN
How to design a Brisbane apartment for comfort, storage, and flow.
More Brisbane families are embracing apartment living - drawn to vibrant inner-city locations, low-maintenance layouts, and premium building amenities. But transitioning from a house to a sleek new-build apartment presents unique design challenges. Where do you store family essentials? How do you maintain a sense of spaciousness?
With intentional interior design choices, your compact space can feel both highly functional and beautifully curated. Here are the key considerations we focus on when helping clients make the most of their downsized spaces:
1. Anchor Your Space with Intentional Furniture
The sofa is one of the most important investments in an apartment – it needs to complement your layout while supporting daily life. Look for clean-lined designs with slim arms to maximise seating without overwhelming the room. Sofa's designed with a low profile can make ceilings appear taller, while a chaise sectional might work beautifully in an L-shaped living area and help to maximise space for guests to sit.
For other key pieces, consider a sculptural console table with integrated shelves or drawers. This provides hidden storage while adding visual interest through its form. When placed behind a sofa or along a hallway, it becomes both practical and artistic.
2. Elevate with Texture and Vertical Interest
A simple wallpapers such as grasscloth, can transform a room by adding depth, warmth, and subtle luxury. As seen in our West End Apartment Project, when used on a single accent wall, it creates a focal point that grounds the space while drawing the eye upward, making ceilings feel higher. Pair it with matte finishes and natural materials like linens or stone to enhance the layered, tactile effect.
3. Storage as a Design Feature
Well-integrated storage maintains calm in a small home. Opt for:
• Floating shelves in a matching finish to display books and objects without heaviness
• A bed frame with built-in drawers to tuck away linens or seasonal clothing
• Multi-functional furniture, like an ottoman with interior space for blankets
The key is to choose pieces that conceal clutter while contributing to the overall aesthetic.
4. Expand the Space with Light and Reflection
Strategic placement of lighting and mirrors enhance the perception of space:
• A large mirror positioned opposite a window bounces light around the room
• Wall sconces free up surface space while adding ambient glow
• Semi-sheer window furnishings maintain privacy without blocking natural light
5. Introduce Life with Greenery
Plants soften hard lines and bring life to compact interiors. A tall, sculptural plant in a corner adds height, while plants such as indoor vines layered on a shelf introduces movement. If natural light is limited, high-quality faux plants provide the same visual impact without maintenance.
Thoughtfully designed small spaces prove that luxury isn't about size, rather intention. When designing for an apartment, every piece should serve a purpose while elevating your daily experience.
Designing your Brisbane apartment?
Whether you're downsizing, decorating a new build, or reimagining your current space, our team crafts bespoke solutions for refined apartment living.
Discover our Interior Decorating services or book your consultation to begin.