A 1 BHK house is a unit that has one bedroom, a hall and a kitchen and bathroom facilities. You can either build a 1 BHK house on a self-owned plot or buy a readily available 1 BHK flat. 1 BHKs are relatively affordable, entail low maintenance cost and are ideal for first time home buyers or smaller families due to their space constraints. However, you can make your apartment comfortable and smart with a well-designed 1 BHK plan. Keep reading to know more.
How to Make the Most of Limited Square Footage
A 1 BHK typically comes with limited area. Here are a few tips to maximise your one BHK house plan:
Make Use of Vertical Space
You can optimise your walls and install storage units like shelves and floating cabinets. You can adequately use your vertical spaces with tall storage units. You can also opt for floor-to-ceiling storage for wardrobes and kitchen cabinetry. You may also want to opt for lighter cabinet colours to allow optimum reflection of light. Additionally, you can also mount your television on the wall instead of placing it on a media console to regain the floor space. Also, with stylish storage options, you can turn your walls into functional displays.
Opt for Multi-Use Furniture
Your furniture can serve multiple purposes. You can use your benches to tuck away pillows, linens, etc. You can build a bed with storage compartments underneath the mattress. You can save space in your bedroom by opting for a sofa-cum bed. Other multi-functional furniture includes folding tables and desks, murphy beds or bathroom mirror with built-in storage.
Choose Muted Colours
Consider opting for lighter, neutral and muted colours for your space as they will reflect more light, and make the space feel large. Adding a wallpaper or pop of colour on the ceiling can also help make the space seem bigger.
Use Mirrors
Mirrors can also help reflect light in a room with limited square footage. Ensure you place the mirror across the light source to bounce the light around the room. You can install full length mirrors on your floor-to-ceiling wardrobes to add depth to your 1 BHK design while also visually enhancing it.
Sleek Furniture Designs
Bulky furniture can make the room feel crowded. You can opt for furniture with narrow width and clean lines. For instance, opt for a round or square dining table with chairs that have a low back and no arms. That way, you can slide the chairs into the dining table allowing for a less obstructive space.
Consider Curtain Rod Placement
Avoid placing your curtain rod directly above the window frame. Instead, you can install curtain rods near the ceiling to draw the eye upward and give an illusion of a larger space. Also, you can install wider rods than the window frame so that when the curtains are pulled back, they won’t cover most of the window.
Safety and Security Measures for 1 BHK Homes
Here are important safety measures to help you keep your home safe:
Install a Video Doorbell
A video doorbell offers enhanced security as you can determine who is at your door even when you’re not home. Some video doorbells also come with a built-in microphone, allowing you to communicate with the individual at the door.
Install Sensor-Controlled Lights and Alarms
Most thefts are committed in the light. Motion sensor lights can help keep the burglars and criminals away. Alarm sensors can activate when an individual tries to break into your home, alerting you as well as your neighbours.
Secure Your WiFi Network
Most of your internet-enabled gadgets are powered by WiFi. Securing your WiFi can prevent any unauthorised access which can lead to data stealing. Also, ensure you regularly update your WiFi passwords and share access only to family and trusted guests.
Install Detectors
A smoke alarm can be critical for early detection of fire. A small flame can turn into a large fire rapidly and endanger your loved ones. Smoke detectors detect gasses, rapid increase in temperatures and smoke particles to alert you of a potential fire hazard.
Get Home Insurance
Disaster can strike unannounced and its best to be prepared for the worst. You can financially secure your home against natural and human-made disasters with a home insurance plan. You can get one from most general insurance companies.
Technology and Smart Home Integration for a Modern 1 BHK House
Make your home smarter and energy efficient in the following ways:
Smart Speakers
Smart speakers make mundane tasks more convenient. You can verbally command the speaker to answer calls, schedule appointments, make a to-do list, play music, listen to audiobooks and more.
Smart TVs
Smart TVs offer internet connectivity and support a wide range of streaming services. Newer models may also come with voice-controlled technologies. Some smart TVs also let you surf the internet.
Smart Lights
With smart lights, you can control your lights remotely using a smartphone or a remote. Some smart lights also let you set timers for your lights and create schedules to turn them on or off. You can also dim the lights remotely.
Smart Locks
You can benefit from enhanced security by automating your door locks. Instead of a mechanical lock and key, smart locks come in the form of digital locks that grant entry through PINs or fingerprints. You can also get door handles that are integrated with smart locks.
Energy Efficient Appliances
You can make your home smart by investing in energy efficient refrigerators, air conditioners, washing machines, etc. You can also substitute your gas stove with induction which facilitates faster cooking while also using less power.
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FAQs
What is the difference between a 1 BHK and a studio apartment?
A 1 BHK provides a room, a hall, a kitchen and a bathroom and each of these spaces are separated by walls and doors. On the other hand, a studio apartment is a single room with an open floor plan. You can allocate different spaces in the room, per your requirements.
What is the cost of a 1 BHK?
The cost of 1 BHK varies across locations. Typically, the cost is greater in urban and metro areas than in semi-urban areas. Other factors that determine apartment prices are proximity to amenities, floor levels and square footage of the apartment, to name a few.
