Serviced apartment design, also known as mini apartment design, is the art of maximizing space and creating a lasting impression to attract tenants and increase property value. This is a booming business trend in major cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. Below, Co-IDB reveals the secrets to designing mini apartment interiors that look stunning to tenants while optimizing investment costs for your business model.
Open-Plan Design for a Spacious and Comfortable Feel
The mini apartment and serviced apartment rental model has become a profitable investment channel in recent years, generating significant value for many property owners (or “hosts”). These units are called “mini” because their total area typically ranges from 20m² to 40m², with some as small as 15m². Yet, they remain highly attractive to young professionals and students by providing full amenities.
To attract tenants, Co-IDB suggests: “Avoid” partitioning spaces into separate rooms, especially for units under 20m². This strategy transforms the serviced apartment into a unified, airy, and much larger-feeling space.
Simple Decorations and Patterns for Ceilings and Walls
Since the kitchen, living area, and bedroom often share the same footprint, the layout must be scientific, flexible, and tailored to the unit’s actual condition. For mini apartments, it’s best to use simple patterns and light colors for ceilings and walls. This creates a sense of openness while significantly reducing investment costs. Here are a few painting tips:
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Ceilings: Use simple white gypsum ceilings.
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Walls: Apply monochromatic paint. For the lower 1m to 1.5m of the wall, consider a gloss finish for easy cleaning and to optimize long-term maintenance costs.
Studio Space Partitions – Customizing for Tenant Needs
Certain areas require a balance between privacy and openness:
Sleeping Area – To ensure privacy for the bed, Co-IDB often advises hosts to use these solutions:
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Thin CNC partitions
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Lightweight, flexible, and stylized curtains
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Shelving units, bookcases, or wardrobes
Kitchen Area – Cooking odors can be inconvenient in small spaces. Solutions include:
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Sliding glass partitions
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High-quality range hoods
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Positioning the kitchen near windows for ventilation
Utilizing Bright – Gentle – Neutral Color Palettes
As mentioned, neutral and bright tones keep mini apartments looking fresh and spacious. You can create highlights with coordinated color lines to provide a modern, open feel. These tones also make it easier to refresh and renovate the unit in the future—a highly effective investment strategy for hosts.
Leveraging Natural Light to Expand Space
In modest-sized units, never miss an opportunity to maximize natural light. It makes the apartment feel clean, bright, and vibrant. Serviced apartments with balconies and large windows often command higher rental rates.
Many modern serviced apartments prioritize glass materials to invite as much light as possible. Combined with flexible curtains, the space becomes even more visually appealing.
Optimizing Space with Smart Furniture
Smart furniture is the ultimate choice for mini apartments. It ensures every inch is utilized, providing more storage while keeping the space tidy and functional.
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Bathroom cabinets integrated with washing machines.
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Floor-to-ceiling built-in wardrobes.
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Beds with under-mattress storage drawers.
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Dining tables integrated into kitchen counters with specialized hardware.
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Sofas that convert into a second bed when needed.
Co-IDB: Full-Service Design & Construction for Mini Apartments in HCMC
Co-IDB has successfully executed numerous full-service interior design and construction projects for serviced apartments and mini apartments across Ho Chi Minh City. We are trusted by hosts for our ability to optimize investment costs while delivering high value for every property.
If you are interested in or need detailed consultation for this thriving business model, contact us to get started today!
