This cozy basement apartment proves that a smaller living area doesn't have to mean a lack of function.

Once dark, compartmentalized, and lacking storage, it's been rejigged be designer Caroline Larocque and her team at Les Coupables to maximize space and style.

5 tips to redesign your basement apartment

1. Custom-built furniture

Faced with the constraints of a tight, irregular footprint, the designer turned to custom carpentry rather than standard modular pieces. Every element— from the counters and cabinets to the dining table—is designed specifically for the space to avoid wasted square footage. To keep the area feeling airy, a light aesthetic was chosen, punctuated by a few pops of colour for a fun-loving vibe.

2. Breakfast bar

Perfect for quick meals, an extended counter with stools provides a stylish alternative to a more formal table arrangement. A cozy breakfast bar adds personality while encouraging conversation, allowing a loved one to pull up a chair while you’re washing dishes or whipping up a snack.

3. Multi-use banquette

Situated by a window, the eating area in this apartment boasts an L-shaped banquette that frees up room around the dining table. The result is extra space for foot traffic in the kitchen and a gathering spot bathed in natural light.

4. Double duty

When space is at a premium, each area needs to perform multiple functions. This bedroom is equipped with a workstation and ample storage to make use of every nook and cranny. The long wall unit can be used to tuck away clothes, office supplies, and other odds and ends while the look remains sleek and streamlined.

5. Open bathroom design

This uniquely shaped area is designed to optimize storage and create the illusion of a larger bathroom. In addition to tucking the sink into the corner to avoid wasted space, a medicine cabinet that houses daily essentials is hidden behind large mirrored doors.

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