Small Apartment Entrance: Take Advantage of Hidden Storage

Designing a hallway in a small apartment usually feels like a choice between a cramped sliding wardrobe and a total lack of storage. However, moving away from standard templates can transform the entrance from a mere transit zone into a functional art object or a seamless extension of the living space through the strategic use of light, color, and architectural details. In a 37-square-meter Moscow apartment, designers completely eliminated the built-in wardrobe, shifting all storage to a dedicated walk-in closet. This turned the entrance into a "buffer zone." To add visual volume, the space features textured decorative plaster and tall door leaves. The geometry is further softened by rounded window openings and door casings set at a 50-degree angle. "When designing small entrances, the goal is to balance storage needs with the preservation of volume. Moving clothes to a dressing room clears the path, but it requires proper ventilation to prevent moisture buildup," says Ilya Kondratyev, a residential property management specialist .