Introduction
An interior designer approached us with a straightforward project: reimagine a 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom apartment to maximize returns for an investor client. The goals were clear, add a bedroom, a second bathroom, and laundry but achieving them required creative problem-solving and precise technical design.
What began as a simple space-planning exercise evolved into a process that unlocked the unit’s full potential, yielding five distinct layouts from a single floor plan. This project highlights the power of thoughtful design to transform functionality and increase value.
Three Options to Solve the Same Problem
Instead of settling on a single solution, the process began with three distinct layout options that met the same core requirements: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a laundry closet. Each option took a different approach to dividing and organizing the space.
Option 1
reworked the existing layout, adding the extra bedroom and bathroom without significantly altering the living areas.
Option 2
took a fresh approach to the placement of the bedrooms and laundry, creating a more balanced feel throughout the unit.
Option 3
shifted the positions of the bathroom and bedroom again, this time prioritizing the flow from the living areas and adjusting the relationship between the primary bedroom and the rest of the space.
All three options met the investor’s initial request until the goal changed.
One More Layer: The Short-Term Rental Angle
Midway through the process, the investor wondered if the unit could function as two completely independent apartments. This new requirement presented a significant design challenge, requiring a total rethink of the layout, including entry points and kitchen locations.
The goal was to divide the long footprint of the unit cleanly, ensuring neither apartment felt like an afterthought. A final consideration was to allow an owner to use the units flexibly, renting both short-term, living in one while renting the other, or combining them into a single connected space.
The ultimate solution added an interior connecting door between the two apartments, allowing them to operate independently or as one larger home. This flexibility is a key differentiator for short-term rental properties, impacting how they are listed and priced.
Why This Matters for Interior Designers
What began as a simple renovation brief to add a bedroom, bath, and laundry evolved into a complex space-planning study. The final design explored long-term, short-term, and owner-occupancy scenarios, revealing the full potential of the floor plan. For investor clients, space planning has direct financial implications.
A fractional design partner who can deliver precise, construction-ready documents across multiple use cases ensures your client has several paths to profitability, thereby enhancing your value. We excel at complex projects that require more than one answer.
