Trends for urban apartment design

[Robert Carpenter]

What might be some desirable  trends in urban apartment design ?  

1. Supersized living space

2. Micro sized sleeping space

3. Projector screen focal point

4. Long table w/ lots of chairs  

5. Defined entry area

6.  Built-ins galore

7. Internet / Office nook

People renting apartments in urban areas tend to be young professionals.  In New York they usually move there from other places and usually only stay   around 5 years.  They usually move several times  during  that period. 

Ideally such tenants would never have to buy a stick of furniture.  Everything would be there for them and built in to maximize space and  spaciousness.   As it is renters seem to  throw away half their stuff when they move.  Built-ins not only make for greener buildings but make life far easier for tenants. 

I believe the L shaped apartment is the best design.  A long living room area and shorter kitchen dining area wrapping around a micro sleeping area: http://bit.ly/2qG6khC

I would like to get a discussion going on apartment design.  What are your thoughts ? From a dollars and cents perspective such design would cost more upfront. The question is would tenants pay a premium to move into an apartment where its as effortless as  checking into a hotel.  The desirability factor might also work to reduce vacancies. 

[Colin O'Neill]

Hi Robert,

Great post! Built-ins are a very good way of maximizing space in small apartments. As a kitchen designer, I have designed built-ins for many small spaces. The use of islands or peninsulas with breakfast bars instead of kitchen tables help a small kitchen feel larger while maximizing storage without sacrificing seating. A wall of built-in bookcases or armoires with drawer storage and a Murphy bed can turn a second bedroom into a multi-purpose space like an office or playroom without sacrificing having a bed for the occasional visit from the in-laws (or outlaws, depending on your situation). And, with the exploding popularity of tiny houses, tiny apartments will only continue the trend.

Cheers!

Colin