Living in a Small Space with Someone Else?
We’re not going to sugarcoat it for you: with so little space for your furniture, belongings, and, heck, even yourself, living in teeny, tiny quarters comes with its slew of challenges and design dilemmas.
However, the plot only thickens when you live in a small space with someone else. While studios and junior one-bedrooms are often associated with someone whose living by themselves, what’s a person to do when they’re sharing those small spaces with a significant other, sibling, or college bestie?
It’s important to set expectations for your living situation to help it be as harmonious and easy as it can be when it comes to splitting your utilities bill, guest policy, cleaning schedule, and more.
The good news is sharing a small space doesn’t have to be a death sentence for your sanity or relationship with your flatmate. “I’d [actually] recommend living in a smaller space to other couples,” says Sam, a risk analyst who lives in a studio flat with his wife in London. “It definitely makes you more considerate and organized, forces you to assess your priorities, and strengthens your relationship.” Of course, successfully cohabiting doesn’t happen overnight—especially when you live in a small space. So how do you do it? From communicating, to mastering the art of “me time,” to mixing and matching interior design styles in tiny quarters, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about living in a small space with someone else:
Whoever said that rules were meant to be broken clearly never lived with someone in a small space. While creating some ground rules is always a good idea, it becomes all the more important when you’re living in small quarters. After all, it’s not like you can go to another room if your flatmate is blasting music late at night.
“It’s important to set expectations for your living situation to help it be as harmonious and easy as it can be when it comes to splitting your utilities bill, guest policy, cleaning schedule, and more,”When it comes to creating a set of rules that benefits both parties, compromise is key. Instead of demanding that your flatmate abides by all your rules, pick out three or four key rules you need to have a comfortable and calming space.
Space
It doesn’t matter if you’ve been dating for five years or have been besties since the first grade: There is such a thing as too much quality time. And unlike living in a sprawling, multi-room flat, there’s a good chance you don’t have any space that you can retreat to for some serious “me time.”
But just because you’re living in small quarters doesn’t mean you need to forfeit personal space.
“Odd as it sounds, try to give each other some space,” says Marie Betts-Johnson, president of International Protocol Institute of California. “Go for a walk and minimize phone calls in the house. Constantly hearing the details of your intimate life gets old very fast.”
Getting fed up with your flatmate? Sweat off any tension by signing up for a spin class or going on an outdoor run.
Customizable
Speaking of personal space, it’s important to create little nooks and crannies that speak to your and your flatmates’ aesthetic. “Even in a studio living situation, carve out a little nook for each resident,” says Jennifer Porter, an etiquette coach and manners instructor who also runs Satsuma Designs. “It’s essential that each flatmate feel as if the space is truly theirs and devoted personal space can help.”
Fortunately, giving your home some personal touches doesn’t have to require a lot of money or square footage. You can easily spruce up your place with affordable, space-efficient finds. If your flatmate’s a major bookworm, add a cozy chair and lamp that will help them devour a stack of juicy reads. Are you a big movie buff? Frame some of your favourite film posters and hang them up on your wall.
Modern is the Way
While decorating your small space isn’t the biggest issue you’ll face when living together, it’s definitely something to think about if your flatmate’s aesthetic drastically differs from yours.
Not sure how to fit bold maximalism and modern farmhouse into the same, small space? Enter mid-century modernism. With sleek lines and minimal hardware, mid-century modernism can act as a blank canvas that can bridge the gap between different—and potentially clashing—styles.
Voice It
When you live with anyone—small space or not—conflict is inevitable. Instead of burying your feelings, address any frustrations head-on with clear, open communication.
“It’s important to keep an open line of communication between you and your flatmate to prevent any negative feelings or negative tension in the household,” says Tsai.
If there are any issues that arise that you want to discuss, iROOMit advises you schedule a time that works for both of you and always speak in a respectful and honest manner.