Your own private Idaho

Sharing a small condominium unit with your family or schoolmates can be daunting, especially if you grew up having your own room in a spacious house.

Here are a few tips for creating your own little Idaho of a space and turning it into a comfortable abode.

Establish your space

Find your area and start from there. If you have a whole room, even better! If not, you can work around the space you have.

A double bunk bed with a desk can save nearly half the room’s floor space, provided there is sufficient ceiling height.

Map out your non-negotiable furniture

A bed, a desk, a writing chair, a vanity table, a lounge chair, a closet—the list depends on your needs.

Once these are defined, lay out a plan. If these necessities do not fit, consider transformable furniture, which consists of innovative, space-saving, and ingenious pieces that can make a small space more efficient.

Italian-made transformable furniture offers creative concepts, from hanging sofas and concealed desks to even a boxing corner. Here are some examples.

Murphy bed. This bed allows for storage beneath the bed frame. Simply lift the frame to access the space.

Sofa with a pull-down queen-sized bed. This serves two purposes without sacrificing comfort or style. It provides the standard dimensions of both a sofa and a queen-sized bed in one furniture piece.

Double bunk bed with a desk. The beds are elevated, with storage or desks located underneath. This configuration can save nearly half the room’s floor space, provided there is sufficient ceiling height.

Concealed pull-down beds. These can be hidden against a wall, cabinet, or ledge during the day and pulled down for use at night. This frees up more space for daily activities.

Desk system that transforms into a bed. This functions as a desk during the day and features a concealed pull-down bed for nighttime use.

A decent kitchenette

For any space, this is necessary, whether it is a small counter with a compact pantry or a long countertop. Either way, the counter can double as a dining table or desk. Adjust the refrigerator and other appliances so they fit comfortably.

Good storage

Storage for shoes should be separate from clothing, underwear, sportswear, and accessories. Use the room’s height to maximize storage space, even if it means using a small ladder.

Bathroom storage

Ideally, the bathroom should have storage for excess toiletries. You can create a small closet for underwear and other personal items to avoid awkward moments when sharing a room with others.

Multi purpose ottomans

I always consider these as a must, whether upholstered or finished in a hard material. They are especially cool when they have storage underneath. Ottomans are so versatile they can serve as nightstands, lap desks, bathroom tables, footrests, and more.

Storage hooks

Install them on walls or doors to keep items off the floor.

Safe

Need to keep certain things private? Do not forget a safe that can be bolted to a cabinet or wall.

Projector

A projector is ideal for a shared space, as it allows greater flexibility in arranging the room. You can even set up bean bags for cozy weekend movie nights or mini parties.

Organization board

An organization board where everyone can list and assign duties and tasks can help prevent friction in shared homes and rooms.

If sports equipment is essential in the shared space, I would advise to add a bike rack and a dedicated shelf for balls, rackets, and other gear.

Bike rack

If sports equipment is essential in the shared space, I would advise to add a bike rack and a dedicated shelf for balls, rackets, and other gear. Even a walking pad that folds into a closet can work.

Herb garden

Having an herb garden mounted on a wall near a window is a lovely addition to any space—and a healthy one, too.

The author is the founder of Chat Fores Design Studio, an award-winning and recognized interior designer known for redefining and elevating spaces. She specializes in residential, hospitality and amenity spaces for different real estate companies. Chat has also collaborated with international design firms to create residential interiors in Manila